as an alternative to masking tape i use acrylic adhesive* to protect the bottom of the shoes for photo shoots. trace out the bottom of a shoe to create a template (either use your own shoe or use pencil when drawing the template to avoid marking the shoe accidentally) and label them left and right. after applying them to the sole trim off excess with tailor snips, never scissors, to avoid damamging shoes. because the acrylic is clear you don't have to worry about ugly masking tape being visible in shots and therefore creating less post-production work for the photographer or retoucher. if you prefer masking tape then there are various colours available. try finding one that best matches the sole of the shoes. on that note: never use masking tape on shoes with a leather bottom! the adhesive from the masking tape will remain on the soles. also use caution with shoes that have painted soles; take care that the colour is not removed when peeling off the tape.
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| image from launchingsuccess.com |
another tip: never have the model walk around in the shoes; have them change in and out of them on set. though you have to take extreme care with shoes borrowed from stores the same care and respect should be taken with sample shoes, regardless of the condition you got them in. if you can, return the samples in even better condition than you received them in.
did you damage a shoe while shooting? let the lender know. if the damage is minor, especially on a sample, you may not be required to do anything. if the damage is on a retail shoe and it's a damage that can be fixed (resoling, new heel tab, etc) you may be required to only pay for the repair. either way, be honest. you don't want to build a bad reputation in the industry as a stylist that destroys merch.