Chewing on shoes ond other stuff

Chellbell, it sounds like your cat may be bored.  If you can put the things he chews out of reach or closed in a room while you are gone, it will curb the habit. If you are unable to keep the items away from him, try spritzing them with a citrus smell of some sort.  Most cats do not care for that scent and will find something else to do. You will need to redirect that urge to chew on to something appropriate.  Try some new toys that you only bring out when you are leaving.  Maybe adding a climbing toy or condo will combat boredom.  I have had good luck with a toy called the Turbo Scratcher.  It has a ball that goes around in a track but cannot come out and a scratching pad in the middle.  I hope this helps!