Today, the kind of fashion that you see on the street is dominated by casualwear. T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers are the modern wardrobe staples. But just because these items are casual, it doesn’t mean that your attitude towards looking clean and presentable should be as well.
This is especially the case when it comes to sneakers. Sure, they are meant to be athletic shoes, but it’s better to wear a fresh-looking pair that says “I’m ready for anything” than old worn-out ones that say “I just ran a marathon.”
To help your sneakers last and preserve their aesthetic appeal for as long as possible, you’ll need to care for them properly. Here’s how to do it.
Material matters
The biggest thing that influences the way you clean and care for your sneakers is the material that they’re made from. Here are some care tips for each of the three main sneaker materials.
Leather: Leather can be found in many popular sneaker styles, from the Adidas Samba to the Nike Presto. It has remained popular for thousands of years because it’s incredibly durable and water-resistant. That is unless it dries out. Like dress shoes and boots, sneakers need to be cleaned and conditioned to preserve the leather. You don’t need to make them shiny, but wipe off dirt and dust with a damp cloth regularly and apply some leather cleaner or conditioner to help them retain their moisture.
Suede: This is made from the inner side of a hide instead of the outer one that leather is made from, and this is what gives suede its textured appearance and feel. But suede doesn’t cope well with water, so they should be cleaned by first removing dirt with a dry brush and then applying some suede cleaner and water-resistant spray.
Canvas: Generally, you can keep these clean by removing the laces and insoles and then putting the shoes in the washing machine. A brush and some detergent mixed with water will help with any tougher stains that don’t come out in the wash.
Store them nicely
It’s not only how you treat your sneakers when they’re on your feet that will affect how long they last. Once you’ve finished wearing them for the day, it’s a good idea to brush off any dust and dirt and give them a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth. Take the insoles out to air them and store the sneakers in a ventilated container. Slipping a pair of shoe trees inside will help them retain their shape.
Prevent rather than treat
Applying protective sprays as part of your regular cleaning schedule will help prevent stains and damage, but the best option is not to wear sneakers you really care about when it’s raining or you’re going somewhere muddy. Treat stains as soon as possible if they do happen, and always air dry wet sneakers. Don’t be tempted to try and speed up the process by applying heat.
Conclusion
It only takes a few cleaning products, some regular care, and a bit of common sense to help your favourite sneakers last year. It’s best to start before they are stained or damaged, that way you can keep them looking fresh and stylish for as long as possible.
.png)
