We are guilty of owning dozens of pairs of sneakers, and lusting after many more. Some are investments, other everyday essentials. So if you're sneaker-obsessed like us, you need to learn the ins and outs of shoe maintenance. Editor Trudi Brewer shares how to make your favourite pair of sneakers, look brand-new again.
From restoring fresh white sneakers to making a bright, designer pair pop again, here’s how to give your kicks a serious makeover at home.
Six steps to washing your sneakers
Check the material of your shoes and the manufacturer's care instructions if possible, not all sneakers are safe to toss in the machine. Canvas style kicks and athletic sneakers made with materials like nylon, cotton and polyester are naturally more durable and shouldn’t be affected by mild laundry detergent. However, styles made of suede, rubber and or vinyl will most likely need to be hand washed.
2. Pre-clean your shoes. Remove dirt, and if your laces and insoles are exceptionally dirty, give them a good scrub beforehand. We love Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaning Solution $39, to scrub away the excess filth before washing. Every series sneaker owner should own this solution.
3. Always remove laces and insoles. This helps ensure that your laces and insoles won’t get tangled up or wrapped around other moving parts.
4. Put the shoes in a mesh garment bag. The last thing you want is your shoes wildly tumbling about in the washing machine. Putting them in a laundry bag prevents sneakers from being damaged.
5. Place your washer settings on the delicate, cold water cycle. Hot water can distort the shape of your shoes and cause the colours to fade. Select a slow spin or delicate option cycle for a more even wash all around.
6. Allow your shoes to air dry. If you need to wear them, wrap damp shoes in old towels and set the dryer to a delicate setting. To speed things up, add a piece of cloth or a few paper towels inside your sneakers to absorb any excess moisture.
The everyday sneaker
Adidas Originals Stan Smith, $160. Nike Air Max 90, $200. VEJA Esplar Women’s Sneaker in black & white, $220. Puma Cali Dream Leather Sneaker, $170.
Spot cleaning with baking soda and a toothbrush
If your white sneakers could use a refresh, mix baking soda, white vinegar and warm water together, then with a toothbrush or small nail brush give them a spot clean to remove scuff marks and grime on your shoes. Dip your brush in water, apply a small amount of the solution to your brush and then quickly dip it back into the water. Brush the shoe in a circular motion similar to brushing your teeth to create a lather with the solution.
Invest in a suede brush
A suede brush has a unique set of bristles that help gently remove dirt, water spots, and scruff marks without messing up the shoe's fabric. Gently brush the suede material in different directions until you remove the stain or scuff marks. Then make sure you brush all the suede back in one direction to preserve the nap of the material.
The investment sneaker
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Loubishark Donna camouflage-print suede trainers, $1,164. BALENCIAGA Triple S faux-leather trainers, $1,164. STELLA MCCARTNEY X MYFAWNWY faux-leather trainers, $761. CHLOÉ Nama blanket-stitches recycled-mesh trainers, $923.
To keep you cosy in the most stylish way.