A cool pair of sneakers is an investment in your style and comfort. However, the footwear can succumb to wear and tear over time, which could force you to retire a design for good.
It doesn’t matter if you have invested in an expensive pair or want to hold onto a retro style in your closet; you can follow various steps to extend their lifespan. A little TLC could help a design stand the test of time. Read the following advice on how to make your sneakers last longer.
Keep Your Shoes Clean
Similar to your skin and teeth, you will need to keep your sneakers clean to stop bacteria from growing and destroying their appearance. A build-up of dirt and damp will slowly but surely eat away at the quality of your shoes.
Keep your sneakers clean and fresh by:
- Applying a protective spray
- Spot cleaning dirt
- Wearing fresh socks
- Washing them by hand
- Placing them in a washing machine when necessary
- Soaking your shoelaces in laundry detergent (avoid using bleach that will destroy the fibers)
If in doubt, follow a sneaker manufacturer’s recommendations on how to care for their footwear throughout the years.
Check the Weather Before You Step Outside
Some materials are more prone to damage than others. For instance, suede is better worn on dry, sunny days, as rain, snow, or sleet could destroy the sneaker’s material and appearance. For this reason, you would be smart to check the weather report before stepping outside your home. If it is raining or snowing, wear a waterproof material, such as real and synthetic leather.
Give Your Sneakers a Lick of Paint
It is natural for sneakers to experience wear and tear the more you wear them. Yet, you can restore their appearance by applying angelus acrylic leather paint. It is the top paint choice among sneaker pros, so you can trust it will freshen up your tired-looking sneakers. You could even choose from more than 60 paints to put a colorful twist on its design if you dare.
Stuff Your Sneakers with Newspaper
Stop your sneakers from losing shape or developing large cracks by stuffing them with newspaper. The crumpled paper will help the shoes maintain their original shape, and it can even prevent unpleasant odors from developing. The tactic could add years onto your much-loved sneakers and improve their display on a shelf or a walk-in closet.
Store Your Collection Correctly
Most people don’t give a second thought about how to store sneakers. However, their daily environment can determine their quality and longevity. If you don’t want your stylish sneakers to experience cracking or fading, you must ensure they aren’t exposed to excessive natural light. If possible, store your sneakers in their original boxes and wear them every once in a while, to stop them from gathering dust.
If you follow the above advice, you could add many years to your favorite sneakers, which will save you money and protect your style.
