The Care and Maintenance of Sneakers

The care and maintenance of sneakers is an important topic. To care for your sneakers properly, we recommend the following three step program. Whether you purchase your products and tools individually or you invest in an authentic, old-fashioned shoe shine kit, we firmly suggest following all three steps to maximize the lifespan of your shoes and keep them looking their best.

Protection

So now that you have opened the box and tried on your new shoes, the first step to making them last is protection. Apply a protective product to the shoe before you ever step outside your house. Protective products can be in the form of oil, wax, and silicone spray available at most shoe stores. These form a barrier that prevents water, dirt, and stains penetrating the upper. Each type of material (leather, suede, nylon etc) requires a special type of protective product. Do your research and choose which one is best for your shoes.

Exterior Maintenance

All shoes require a certain amount of cleaning and upkeep. A few tips to keep your shoes in good condition.

If you can avoid it, don't wear the same shoes every day. Not only does this keep them from wearing out, but it's also good for your body. Allow the shoes a day or two to rest and dry before wearing again.

Never put your shoes in the washer or immerse them in water. For regular sneakers made of canvas like our Converse Chuck Taylors, hand wash with a mild detergent (nothing works quite like old-fashioned Ivory soap) and cold water. Allow them to air dry after washing and do not throw them in the dryer unless you want them to lose their shape and/or melt.

Nylon and nylon mesh sneakers can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, but with nylon the key is prevention. Spraying nylon shoes periodically with a silicone spray will keep dirt and stains from clinging. Again, you should never immerse these shoes or put them through the wash cycle.

Smooth leather shoes, like Havana Joe Oxfords, we recommend special shoe cream or polish. Choose the color closest to the color of your shoes or a neutral color. Use a soft cloth to dust the leather and then apply the cream. If you have some stains on the leather, a well wrung cloth can be use to gently scrub the stains off. Dry thoroughly before applying the shoe polish. Polishing leather shoes takes time, but it is worth the effort. Remember never polish wet shoes or you could damage the leather. For minor scuffs, try rubbing it with your hand and letting the natural oils restore the leather. Saddle soap is also a great way to treat your leather shoes.

Suede shoes can be the most difficult to care for. Suede attracts stains and can be difficult to remove because getting the suede wet can ruin the shoes. For minor dirt and stains, try a soft brush (an old toothbrush is great for this) to gently brush away the dirt and scrub any staining. Again, prevention is the key. Regular brushing will keep the nap of the suede clean and looking nice, but stubborn stains can be removed with a commercial stain remover suitable for suede. Choose a suitable product and follow the directions carefully.

Nubuck and durabuck leather should be treated the same way as suede with regular brushing and an appropriate stain remover when necessary.

Synthetic durabuck can be cleaned with Ivory soap, cold water, and (you guessed it) the toothbrush. Allow to air dry and be sure to clean them after they have been exposed to dirt or mud.

Are the soles of your shoes looking worn and dirty? Try a toothbrush and some Oxyclean paste (made according to the instructions) or Simple Green cleaning spray. Both products are all natural and environmentally friendly. Use sparingly with lots of elbow grease to clean the soles of your shoes.

Replacement

Shoes are subject to wear and tear. Most experts say that you should replace heavily used athletic shoes (regular runners, joggers, and basketball players this means you) every three to four months. Replace less regularly worn shoes every six months to a year. So when the end has come, your shoes have reached their golden years, and you're ready to retire them to the collection or consign them to the trash, come back to Sneakerhead.com for a replacement of your Nikes, Puma, Adidas, or Jordan shoes. Let one of our experts help you choose your next great pair of shoes.

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