You make an investment when you buy a pair of quality athletic shoes, so you will want them to look good and last for as long as possible. Modern athletic shoes from brands like Nike and New Balance are made out of premium materials and contain advanced technology, so just tossing them in the washing machine when they need cleaning is not an option. You will get the best results if you clean the laces, soles, insoles and uppers separately. You should also tailor your approach based on the materials you will be cleaning. This will increase longevity and improve performance, and it will keep your athletic shoes in top shape for years.
Periodic conditioning will keep your athletic shoes smelling fresh and prevent dirt from accumulating. Regular cleaning will also get rid of bacteria on your athletic shoes that could make you sick. You can improve the durability and appearance of your athletic shoes in five easy steps. The first step is removing and cleaning the laces. Athletic shoes made out of leather or suede, such as the Nike Air Max, can’t be machine-washed, but you can toss the laces in with the rest of your laundry. Just put them in a mesh bag first to stop them from getting tangled up.
Once the laces are taken care of, you can focus on removing dirt and grime from the soles. Hold the shoes under a running tap if the dirt is really caked on, but be careful to not let too much water flow over the uppers as this can wear away protective finishes. To clean and freshen your insoles, you will need to mix a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda. Wipe the insoles down with this solution, and then let them air dry. If your insoles are starting to smell, sprinkle some baking soda on them before you set them aside.
Use a mild detergent like dish soap to clean athletic shoe uppers, but mix it with warm water and don’t use too much. A cleaning solution with too much detergent can strip the natural oils from the leather and leave a soapy residue. A soft cloth should be all you need to remove road dirt and grime, but a toothbrush with soft bristles will come in handy if your athletic shoes have not been cleaned in a while. Once you're done, stuff your athletic shoes with soft paper and leave them in a well-ventilated area to dry. The paper will help your athletic shoes keep their shape and will prevent color transfer.
Athletic shoes that look similar can be made out of completely different materials, so it would be a good idea to check product labels before you get started. Shoes like the Nike Air Max are made from a variety of materials, so conditioning them is a little trickier. You should also be careful when you clean your shoes because too much water can degrade air cushioning and impair performance.
Mesh can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and mild detergent solution, but you should take your time as brushing too hard can fray the delicate fabric. If your shoes have leather uppers, a conditioning balm or cream could add a layer of protection and make them more water-resistant.
Canvas is a tough and durable material, so clean it with a soft brush and water mixed with a mild detergent. Suede is more difficult to keep clean. You can use a suede brush to clean off light dirt, but make sure that you don’t brush against the grain, which refers to the natural direction of the suede fibers. Scuff marks on suede can sometimes be removed with a pencil eraser, but rubbing with a clean cloth dipped in white vinegar is the best way to remove stubborn stains.
Nothing oozes retro cool like a pair of Nike Dunks, but keeping these iconic athletic shoes looking good takes a bit of work. Their leather and suede uppers must be cleaned carefully, and their padded collars should not get too wet. To do the job right, you will need a soft cloth, a pencil eraser, a suede brush and some white vinegar.
TecTuff mesh and Zoom Air cushioning make the Nike Vomero 5 one of the most comfortable and supportive athletic shoes around, but these advanced materials must be conditioned with care. You won’t need any special cleaning materials, but you should take your time and be careful. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the mesh, and don’t get the cushioning pads too wet.
A timeless design and premium materials have made New Balance 480 athletic shoes extremely popular, and keeping them looking like new is fairly easy. A soft cloth and a mild detergent will be all that’s required to condition their soft leather uppers, but you will need some white vinegar to remove scuffs and stains from their suede trim. Make sure that you stuff New Balance 480 athletic shoes with plenty of paper before you set them aside to dry as this will preserve their fit and support.
Conditioning your shoes regularly will keep them looking great and protect their performance features, and so will storing them properly. The sun’s UV rays can cause athletic shoes to fade over time, so keep them in a closet to protect them from natural light. If you live in an area with high humidity, throw a couple of packets of silica gel into your athletic shoes before you store them to keep mold at bay. To make your shoes last as long as possible, apply some protective spray after you condition them and rotate them often. A protective spray will add a waterproofing layer and provide a barrier against dirt and dust.
Your shoes are one of the first things people notice about you, so keeping them looking good will create a great first impression. Conditioning your athletic shoes will not take very long, but make sure that you use the right materials and techniques. If you condition your shoes regularly, they will look better, last longer and be more comfortable.
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