So you’ve developed a bit of a trainer obsession. Last year, you couldn’t tell your Nike Free from your New Balance, but now you’re wearing them with everything – including formal frocks and ball gowns (shout out to Kristen Stewart). But what do you do if your kicks are looking a little faded?
No, the answer isn’t ‘chuck into the laundry machine and hope for the best.’ If anyone tells you this, excommunicate them from your sneaker circle. Even if they tell you it’s OK when you put them inside a pillowcase.
First, remove your manky laces and throw them into the washing machine; alternatively, soak them in warm water and a little laundry detergent, swirl around and then rinse out. Never underestimate the difference a pair of white laces can make.
Next, get rid of any loose dirt by rubbing with a dry cloth. Then wet a toothbrush in some lukewarm water and start scrubbing in a circular motion. If your trainers have different coloured panels, it’s best to scrub each section individually so the colours don’t run and bleed into each other.
Still can’t get those damned spots out? You need something more heavy duty. Jason Markk’s premium shoe cleaneris a cult favourite among sneakerheads: it’s designed to be used on everything from suede to nubuck. An eight-ounce bottle will set you back about £17 and will clean up to 200 pairs of trainers.
If you’re keeping things cheap, warm water with a pinch of laundry detergent or washing powder will suffice. Rub the soapy mixture into the affected areas with your brush and get scrubbing. Pat your trainers dry, stuff the insides with newspaper and leave them to dry naturally. Repeat if necessary. And whatever you do, don’t leave them by the radiator – the heat will weaken the glue that holds the shoe together.
If your trainers are made of suede (à la New Balance), you’ll notice fine and soft fibres standing up on their surface. This is called a ‘nap’, and it spoils easier than regular leather. If you haven’t already, you should use a suede protector (like this one by Kiwi) that will waterproof your kicks and protect them from stains. Be particularly gentle when cleaning suede. Extra-careful trainer fans opt for a special suede brush to keep that all-important nap looking box-fresh.
Just spilled something awful on your trainers on a night out (read: your BFF vommed on your feet)? Don’t leave it until a week later to tackle the grossness. Hardcore sneakerheads will do everything they can to tackle a stain from the minute they spot it, even if they’re out and about.
It’s not as paranoid as it sounds – just like stains on clothes, it helps to tackle dirt before it sets into the fabric of the trainer. If you ever see a guy whip out some baby wipes and frantically polish his trainers, that’s basically what’s going on.
Alternatively, you can also use melamine foam, otherwise known as Magic Erasers– they can basically remove any kind of stain on the planet, and work pretty great to keep your soles looking white.
Not too hard, right? Now grab a toothbrush and remember, real sneakerheads know that trainers need TLC. Unless, of course, you’re Jay-Z and can afford to wear new sneakers everyday.
Follow Zing on Twitter @misszing
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.