My older ones had seen better days. They didn't have holes or anything, but the sole was wearing out. Even so, I ended up donating them. After all, just because a pair of sneakers seems worn out to me doesn't necessarily mean they'll seem worn out to others.
I take really good care of my sneakers and they end up lasting a very long time before I need new ones. I thought I'd share some of my tips for sneaker care. Here goes:
1. Watch the weather forecast. I would definitely not wear my nice sneakers out in the rain or snow. I have one pair of "I don't care what happens to them" sneakers in my coat closet for weather days that are less than stellar; or I opt for my rain or snow boots if appropriate.
2. Consider your destination. Where will you be walking? If you're walking on grass, is it likely that grass is wet from heavy rains during the past week? Will your destination be muddy, like an apple picking field might be? Think before choosing your
footwear for the day. Otherwise, you're going to be scrubbing your nice sneakers when you get home.
3. Treat them from the get-go. Use a water and stain protecting spray on your sneakers when you buy them, and around once a month thereafter once you are finished cleaning
them.
4. Stuff them with newspaper. Keep a few sheets of your daily newspaper each day. Scrunch them up and stuff them in your sneakers after each wear. They absorb
moisture, reduce odor, and allow your shoes to hold their shape. Also, if you happen to get caught out in the rain, the newspaper will allow them to dry faster.
5. Don't wear the
same sneakers two days in a row. Your sneakers need time to air out. If you wear sneakers every single day, have two pairs so you can alternate.
6. Clean your sneakers.
Remove your shoe laces. Remove loose dirt from your sneakers with a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush or an old toothbrush designated for this purpose. Take your time and be sure to brush well.
Mix warm water with a drop of dish soap and use this solution, and your brush, to gently scrub your sneakers. If your shoe laces are dirty, you can brush the dish soap solution on those too.
Use a soft cloth to blot the soap and dirt off as much as possible.
Air dry your sneakers and laces completely before re-lacing them and
wearing.
6. Can't I just toss my sneakers in the washing machine? There is a chance your sneakers are going to lose their shape in the washing machine, so I normally
don't do this, especially with a new, fairly expensive pair.
Don't ever put leather or suede sneakers in your washing machine.
But if your pair is older and made of canvas, polyester, nylon, or cotton, they should hold up to a washer cycle. Wash them on the gentle cycle, in cold water, in a closed mesh bag with laces removed and added into the mesh bag, insoles removed,
and NO spin cycle. Air dry them; no dryer!
7. For tough marks, super-stuck-on dirt, and scuffs: I've had very good luck with a Magic Eraser Extra Durable. Of course, test a small area first, before you start scrubbing your entire sneaker, just in case.
Sneakers can be expensive these days. It's definitely worth a bit of time and patience to keep them looking like new, as long as possible.
