How to care for sports shoes so that they serve you as long as possible? Complete care guide

Why is it worth taking care of your sports shoes?

Sports shoes accompany us every day - on the way to work, on walks, during training and weekend trips out of the city. With such intensive use, dirt, unpleasant odor and signs of wear quickly appear. Many people in such a situation reach for a new pair, instead of spending several minutes on proper care.

Meanwhile, regular care of sports shoes can significantly extend their lifespan. Properly cared for sneakers or sneakers can last up to two or three times longer than neglected ones. This not only saves money, but also a more ecological approach to fashion.

In this guide you will find proven ways to clean, dry and store sports shoes. Whether you're wearing white leather sneakers, canvas sneakers or mesh running shoes, our tips will help you keep them in great condition.

Cleaning sports shoes step by step

Step 1: Preparation. Remove the laces and insoles. You can rinse the laces separately in warm water with a little washing liquid. Wipe the inserts with a damp cloth and leave to air dry.

Step 2: Removing dirt. Use a dry brush to remove dried mud and dust from the sole and upper. Do not use sharp tools that could damage the material.

Step 3: Washing. Prepare a mixture of warm water with mild dish soap or a specialized shoe cleaner. Wet a soft brush (e.g. an old toothbrush) and gently scrub the dirt in circular motions. Do not immerse the entire shoe in water!

Step 4: Rinsing. Wipe the shoe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning agent. Repeat until the cloth is clean.

Step 5: Drying. Stuff the inside of the shoe with rolled up newspaper or paper towels, which will absorb moisture and help keep its shape. Leave your shoes in a ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heaters.

White sneakers - how to make them snow white again?

White sports shoes require special attention. Even minor dirt is clearly visible on them, so it is worth cleaning them regularly - preferably after each wear.

Baking soda and vinegar. Prepare a paste of two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply it to the dirt using a brush and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then clean with a damp cloth.

Toothpaste. White toothpaste (not gel!) is perfect for cleaning rubber soles. Apply a little to an old toothbrush and scrub the sole in circular motions.

Eraser. You can remove minor scratches and marks on the sole with a regular white eraser. This is a quick and effective way to refresh the side parts of the sole.

Remember to apply a protective spray before wearing your white sneakers for the first time. It creates an invisible barrier that makes it difficult for dirt to penetrate the material and makes subsequent cleaning much easier.

How to fight unpleasant odor?

An unpleasant smell is a problem that many sports shoe owners struggle with. Bacteria caused by sweat multiply in the moist, closed environment inside the shoe. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to prevent this.

Baking soda. Sprinkle the inside of your shoes with baking soda and leave it overnight. In the morning, shake off the excess. Baking soda neutralizes unpleasant odors and absorbs moisture.

Tea bags. Place one dry bag of mint or green tea in each shoe. Tannins contained in tea have antibacterial and refreshing properties.

Airing. The easiest way - after each wearing, remove the insoles and leave the shoes in a ventilated place. Don't put them in a closed cabinet or bag right away.

Rotation. If possible, alternate between two pairs of sports shoes. This gives each pair time to dry thoroughly between uses.

Storage and care for longer life

Proper storage of sports shoes is as important as regular cleaning. Here are some rules that will help you keep your shoes in perfect condition.

Avoid extreme temperatures. Don't leave your sports shoes in the car in the summer or near the radiator in the winter. High temperature may deform adhesives, foams and synthetic materials used in the shoe's construction.

Store in a well-ventilated place. Sheets of newspaper or special inserts with activated carbon placed inside the shoes will absorb moisture and prevent the formation of mold.

Don't wear the same shoes every day. Rotating the shoes allows the materials to regenerate - the foams return to their original shape and the moisture has time to evaporate.

Can you wash sports shoes in a washing machine? In the case of canvas sneakers - yes, but with caution. Use a low temperature (30°C), a delicate program and a laundry bag. Leather sneakers and models with advanced cushioning should never be placed in the washing machine - this may damage their structure.

Regularly caring for your sports shoes is a small effort that brings huge benefits. Your shoes will look better, last longer and provide more comfort. Are these reasons enough to pay them some attention?