Sneaker Care 101: Keeping Your Kicks Fresh

Sneakers take a beating compared to most other footwear, but a bit of consistent care keeps them looking new far longer than most people expect.

Clean regularly, not just when they're visibly dirty. Dust and grime work into the material over time and are much harder to remove once they've settled in.

Use the right brush for the material. Mesh and canvas need a soft brush; leather and suede need their own specific care products — using the wrong one can do more damage than the dirt itself.

Let them dry naturally. Same rule as monsoon boots — no direct heat, no direct sun. Stuff them with paper to help hold shape while drying.

Rotate your pairs. Wearing the same pair every single day doesn't give the cushioning time to recover between wears, and that shortens their life more than most people realize.