Taking care of your sneakers. Read this guide

There’s a reason the world loves sneakers. They’re comfortable, they look great and they make sports and physical activity better and more enjoyable. Actually, many designs are now collectors items, fetching 5 digit figures in the resale market.

So how do you keep your kicks looking good? Proper maintenance helps them last longer, keeps them comfortable, and even preserves their value if you’re into sneaker collecting or reselling.

In this guide, we’ll break down daily habits, cleaning hacks, storage tips, and how to prevent yellowing—so your sneakers stay fresh for as long as possible.

Daily habits to keep sneakers clean

Keeping your sneakers fresh starts with small daily habits. The first rule? Avoid dirt traps. Stay off muddy paths, wet grass, and dusty sidewalks when possible. If the weather’s particularly bad, avoid wearing your favorite pair or just go with boots.

Use a sneaker protector spray. This is very important for suede, and canvas sneakers.

Rotate your kicks. Wearing the same pair every day speeds up creasing, odors, and overall wear.

Watch how you walk. Dragging your feet scuffs the soles, and kicking doors or curbs damages the toe box.

Wipe them to remove dirt before it settles in. Brush them with the right bristles. Get a specialised kit. We have some here, at Notorious Lifestyle.

How to clean sneakers without ruining them

Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard. Some shoes can be washed in the machine, but always double check that your shoe is machine safe. Cleaning them the wrong way can fade colors, weaken glue, and ruin materials. Instead, follow these cleaning tips.

General cleaning tips

Remove laces and insoles before cleaning.

Use the right type brush. Generally, we recommend a soft-bristle brush (or an old toothbrush) to remove loose dirt, but some materials can take a medium or hard brush.

Mix mild soap and warm water, then gently scrub the upper, midsole, and outsole.

Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and let them air dry.

Material-specific care

Leather: Leather is easy to clean, just wipe the shoe with a damp cloth and use a leather conditioner to prevent cracking.

Suede: Spray it regularly for protection. Avoid water! Use a suede brush or eraser for stains.

Canvas/Mesh: Hand wash with mild soap, but don’t soak them.

How to store sneakers to prevent damage

Good storage habits can make or break your sneakers. If you want them to last or even be ready for resale, make sure you store them in the right way. Here are some tips:

Use shoe trees or stuffing – When sneakers sit for too long, they can lose their shape. A shoe tree or even crumpled paper inside helps them keep their shape. You can also get crease protectors such as these ones on our website.

Keep them in a cool, dry place, too much humidity can cause mold, and the heat can warp your soles. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near heaters

Avoid stacking sneakers – Piling shoes on top of each other flattens the ones at the bottom and can cause permanent dents.

Silica gel packs help – Toss a couple inside your sneaker boxes to absorb moisture and prevent yellowing.

Rotate your pairs – Sneakers need to breathe. Wearing them occasionally keeps the materials from stiffening and cracking over time.

How to keep your soles from yellowing

If you’re planning to wear your favorite sneaker for a long time, or if you’ve invested in a rare piece, you really want to avoid it looking run down. Yellowed soles can become a problem over time because oxidation (exposure to air and sunlight) causes clear or white soles to turn yellow. While this is natural, there are ways to slow it down and even reverse some of the damage. If you’re worried about this, follow the instructions above and use ziplock bags or sneaker boxes to store your kicks. If you’re storing them long-term, place them in an airtight bag or a UV-protected sneaker box to limit air exposure. Keep silica gel packs inside, they absorb moisture and prevent yellowing and mold. 

How to fix yellowed soles

Use a baking soda & hydrogen peroxide mix – Apply it to yellowed areas, leave it in the sun for 30 minutes, then rinse.

Try a sneaker whitening product – There are specialized sole brighteners like Retrobright that help restore icy soles.

When to Restore or Replace Your Sneakers

Even with the best care, sneakers don’t last forever. Here are some tips about when to fix your sneakers and when to look for a new pair.

Signs Your Sneakers Need Fixing

Sole separation – If the sole is peeling away, sneaker glue (like Shoe Goo or Barge Cement) can fix it.

Scuffed midsoles – A Magic Eraser works wonders for cleaning up dirt and scuff marks.

Deep creases – The steam method (placing a damp towel over the crease and using an iron on low heat) can smooth out wrinkles.

Faded colors – Fabric markers or sneaker paint can bring back lost color.

When It’s Time to Replace Them

Completely worn-out soles – If the grip is gone and cushioning feels flat, there’s no fixing it.

Torn uppers – Small tears can be patched, but if the fabric is falling apart, it’s time for a new pair.

Unfixable odors – If your sneakers still smell bad after deep cleaning, bacteria has taken over.