HOW TO KEEP WHITE SNEAKERS WHITE

We couldn’t be happier that pristine white sneakers are still very much a thing. The upkeep, though, is a different story. Every time you scuff your Stan Smiths, get some festival dirt on your Chuck Taylors or spill coffee on your Air Force 1s brings you that much closer to Googling how to keep your white sneakers white. And then you don’t. But keeping them in pristine condition should be a priority. So listen up! Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your white sneakers ultra white.

Sounds simple because it is. Read the weather reports and dress accordingly. If you absolutely must wear your sneakers in the rain, pre-treat them with the same stain and water repellent that you use in your home – the second after you take your brand-new shoes out of the box.

Dislodge dirt by knocking the soles of your shoes together and use a damp cloth to wipe away light marks. Wipes are ideal for an on-the-go once-over. Wipe off all stains and scuffs before these blemishes have a chance to settle onto your sneaks. A few extra minutes giving your kicks a careful check – and clean – will keep them looking new for longer.

Sometimes using the same products you use to clean your home should do the trick, but we recommend doing this on your greying Vans Authentics before moving on to your leather Reebok kicks. Be careful, though. Some cleaning products will damage your sneakers. And please, above all else, steer clear of Jik.

Tried Sneaker LAB’s handsome package that comes complete with a small brush and cleaner? And because their product is 100% environmentally friendly and biodegradable, it’s gentler on your shoes. Trust Sneaker LAB to remove all dirt, scuffs and street grime, plus, keep an eye out for all of their other products, including wipes and leather care.

Shoes are tough, but not to the extent that they can stand up to a wash-and-dry cycle. Your washing machine can turn white rubber soles yellow and a tumble dryer will tear them apart.

Store your kicks indoors and out of direct sunlight because, much like vampires, white shoes are destroyed by the sun.

The easiest way to breathe new life into a tired pair of sneakers is to change the laces. Bear this in mind when cleaning your kicks and remember that despite being an added cost, they're still much cheaper than a new pair of sneakers.

All shoes eventually start to stink and lose their lustre. Antimicrobial materials and mesh layers mean nothing if you’re going to go sockless, with a low rotation game. Leather needs a day or two to breathe and secret socks are your friend. If it’s too late, baking soda can help reduce the smell. Sprinkle it in your sneakers to deodorise sweaty shoes and take joy in watching them emit a puff of white cloud with every step.