The Sneaker Care Guide
Simple habits that keep your favourite pairs looking fresh for longer — and the mistakes to avoid.
A great pair of sneakers deserves to look great for as long as possible. Most of what keeps them fresh comes down to a handful of simple habits — and avoiding a couple of common mistakes.
Clean little and often. Knock off dry dirt and brush the uppers and soles with a soft brush before it has a chance to set in. For marks, use a soft cloth with a little mild soap and cold water, working gently and wiping off any residue as you go.
A few minutes of care after you wear them is worth more than an hour of rescue later.
Treat each material on its own terms. Leather wipes clean easily; suede and nubuck prefer a dry suede brush and should be kept away from water where possible. Knit and mesh uppers respond best to light dabbing rather than scrubbing, which can lift the fibres.
Skip the washing machine and the dryer. Heat and tumbling can weaken glue, warp soles and shrink uppers. Instead, remove the laces and insoles, stuff the shoes with paper to hold their shape, and let them air-dry at room temperature, away from direct sun and radiators.
Rotate your pairs when you can. Giving sneakers a day off lets them dry out fully between wears, which helps both the materials and the smell. Store them somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, which can fade colours and yellow soles over time.
Always check the care instructions from the brand first — they know their materials best. And if you're unsure how to look after a particular pair, just ask our team.