A clean pair just looks better, and a little regular care also helps your sneakers last longer. In Pakistan's dust, heat and monsoon season, a five-minute routine makes a real difference. Here is how we do it.
What you need
- A soft brush (the one in our Sneaker Care Kit is gentle enough for mesh and knit)
- A foaming cleaner or a few drops of mild soap in a bowl of cool water
- A microfibre cloth
- Old newspaper or paper towels
The five-minute clean
- Prep. Remove the laces and insoles. Knock the soles together outside to shake off loose dirt and stones.
- Dry brush. Brush the whole shoe while it is dry. This lifts dust before you add any water, so you do not end up pushing mud into the mesh.
- Foam and scrub. Add a little foam to the brush and work in small circles, panel by panel. Go gently on knit and mesh, and a bit firmer on rubber sidewalls.
- Wipe. Wipe away the foam with the microfibre cloth before it dries.
- Dry. Stuff the shoes with paper and leave them to air-dry in the shade. Avoid direct sun, heaters and the washing machine; heat can weaken glue and shrink foam.
Material by material
Mesh and knit: use less water and more patience. Blot rather than soak.
Canvas: it can handle a firmer scrub. For tough stains, let the foam sit for a minute before brushing.
Faux leather: a damp cloth is usually enough. Wipe scuffs straight away so they do not set.
Suede-look panels: keep them dry. Use a dry brush to lift the nap and spot test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
Small habits that help
- Rotate pairs so each one dries fully between wears.
- Wash laces separately in warm soapy water, or replace them; fresh laces instantly lift a pair.
- Store sneakers away from sunlight to slow yellowing of white soles.
- After a monsoon walk, dry them the same day to avoid odour.
Know when to retire a pair
Cleaning keeps sneakers looking good, but foam and rubber still wear out. Running shoes with creased, flattened midsoles or smooth patches on the outsole have done their job; move them to everyday or garden duty and treat yourself to a fresh pair for training.
Do this every couple of weeks and after any muddy day, and your favourite pair will stay street-ready for a lot longer.
