When we invest in a great pair of sneakers, whether for style, comfort, or performance, we naturally want them to last. Taking good care of your sneakers can keep them looking fresh and prevent the wear and tear that leads to early retirement. Here's a guide on how to extend the life of your sneakers, protect them from common issues, and keep them looking as good as new.
Why Caring for Your Sneakers Matters
Sneakers are more than just footwear; they’re often an expression of personal style, and for some, an essential part of daily comfort. By taking small steps to maintain them, you can not only keep them looking great but also make them last much longer. The environmental impact of fashion and footwear production is significant, approximately 23 billion sneakers are produced every year and 22 billion end up in landfill. So prolonging the life of your sneakers is a small step with big impact, less waste - more style!
1. Protect your Shoes from the Beginning with Coating
Get some textile coating, to spray your sneakers before even wearing them. This way they last for longer and it’s much easier to wipe off any dirt. Remember to look for coating that do not harm the environment and are without PFAS. Here is a list (in Danish) with coatings without PFAS.
Photo: Kim Lena
2. Protect Against the "Big Toe Hole" Problem
One of the most common signs of sneaker wear is the dreaded "big toe hole." This issue occurs when the fabric near the big toe thins and eventually tears. Many brands have introduced solutions like big toe hole preventers, which act as a layer of reinforcement in this high-stress area.
At VAER, we’ve tackled this problem by designing sneakers with sturdy textiles and adding a biodegradable reinforcement both at the front and back of the shoe. This helps ensure that the area around the big toe remains intact over time. If you own other sneakers, adding big toe hole preventers can help extend their lifespan.
3. Try Heel Caps for Extra Support
Heel wear is another common issue, especially if the lining in this area starts to break down. Products like Heel Me heel caps provide a simple solution by covering worn areas in the heel with a durable patch. These caps are available with or without foam padding, depending on your preference for added cushion. They also come in light and dark colours to blend seamlessly with different shoe designs.
Adding heel caps can prevent further tearing and keep your sneakers comfortable and wearable for longer.
4. Wash Your Sneakers Carefully
Washing your sneakers is an excellent way to keep them looking fresh, but it’s important to do it right. Avoid soaking them in water, as this can weaken glue bonds, and always rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue, which can cause unsightly stains. For best results, use a gentle brush (a toothbrush works well for small areas) to clean specific sections without smudging colours. Use a towel to try to dry the shoes, both inside and outside, after washing them, this way most of the water can be sucked up into the towel.
If you have multi-colored shoes, like a pair of our black Phoenix sneakers with white stripes, you have to be a bit more careful when using a brush to prevent colour bleeding. For instance, brushing only on the white area can avoid smudging darker colors onto lighter sections. Even if the textiles have been worn previously, there will always be a little bit of colour bleeding when you scrub on a textile like that.
If you’d rather not wash your sneakers yourself, consider using a professional sneaker-cleaning service like Karl’s Kicks, located in Copenhagen. They offer expert cleaning for a thorough, worry-free refresh and also cleaning products (go for the one with less chemicals).
5. Insole replacement
Over time, your insoles wear out and can no longer support your feet as they should. You can also purchase our extra insoles online or buy some in your local store. This is also important if you do not wish to get any troubles with your feet.
Link to VAER insoles
6. Repair Detached Soles
Over time, it’s common for the sole to begin separating from the fabric of the shoe, particularly in areas that flex a lot, such as near the toes. When this happens, a speedy stitcher tool or a visit to a shoe repair specialist can often restore your sneakers. Unfortunately, not all cobblers have the specific equipment required, so it may be worth checking with them first.
Taking this step can significantly extend the life of your sneakers and keep them performing at their best.
7. Switch Out Old Laces
New laces can make a world of difference in the appearance of your sneakers. If your laces are fraying, consider replacing them, either with identical laces or a new colour to give your sneakers a new look. This small change is easy and affordable but can keep your sneakers looking stylish and well-maintained.
Alternatively, you can reuse laces from other shoes if they’re still in good condition, which adds a sustainable twist to this quick refresh.
8. Get Creative with Repairs and Embellishments
If your sneakers are damaged or worn on the fabric, especially on the sides, don’t toss them just yet. Customizing and embellishing worn sneakers is a popular trend, and it can be a fun way to breathe new life into them. Adding lace, fabric patches, flowers, or beads to worn areas can transform your sneakers into something uniquely yours.
This DIY approach not only extends the life of your sneakers but also turns them into one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style.
8. Recycling VAER sneakers
At VAER we have a take-back programme, where we can recycle the shoes into new soles. That is also why we have designed the shoes without any hard metal or plastic parts.
Just send us an e-mail on hello@vaerupcycled.com, we will send you a shipping label and give you a discount for a pair of new VAER sneakers. Yay!
Final Thoughts
With a little extra care and creativity, you can keep your favourite sneakers looking and feeling great for years. Simple additions like big toe hole preventers, heel caps, or new laces can address common wear areas, while occasional washing and creative repairs can maintain their appearance and comfort. Not only does prolonging your sneakers' lifespan save money, but it also promotes sustainable practices by reducing the need for new shoes.
So next time you lace up, consider these tips to keep your sneakers going strong!