How to Resurrect Your Beater Sneakers & Well-Worn Dress Shoes
We all have that one pair of shoes that we can count on for any situation. That’s because finding a shoe that fits, like, really fits, is no easy task. Once you manage to find the one, it’s even harder to take it off. As busy, on-the-go Urban Transplants, we have high expectations for those shoes – they need to get us to meetings, airports, new cities, and that favorite coffee spot around the corner. After the 100th wear, that pair may look like it should be in the dumpster instead of by the front door. But, the essence of a minimal, modular lifestyle isn’t just about having less, but also taking care of what you do have.
There’s a strong chance that your pair of well-loved shoes just needs a quick freshening up. If it seems like some light wear, dirt, or scratches are the main culprits, we’ve complied a quick guide to bring them back to life and keep them looking newer, longer.
For the beater sneaker in your life, a quick clean can make a huge difference. Jason Markk is hands down the best sneaker cleaner in the game. It removes dirt and stains easily and leaves the shoe spotless. After a deep clean, use a weather-proofing cream or spray, like Jason Markk’s Repel, to give your sneakers an extra layer of protection that will cut down on future wear.
Your well-loved dress shoes may need a little extra love to bring back to life. If the sole or heel is really worn down, drop them off at your local shoe repair to get those pieces replaced. It’s significantly more economical than buying a new shoe.
Once you’ve done that, you can take similar steps to the sneaker maintenance. Use a shoe cleaner to remove any excess dirt and stains. Jason Markk would be a great option for your dress shoes as well. If you have any scratches, scuffs, or cracks in your leather, use a tinted shoe cream in the same color to buff them out. Tarrago has a wide array of colors for a good price and it’s easily available on Amazon. Once they look refreshed, finish them off with a weather-proofing cream or spray, like Jason Markk’s Repel, and you’re ready to put them right back on – well, after they dry, of course.
Words by: Zachary Thomas (read more of his writing here).
Illustration by Louie Chin
If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.
