How to keep your sneakers clean…….or NOT!?

Squeaky clean or purposefully perfectly scuffed…the choice is up to you! They’re you’re sneaks so wear’em how you love’em!

No one was happier than us when the chic sneaker became the “shoe of the summer” a few years ago, and we are even more thrilled that our flat friends have stuck around as one of the top shoe trends season-after-season! There are few things as classic as an all white sneaker, but let’s be real about one thing – it is near impossible to keep that coveted “new shoe look”! But hey, this season it looks like you might not have to fret so much.

This season it is looking like our shiny bright sneakers have a new friend on the block. That’s right, purposefully pre-scuffed sneakers were all the rage and a mega trend when MRG took Italy, and it has already made it’s way across the pond! Imagine wearing your favorite pair of sneakers and never having to worry about them getting dirty, because they were made that way! Everyone from Gucci to Golden Goose and Converse has jumped on this trend so it’s only fitting that you do, too! (In Italy and Paris, all of the best designers, strongest at Gucci but dominant at YSL, Valentino, Balenciaga and more were leading their shoe salons with fashion sneakers front and forward and “dirty sneakers” playing a big part of the selection.)

Shop some of our favorite dirty sneakers below:

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Whatever your preference is, the sneaker world has plenty to offer. We don’t see this comfy footwear trend going anywhere anytime soon, so you make a point to stock up now!

& for the clean sneak loyalists…

Shiny, white and clean…that’s all a girl can ask for and that’s what she deserves! MRG is here to help with a simple step-by-step process that will guarantee cleaner sneakers in no time.

Step 1

– Shake It Off –

First things first, you need to get rid of any surface level dirt sitting on your sneaks. Just like we did on the playgrounds and after a day at the beach, knock your shoes together to break free any excess sediment. You will be surprised with how much is hiding!

Step 2

– Spot On –

Some spots on your sneakers will actually be surprisingly easy to get off! All you need is a towel and some hot water. This second step is all about spot cleaning. Give your sneaks a once over and use a twisting motion to rub out any pressed in dirt or set-in stain.

Step 3

– Go Deep –

In most cases, a simple spot clean is not enough to give our sneakers the true tender love and care they so deeply need! If that’s the case, it’s time to go deep. Take your bristle brush and soak it in water (make sure its hot!) and then add a few drops of cleaning solution. Gently scrub the brush back and forth over the top of your sneaker to work up a lather. Once you see bubbles, keep scrubbing until the stains are gone!

Step 4

– Rinse & Repeat –

If the initial cleansing process didn’t quite get the job done, rinse your shoe off, wipe with a towel, grab the cleaning solution and go through the process again! To get into the small places, or for more intensive cleansing, grab a toothbrush you have lying around. The smaller, more concentrated bristles are ideal for getting those hard-to-reach spots! If you are cleaning canvas sneakers, whitening toothpaste is your new best friend! The whitening agents in the paste will leave your sneaks shining in no time!

Step 5

– Back to Bases –

Now, it’s time to focus on the part of the shoe that often takes the biggest beating! The midsole is the rubber part on the bottom base of the shoe, often covered in scuffs, dirt and sometimes questionable stains (ew, but true). This is when it’s time to break out that magic wand sponge! Dip it in hot water, add a few drops of cleanser and get to scrubbing! While this should clear up any straggling stains, some serious cases might require even more. If this is the case, grab that brush and lather back up for round three!

Step 6

– Time to Dry –

This last step is pretty simple. Leave the sneakers to bask in their newfound cleanliness overnight, and enjoy in the morning! As for your laces, you can either throw them in with your next wash cycle, or invite them to the cleaning party with a little scrub from the toothbrush. But of course, there is always the option to just purchase new ones…like these classics or these stylish satin laces!

Now that you know how to keep’em clean, check out this seasons hottest sneakers:

Sneak Into Summer in Style

Feature image courtesy of @goldengoose and@jasonmarkk

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Need more summer sneaker inspo? We’ve got your new must read: Fashion’s Top Shoe Trend Sneaks Into Summer and Beyond