The price for a pair of sneakers easily competes with the cost of a fine pair of Italian leather dress shoes — for men or women. Yet sneakers are the last article of clothing that anyone thinks about washing. You might polish those fine Italian leather shoes, but will you use a shampoo-like wash and scrub brush to keep your running shoes, or even your boutique sneakers, looking new?
Some people who camp out in front of a store and spend a few hundred bucks on shoes imported from Asia may already use sneaker wash to keep their kicks in shape. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t when you buy your shoes from SuperRunner Shop or DSW.
Jason Markk has Premium Shoe Solution (P.S.S.) line that’s essentially a shampoo for sneakers. Kits come with a bottle of wash and a hog bristle brush, which has softer bristles than synthetic and other alternatives. Another accessory to add is a microfiber towel, which buffs shoes without scratching the surface with dust or other particles.
While it’s recommended that you replace many of your athletic and regularly worn shoes once a season — especially running shoes — using a wash will help make sure your shoes last a whole season. Dirt can deteriorate the uppers and even the support structure at a faster rate.
The P.S.S. is made from natural soaps. Jason Markk brand is not clear on exactly what those are except that “This product is made from natural soaps derived from coconut and jojoba oils.” The cleaner is safe for use on leather, vinyl, rubber, canvas, cloth, nylon, suede and other materials used to construct shoes.
Giving your sneakers a good wash will extend their life. It will also give you that “new sneaker” look a few more days than if you just let the dirt build up on those kicks.