I've been collecting and wearing sneakers for quiiiiite some time now. Learning how to take care of my kicks has evolved over time and taking a moment to do so is therapeutic. I remember the first time I scuffed my first pair of Jordans and I thought I was going to pass out! It's taken time but, I've also learned that sneakers are meant to be worn and there are just some pairs that look better worn in. That doesn't mean all of them do though, e.g. white on white AF1s.

So for my babies just getting into their first pair of *real* kicks or if you're still tripped up how to get the gum off your sole, here are some tips I've picked up along the way of my sneaker journey and some great products that I use now to help even my flyest of kicks squeaky clean!

Someone thought it'd be nice to scuff your patent leather babies?

acetone
q-tip
- dip the q-tip in the acetone and very gently wipe away the scuff

Stepped in gum? Dog poop? Something weird and now it's on the sole and you need Jesus?

ice
- this is the super secret to getting gum off your soles - the ice hardens the gum and makes it easier to scrape off
- if you're still outside and close to a patch of grass, then the grass will help
a good hard bristle brush
small bit of dish soap + water

Your shits are all around disgusting and you need to rejuvenate them back to life?

After trying a lot, over the years sometimes those tough stains wouldn't let go with just a little soap and water. I have tried Jason Markk and it's a great product, I actually use the Jason Markk Quick Wipes for on the go. But I always come back to using Reshoevn8r. Last year, I was gifted a small sneaker cleaning kit to try by Reshoevn8r and I used it a quick fix before getting a chance to wash my kicks. Then I got REAL lucky and was gifted the Reshoevn8r 2 Shoe System for my birthday and y'all...let me tell you! I first put the system to the test with my Nike "platinum" Vapormaxes (that are all flyknit and semi-delicate) after I wore them out one night and WOW. Actually amazing results. Below I decided to show you how to use the cleaning system for more common use (I throw it in the wash when it's in desperate need) with my Latino History Month Air Max 1's that have a weird stain on them...