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How to Keep Your White Sneakers White

White kicks are a classic look, but keeping them white is not easy. Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to care for both your leather and canvas sneakers.

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By Gear Patrol Studios

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It really doesn’t matter the season — white kicks, in their utter simplicity, can jazz up any outfit. It’s a classic look, one we all sport likely more than any other. Basically, our white sneakers are getting a lot of traction. The only issue, of course, is that white really doesn’t stay white. Whether they’re subjected to the grime of the city streets, getting stepped on during your morning commute or whether you’re just spill-prone, the days of having pristine white shoes are very limited.

There are ways, however, to get the freshness back. Check out our tutorial above and read on to snag some of our recommended essentials to keep your white sneakers white. And if you just can’t be bothered, you could always head over to East Dane and buy a new pair.

Caring for Leather

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R.M. Williams: Leather Cleaner $20
R.M. Williams: Leather Conditioner $20
Mr. Clean: Magic Eraser $10
Coach New York: C101 Low Top Sneaker $195

This leather cleaner is actually miraculous. With a damp cloth (the addition of a magic eraser on the mid-sole) and some of this sprayed directly on your shoe, it can actually be like new again. The conditioner is icing on the cake. The two in tandem are well-worth the time spent if you want your shoes to be spotless again.

Step by Step
1. Soak your laces in warm, soapy water.
2. Using a Magic Eraser, scrub the midsole.
3. Spray the leather cleaner directly onto your shoe and scrub.
4. Apply leather conditioner onto the shoe by hand and buff.
5. Leave to air dry and relace.

Caring for Canvas

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Men’s Society: Sneaker Cleaning Kit $35
Veja: Wata Canvas Sneaker$95

This kit from Men’s Society has everything you need to clean your shoes packed into a tiny tin box. It’s stocked with two bottles of lightly-scented cleaning solution and a double-sided brush (fit for canvas or suede). Though you have to work a little harder to scrub your canvas shoes, this complete set takes the edge off.

Step by Step
1. Soak your laces in warm, soapy water.
2. Dip the brush into clean warm water.
3. Apply the cleaning solution directly on the brush.
4. Scrub and repeat until clean.
5. Leave to air dry and then relace.

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