Sneaker Care 101: Make Them Last

Great shoes deserve a little love. The single best habit is rotating between two pairs, giving the foam 24 hours to decompress between wears keeps the cushioning springy far longer.

For cleaning, skip the washing machine. A soft brush, lukewarm water, and a drop of mild soap lift most dirt. Work in small circles, then wipe with a damp cloth and let them air dry away from direct heat.

Stuff damp shoes with newspaper or a cedar shoe tree to hold their shape and pull moisture out. Never dry them on a radiator, heat warps the midsole and cracks glue lines.

Store them somewhere cool and dry, out of the sun. A quick protector spray on suede and knit uppers repels stains before they set. Small effort, seasons of extra life.