So This Is How Everyone Keeps Their White Sneakers So Clean
We've all been there: as soon as you get a new pair of white sneakers you're excited to wear them pretty much everywhere (because, hello, they go with everything), but after just a few wears they start to lose that crisp whiteness. We'll be the first to admit that certain sneakers actually look cooler after months of getting worn in and scuffed—for me those are my white high-top Converse All Stars. But for the rest of my pairs, the reality is that keeping them box-fresh is harder than it looks. If you're a die-hard sneaker fan, chances are you actually clean your beloved pairs after each wear. Tedious as it may seem to a casual sneaker lover like myself, I was curious to find out the insider tips that everyone else seems to know when it comes to maintaining a pristine shoe collection.
I quickly discovered how to wash shoes in the washing machine, and, honestly, I'm never going back. Putting my shoes in the washing machine is the most efficient way to bring those sneakers back to ultra-white. There are just a few steps I recommend following to protect them if you plan to pop them in the wash.
Step 1: Sprinkling baking soda on the outside and inside of the shoes is a tiny detail that can make a significant difference in how they turn out. Use a few tablespoons (about three should work) the night before and be sure to dust it off before you wash your shoes.
Step 2: Remove the laces, if your sneakers have them,and put them in a pillowcase or wash bag before throwing everything in the washer. By taking the laces out, you'll make sure they get totally clean and no remaining dirt stays caked on underneath each loophole.
Step 3: If your shoes have a significant amount of dirt, you'll want to brush most of it off before putting in the washer. This is easily done with a shoe brush or an old toothbrush.
Go ahead and throw them in the washer along with several towels. The towels will essentially act as a buffer between the shoes and the washer, preventing them from getting too knocked around or damaged during the wash cycle.
Step 4: Set your washer on the cold delicate cycle and use a liquid detergent. Then, let your shoes air dry after the wash. Be sure to never put sneakers (or any shoes) in the dryer as the extreme heat will warp any rubber or metal details on the shoe.
Now that you can confidently keep them clean, shop the coolest white sneakers:
The throwback sneaker everyone is wearing right now.Available in sizes 5 to 10.
Fact: Vans give any outfit a cool street vibe.Available in sizes 5 to 14.5
A subtle platform will elevate your look, both literally and figuratively.Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
Meet your new workout (or every day) sneaker.Available in sizes 5.5 to 10
It's all about the metallic back on this pair.Available in sizes 4.5 to 11.5
This sneaker brand has been around forever—and we get the sense it's not going anywhere soon.Available in 6 to 11.
Try out a velcro front strap for a streamlined look.Available in 5.5 to 11.
If you're up for a new pair of Converse, make it this playful pair.Available in sizes 6 to 11.
Subtle, non-branded, and perfect for the minimalists among us.Available in sizes EU35 to EU46.
We could see these looking cool with simple joggers or fun leggings for commuting to your workout class.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
Not quite a high-top, not quite a low-top.Available in sizes 6 to 10.
A sportier take on the iconic New Balance sneaker.Available in sizes 5.5 to 11.
Everyone in the streetwear scene is paying attention to this brand right now.Available in sizes EU36 to EU45.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a numberBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.