Can You Put Shoes in The Washer at Home

Can You Put Shoes in The Washer at Home?

Yes, and No. while the idea sounds really nice, it is definitely not a prudent one. However, it is not a crime to clean your shoes using a home laundry cleaner. Older models of cleaners were harsh. Inserting shoes in them was tantamount to spoiling them prematurely. 

Notwithstanding their similar means of washing, modern appliances are more advanced and may seem safe for your sneakers. Thanks to this incredible inclusion, you can now wash your footwear using washing machines. However, popular opinion is still the same. You are not supposed to clean your shoes with a washing machine. 

Additionally, shoes differ in material, designs, customization, purposes, etc. for instance, you won’t have the same concerns washing water shoes as you would be dealing with leather boots. 

In addition to this contentious subject, this article will also highlight in detail the history of sneakers, the type of shoes worn in the winter, and how to wear shoes, as well as investment options around this topic. Arguably, shoes have been with us since time immemorial. People have been investing in these pieces of feet protection and beauty for a long time and continue to do so. 

Investing in footwear is profitable. For instance, Nike – a footwear manufacturing, distributing, and retailing company invested upwards of 1 billion dollars' worth of deal with Cristiano Ronaldo. This is just a sponsorship deal – showing how lucrative the idea of investing in this industry is. We, however, first look at cleaning shoes and how safe it is to use a washing machine for the task.

Washing footwear in laundry washer

While you can easily clean your shoes with a laundry cleaner, it is not healthy to just kick them off and load them in the appliance directly. You cannon treat shoes as another laundry since shoe washing is a meticulous process. This article explores the step-by-step instructions on how to prepare, clean, and dry your sneakers. Otherwise, you are looking at doing the whole thing wrongly and ending up retrieving folded and even spoilt sneakers from the washer. 

Requirements

Before starting on your expedition, you will need the following:

•  Towels
• Wash bags
• Baking soda
• Liquid detergent
• Washing machine 

These are the basic pieces of equipment you need to successfully pull through in regards to using a washing machine to clean shoes. As earlier indicated, this follows a process. Therefore, below are step by step instructions on how to go about it. 

Washing steps

1. Prepare your shoes for washing

Generally, preparing your footwear involves getting our shoes ready for the washing machine. Usually, the washer only removes stains and normal dirt embedded on the sneakers. This means that deep stains and caked mud would be tough to clear using the washer. This is why you prepare. You have to do away with all the dirt and mud before you insert them into the machine. 

Using a soft-bristled brush, clean away the mud debris from the shoe. Now, remove the shoelaces and insoles. Your insoles cannot be included in the load for washing in the machine. Therefore, you will need to deal with them manually. However, you shall put the laces in a wash bag and drop it in the washer. Alternatively, you can use a pillowcase with the laces. The consequence of not bundling the laces in a wash bag is that they are likely to tangle.

To achieve soft-textured and loosely-attached stains, soak your shoes in baking soda the night or day before washing. Place about three tablespoons of baking soda in each footwear. Baking soda will not only loosen the stubborn stains but also do away with bad odor. 

1. Put the shoes into the washer.

Experts are wary of using a washer for shoe cleaning activities. However, they recommend safe ways one can easily do it. Firstly, the machine tends to spoil your pairs of shoes. To prevent the drum from wearing off your shoe material, wrap the pairs in a wash bag or a pillowcase, then load them in the machine to run. 

Secondly, there are concerns about noise too. While running the wash, you are likely to experience uncomfortable noise generated by the machine. To remedy this, you can use some old towels. Just wrap the towels around the shoes and load them into the machine. Similarly, if your machine is loaded from the top, you will need to place the towels at the bottom first before you introduce the footwear. After that, cover them with more towels, then run the machine. 

1. Select the settings

Just like the first two steps, it is crucial to get the settings to spot on. Selecting the correct cycle settings will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the process, as well as correct practices, are followed. Choosing the right washing detergent is also key to ensuring that your pairs of sneakers come out clean and in the right shape. Therefore, ensure that you use a liquid detergent as earlier instructed, and not powdered or solid. 

Settings-wise, choose the following:

• Coldwater. This prevents warping. 
• A gentle cycle to prevent damaging the shoe.
• An extra rinse to do away with excess soap from the shoes. 

Drying options

Air drying is a safe and most recommended method of drying wet shoes. However, there are other conventional ways that may need extra attention in order to maintain the integrity of the shoes. 

You can use a dryer for this purpose. However, it will cause the warping of the sneakers. Preferably, you can wrap the shoes in a towel before you drop them in a dryer. The towels reduce their exposure to intense heat. Alternatively, you can use a delicate, low-heat cycle. 

Air-drying is safer. However, it is time-consuming. To prevent the shoes from fading and cracking from direct sunlight, fold the shoes in newspapers or washcloths and place them away from the sun. 

This is the process you will undertake to clean your sneakers using the washer. However, it does not have substantial backing to guarantee its safety. Either way, it is a viable method, and it is hugely relieving to learn that you can do this with the options available to you in your home. More importantly, someone may be wary of this option wondering if sneakers will damage the washing machine. As established herein, the damage goes the other way round. Without exercising safety precautions, your sneakers will likely be warped, folded, and out of shape by the time you are done with your washing.  

What are the best sneakers to don during winter? 

Winter is coming! What kind of footwear do you put on? Is it okay to wear sneakers when it's snowing? With looming cold weather, you will definitely find trouble getting the right kicks that can withstand the unpleasant cold and wet weather on the horizon. Usually, you will not readily get sneakers designed for these conditions of slush and snow. 

With the normal sneakers, you will likely seek plastic bags for your feet during a blizzard. To your salvation, this article compiles some of the best-stocked sneakers that are ideal for these extreme conditions. You can now go ahead about your activities without necessarily worrying about your feet protection. 

Air Jordan IV – Winter

Air Jordan 4 returned in 2019. However, this time it came as a winterized version of its former self. The AJ4 is a Retro colorway build in a Loyal Blue and habanero red, which makes it stand out from the rest. 

The first pair of AJ4 sneaker debuted in ’89 courtesy of Michael Jordan’s illustrious sneaker line. It fast grew to become everyone’s favorite sneaker. Although the shoe came out as a basketball pair, this recent AJ4 model is built with waterproof features. It is developed with a comfortable and warm interior that is ideal for navigating inclement conditions. 

AJ4 uppers are built with loyal blue nubuck and an inner fleece lining that comforts and insulates your feet and promotes an enhanced fit. Its signature eyelet flange was carried on, and the white air midsole provides the much needed cushioning and contrast. Furthermore, its traction on the court is masterminded by its herringbone rubber outsole. All these features come together on the Air Jordan IV – Winter, which costs upwards of $221. 

Adidas Yeezy 500 High ‘Slate’

Kanye West, in conjunction with Adidas, debuts another Yeezy to the market. This time it is the Yeezy 500 Slate that demonstrates their low midsoles and a more boot-like upper that have suede layered across them. Released in late 2019, Yeezys’ are the ideal winter-like seasons.  

The base is neoprene and is tumbled with leather pieces, as is layered with suede. The laces are included to secure the tongue while the mudguard bolsters the sidewall. The outsole has a wavy tread pattern to enhance traction, while the midsole is designed with Adiprene and improves the comfort of the shoe. 

Chuck 70 Gore-Tex Canvas High-Top

 You already know the popular Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers. This model maintains the same familiar look of the converse shoes. The Chuck 70 Gore-Tex is reinforced with Gore-Tex material, which canvases the uppers to avoid water from seeping in. therefore, the pair is well-reinforced and insulated to keep out cold, wetness, and anything other elements. 

The signature heel stay is reflective, which enables it to be visible in the dark. This sneaker is ideal for improved functionality. 

Nike x Undercover React Boot

The undercover react boots come with an adjustable and slip-on upper. These modes are built for heavy snow and cold weather conditions. They come with a futuristic rubber that highlights the boot's commitment to protect your feet and last while doing so. It is, in other terms, a futuristic pair, and you can confirm with the price tag on it. 

Besides, the shoe comes with a user manual. The instruction aims at letting you know the technology present in the shoe and how to use utilize. For instance, it comes with airbags around the collar. This feature was inspired by the '89 Air Pressure. It aims at enhancing your comfort in footwear. 

Furthermore, the shoe comes with a water-resistant shroud that is zipped across the upper. 

Nike Air Force 1 Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is known for its ability to withstand and repel bad weather, especially cold and wet conditions. For this reason, this technology is being adopted to designing winter boots for everyone. This includes Nike Air Force 1. 

Many people will argue that the low version of the Gore-Tex Air Force 1 is built for the summer. This may be informed b its low body, as well as the color. However, the shoe is lined with high-tech materials, including tightly-woven textiles and tumbled leather. This, with Gore-Tex, makes the shoe climate resistant such that you can roc them, especially in the middle of winter. 

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX

The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX is an outdoor shoe build for all terrains. Since the purpose is for walking, this particular item is made with enhanced comfort and support to guarantee a safe and comfortable hike. In addition, the shoe features a PrimeKnit upper for a proper fit. Also, they come with a water-resistant material known as Gore-Tex. 

Other than the waterproof membrane, the shoe is built with a highly-responsive boost midsole for maximum cushioning. Furthermore, since you may be faced with challenging terrain, the shoe comes with a treaded continental rubber outsole for enhanced traction. 

The heel cup is made such that the intense pressure that one exerts on the Achilles is relieved. Also, they are abrasion-resistant and have toe caps to protect your feet. These qualities would then justify the pair's price tag, which stands at $225. 

Affix x Asics Gel Kinsei Gore-Tex

It is safe to say that these pair own the winter. This is due to the integration of the Gore-tex material. This technology goes a long way in ensuring the shoe is waterproof. Also, it has a chunky midsole that enhances easy mobility in heavy snowy and wet terrains. 

In a nutshell, most of the sneakers that are dedicated to all terrains are ideal for winter seasons. However, as we have established, some companies have gone the extra mile to dedicate some of their inventions for this particular purpose. 

When do you wear your sneakers? 

A lot has happened since that time; you only took sneakers with you to the gym or jogging in the neighborhood. One of those developments is embracing sneakers as an all-time shoe. You can wear sneakers to the office, nurses can and do wear sneakers at work, teachers don them, so is everyone, including sports personalities. So, if you were wondering when to wear sneakers, maybe you should be worried about what to wear with them to look stunning. 

In this segment, we take you through the sneaker life. This is far from holidaymakers, sportspersons, or casual trekkers. It is about every person's wardrobe. Nowadays, all people, young or old, have that favorite pair of sneakers. So, how best can you rock them? Let us start with the basic rules. 

Basic sneaker principles

Every dress code is informed by the rules and norms built a long time ago. Therefore, we just tend to follow suit. However, we sometimes to tweak a few things to reflect time and societal growth. For instance, funerals are attended with dark clothing, preferably black. Weddings are the opposite, so are corporate events or casual parties. Therefore, every event, professional or casual, has its norms. 

In fashion, a person is considered fashionable if they can put together pieces of clothing (in a meticulous way or randomly), and still look elegant in them. This is why everyone loves and dreams of being able to be considered for this class. One of the pieces of material used mostly nowadays is sneakers. One would ask, how do you integrate sneakers into modern events? To understand this, let's look at the three irreducible minimums for sneaker culture. 

Purchase sneakers that suit your wardrobe

If you aren't the trendy type, don't fall for the hype. It does not benefit you to go on buying pairs of sneakers because they are the latest and trending in the market. You'd rather buy the classic Chuck Taylors Converses instead of the latest AJ4s. Always go for the sneakers that complement what you already have in terms of clothes and accessories. So, don't purchase a pair of Yeezy’s and end up repurchasing your entire wardrobe. 

Rock sneakers for the right occasions

As we observed earlier, sneakers are incredibly versatile. This then means that you can rock them anything, including some off-duty outfits. However, you cannot carry them everywhere. For example, you cannot combine sneakers and that gorgeous dress to a wedding reception. In other terms, you can wear sneakers to any place, but they are not meant for every occasion, and definitely, not every outfit calls for a sneaker. 

Maintain them spotless

This is common sense. No matter how costly, elegant, or trendy your sneakers are, if ill-maintained, their effect is never felt. In fact, you run a risk of losing your glow (if it was there). To maintain your pair of shoes, ensure you brush the dust off, clean the outsole, eliminate odors, and use shoe trees as well as sneaker shields. 

What type of sneakers do you have?

Sneakers are made in varied specifications, including sizes, material, technology, and color. Some come in unstructured canvas while others come in brightened fine leather. Others come having been crafted with the finest technology as other pairs make use of minimalist metal fastenings. All these are options, and they mostly inform the purpose, specificity, cost, and even appropriateness for a particular event, weather conditions, or wardrobe. 

With all of these options open to you, you are likely to confuse the best pairs for your wardrobe. Sometimes, you may fail to put the finger on your real taste and preference. Due to such, we highlight some of the types of sneakers available in the market to help you shape your need, taste, and preference. The following are a few categories we put together.

Basic sneakers

These pairs may not be the most comfortable, but they are good just with anything. They may include converses, vans, etc. Most of them come in canvases. However, you may find some in leather. Additionally, they come in basic colors. Basic sneaker shoes are usually affordable and easy to clean.

Refined luxury

Are you familiar with Tom Ford, Lanvin & Saint Laurent designs? These are the pairs classified under this category. Refined luxury sneakers may resemble your basic shoe types. However, they are mostly made of leather and suede and are quite costly. You really can't take these ones to a late-night bar party. 

Classic sports 

If you followed closely about the history of Chuck Taylors converses, Nike Air Max, Reebok Pumps Asics Gel-Lyte, etc. you will notice that all these were once track, court, or field dedicated pairs of footwear. They are, however, converted from sporting classics into wardrobe favorites at home. 

Modern sport sneakers

You can say modern pairs of sporty sneakers are just an advancement of the classics that came before; therefore, apart from a few companies such as Freaky Shoes, this industry is flooded with shoes from the century-old giants such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, etc. 

Hiking sneakers

We said shoes are built by considering many variables. As the name above implies, hiking shoes are purposefully made for trails. Usually, since you never know the terrains, one wants to go. You can't make it terrain-specific. That is why it is challenging to design and pull off this pair. Due to this, hiking shoes tend to be costly.

High fashion sneakers

These are loud and shouty designs built to be noticed. The designs for these brands are pushed by the likes of Giuseppe Zanotti, Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, and Diemme. 

Luxury Techwear

These are pieces created for the few who would fancy blending their status, fashion, and technology in one piece of dressing. 

The art of matching

Now that you have chosen and even know your category of sneakers, it is time you knew how to put them on. Wearing sneakers or any other apparel depends on many factors. It is not just a question of picking up your preferred pair of jeans and slipping on the sneakers in your possession. The art is in how. So pay close attention.

Do not take basic sneakers anywhere else except for casual events. The kicks, canvas, or lows as you like referring to them can go with absolutely anything casual. Be it shots, pants, denim, chinos, etc. the color does not really matter. However, this versatility only sounds sound when practiced on the casual front. Here are some hacks;

• Basic sneakers are best suited for your people.
• Always keep them for casual occasions.
• Always mix them with relaxed, slim, and skinny denim and chinos.
• Practice proper maintenance. 

Luxury sneakers, on the other hand, look basic, but they are not. They, therefore, allow you to don the casual-official look without looking out of place. These kinds of sneakers can be worn with tailored pants, slim denim, chinos, etc. You cannot wear them with shorts. Luxury sneakers appear to be heavy; therefore, they can do well with trousers and t-shirts. Smart shirts and polos can also blend well with this arrangement.

• Get brighter pairs for summers.
• Start with black, then buy the rest of the colors.
• Don't wear suede shoes too often. Take extra care of these pairs.
• Always tend to dress up, not down. 

Classic sporty sneakers are to be credited for starting the revolution to convert them from purely sporty to become casual wear. Always find a classic that complements your style. Such shoes go well with slim-fit denim, loose t-shirts, etc. at the bottom, you can pair with shorts or pants. 

• Match the colors if you can
• Find styles that complement your profile
• They go well with khaki chinos when the weather is warm. 

Consequently, modern, sporty sneakers are designed for various sports. We have tennis shoes, trainers, etc. to look stunning in this pair, avoid bulky clothes. With sporty shoes, put on a sporty outfit as well. They go well with casual t-shirts. Denim is not an option for such pairs of footwear. 

With designers sneakers come fame and fashion. If you set out to wear them, better keep up with the standard. They are top-end pairs with a promise of affluence and popularity. You can match them with slim-fitting denim, t-shirts, or open plaid shirts. You can combine designer sneakers with the Parisian fashion of long, drapey blazers and singlets. 

• Let the sneakers do the talk. 
• Stick with blacks, whites, and muted colors
• Denim works perfectly when combined with these sneakers. 

Lastly, high-tech fashion sneakers are on their own level. You can match the best with muted colors such as blacks mostly. They will attract their own attention, so don't worry about them. Try a long, draped style of clothing so as to hush down the shoes. 

When is the right time to get new sneakers?

Comfortable and fitting shoes which by your own definition are classy don't come often. When they do, you will not be so relenting to part with them. As much as you may wish the pair becomes immortal, it can't. Shoes do have a lifespan. Whenever that time comes, they lose the comfort, cushioning, and support gets worn out, and traction significantly reduces. When your shoes reach this stage, they are screaming for recycling or for a change in use. To ensure you track when to change your sneakers, read the segments below. 

The mile limit

There are different kinds of shoes, designed differently for a variety of uses. A typical athletic sneaker is made to last at least 350 to 500 miles. Therefore, at the 500-mile mark, your shoe is in desperate need of replacement. This is independent of the date of purchase. Therefore, regardless of when you bought the pair, the moment you top the 500 miles from workouts or sprints, you need to start looking for another pair. 

On this particular facto, there are more than one variables that further inform how fast you will need a shoe replacement. For instance, the heavier you weigh, the faster your shoe wears away. Also, runners tend to exert more pressure on the shoe than walkers. On average, walkers will have more life in their pairs after the 500-mile mark, unlike runners.  

On the other, if you always walk for 30 minutes a day, you should look to replace your sneakers after six months. Also, if you walk for an average of seven hours a week, then you need to replace your pair of shoes every three months. 

Shoe aging process

Understanding the shoe aging process will go a long way in helping to decide how often to get new sneakers. Usually, the shoe starts its aging cycle immediately after it has been manufactured and is on display. Since the materials are glued together to make the shoe, the glue starts to dry off. On the other hand, the air pockets in the cushioning and forms start to dissipate. Therefore, if you are purchasing a pair that has been on the shelves for an extended period, then you are likely to have less time with the shoes before you seek a replacement. Therefore, if you want to get the best time from your sneaker, buy the most recent model. 

Caring for your shoes

Knowing the time you have with your favorite pair of sneakers is limited drives you to want to care for them. Here are some hacks on what you can do.

• Always keep your sneakers clean. After you wear them, you leave them with bacteria and sweat. If you don't wash them, then you are inviting bacteria buildup, which causes funk and accelerates shoe breakdown. 
• Store your shoes where they can air out. Between wearing your sneakers, ensure that you keep them in open spaces where they can circulate the air naturally. Therefore, let them breathe, and in the gym bag is not the appropriate place to keep them. 
• Air dry your shoes. Shoe experts will tell you to wrap your sneakers in newspapers or towels; then air-dry them in places far from sunlight. The thing is that putting your shoes in the dryer or in direct sunlight destroys the glue and contributes to shape distortion. 
• Consider replacing the insoles. Always replace your insoles when replacing the shoe. Some people use custom insoles. This does not mean that you carry them to your next pair; make a point of enhancing your shoe integrity by making all systems to be viable. 

Furthermore, you should consider rotating your shoes. Buying two or more pairs of sneakers will help you to rotate the pairs freely. Alternating your boots while walking is one of the ways you can notice that one of them badly needs replacement. Many people would wait until their shoes look pathetic before considering replacement. You don’t have to go to these extents to recycle your sneaker. The following signs will help you:

• If the treads of the outsole are worn out, then you really need to budget for a replacement. Some shoes nowadays are purposefully built so that a different color shows whenever the first layer in the treads is faded. 
• A leaning shoe. Usually, a sneaker starts to get compressed at the heel. When this happens, the shoe becomes imbalanced and stats to lean. Go ahead and replace it when you observe this. 
• Broken uppers around the ankle also indicate that your shoe needs recycling.
• Wrinkles at the side or bottom of the sole indicate that the cushioning materials are broken. 

Shoes can cause back, knee, and ankle pains. Dead shoes can cost you your comfort and health entirely. Before you start looking for medical intervention, replace your worn-out sneakers. 

How sneakers became popular

Firstly, why are they called sneakers? In the initial development stages, rubber had never been used for making footwear. It was introduced in Britain and later crossed over to the united states. Plimsolls were rubber shoes worn back then in the 18th century; these shoes were crude. In fact, you couldn't even tell the right from the left. Therefore, when the U.S came up with an advanced version of rubber shoes with a canvas top around the 1890s, many people adopted them. They were nicknamed sneakers because they were quiet. In essence, one would wear them and sneak up on you without notice. Hence, the name 'sneakers' was born and adopted until now. 

Around the same period in the 1910s, Marquis Converse set up a company that would produce rubber shoes dedicated to sports, and in this case, basketball and tennis. He debuted a canvas and rubber shoe known as the Converse All-Stars. It did not take long before the shoe became so popular that every basketball player in colleges and professional leagues adopted it as an official sports gear. In 1923, the Indiana basketball star Chuck Taylor endorsed the pair and later joined in as a marketing officer. He affected a few changes, and the shoe came to be referred t as Chuck Taylor All Star Converse shoes. 

These shoes turned out to become the all-time bestselling basketball shoes in history. Converse successes propelled the footwear to go global. 

In 1924, the sneaker culture had already crossed international borders into Europe. In Germany, Adi Dassler founded a company that he named after himself and shoes that later came to be known as Adidas. I think we all know where this shoe brand is as of now. Additionally, Adi’s brother founded another shoe company in Germany, which he called Puma. Initially, sneakers were built for athletes. However, in 1950, things changed, and young people would casually wear them as fashion statements. Again, you know the direction this took. 

Another notable company emerged and produced shoes which it called Nike. Shoe sales soared in the 1980s when Michael Jordan – a former basketball star, signed a deal to wear Nike boots in a basketball match. This was the beginning of market breaking records as some former giants such as Converse were struggling. The Jordan contract gave birth to the Air Jordans – or simply, the Jordans. Presently, the Jordans are the most popular and best-selling shoe products to be made in the recent past. Even after his retirement from basketball, his label sneakers still remain the market pacesetters in matters of sneakers. Presently, you can get sneakers for almost everything. This includes running, walking, training, skate-boarding, etc. 

Following technological advancements, sneakers have come to mean the world to people. To minimize disappointments, companies are on the go to ensure their products are user-specific. This is why Nike Air Force makes use of introducing little air pockets in the soles to enhance cushioning. Also, Spira preferred to use springs in the soles so as to reduce foot stress. On the other hand, Reebok introduced the pump. In this case, the air is pumped into the shoe to ensure that they fit the user comfortably. Some companies have rolled out the use of Gore-Tex material in shoes. This material is water and moisture resistant. Therefore, one can use the shoe in harsh weather conditions such as winter. 

All these inventions and additions come at a price. This is why you cannot find an athlete's shoe costing less than $100. In the recent past, some prominent companies have struggled due to a lack of innovation. A good example is Converse. This company was so prominent in the '50s such that every school going kid or an amateur player on the streets knew the Chuck Taylor All-Stars. 

History records passionately the role played by Chuck Taylor in the growth of Converse, and to some extent, the sneaker culture. However, he wasn't alone in this push. Therefore, as you slip on those favorite sneakers of yours, bear in mind that they are now popular after countless years of innovations and improvements. 

Why sneakers are a great investment

Your ultimate financial security is an investment. Now, have you ever considered sneakers as a sound line of investment? The chances are that you have contemplated real estate, securities, businesses, bonds, leases, etc. but not sneakers. So what kind of benefits does this line of investment really provide? Will you feel secure enough?

Now before you discard the idea, here’s some thought. Did you know that people’s demand for shoes will always grow? Since this requires supply, then put yourself in that equation. How does it look?

Another idea, just like cars, a car lover will always rate (and have emotional attachments) to 1977 Mustang Cobra 2 to a 2019 Ford Escape. Shoe lovers will always have a soft spot for the classic and vintage pairs that may be long out of the market. How do you meet this demand? You invest in it. 

Finally, sneaker lovers may miss out on a particular edition that was released and exceeded demand. But, being hopeful, people will wait for an opportunity to grab a pair or two of that brand when they are available. Such releases are often referred to as special editions or releases that end up leaving thousands out. How about bidding for them in bulk then distributing them where demand seems to come from. If you can spot a valuable limited edition, put your money down. You are guaranteed a healthy resell in due time. 

The first releases of sneakers are 'feet gold'. Have you ever considered how much the first ever Chuck Taylor converse shoe would cost now? Or, do you think the first-ever Air Jordan is worth the same as the last year's version or less? The thing is that first releases always attract colossal prices. If you can get one, the second one will definitely make you an extremely rich person. 

Another variable is the complete collections. Once you have an entire collection with a particular brand, you are literally holding a person's entire future. Complete collections usually go for hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, when resold. 

Celebrity worn shoes can garner a fortune on the market. For instance, the Nike shoe Michael Jordan wore on his last NBA showcase. Such a product could be worth half a million dollars. Therefore, if you are lucky enough to own a pair of shoes worn by a celebrity, then you should ask for a crazy price, which surprisingly, shall be met. 

Usually, the companies partner with celebrities so that they can just add their names on a particular par of shoe. For instance, the CR7 Nike soccer boot or the Nike LeBron basketball shoe. Whenever these shoes are produced, the company ensures that they remain in limited numbers so that, as the demand goes up, the prices escalate too. You can obtain them, then resell at a high price later. 

The price of sneakers depends solely on the person who purchases it. I like to think that most of these sneakers cost roughly the same. In fact, you will get someone paying a couple of hundred dollars for a sneaker worth twenty dollars. The thing is, the person is willing and able to dig in and get the money. If this is the sneaker culture, don’t you think it provides dozens of opportunities for you?

The bottom line

Sneaker culture has been with us for a long time ago. A lot has been written about how to clean different kinds of sneakers. However, the basic and fundamental point is that you cannot make it a habit to throw your shoes in a washing machine in order to clean them. 

The shoes will not damage the machine, but then they will themselves get damaged. Firstly, they may get deformed, the glue may detach, the materials may get worn out, and other possible causes that will ultimately leave your shoe in a worse condition. However, if you want to use a washer for cleaning purposes for your footwear, practice safety protocols are enlisted in this article. Besides this, if you wanted to dry your pairs of sneakers, it is not advisable to use the dryer for similar concerns. However, if you must, then use the towels to reduce direct exposure. 

On sneakers being used during winter, shoe companies have made strides in developing a technology and a material that can withstand such extreme weather conditions. Therefore, many brands have a few options in the market for you to choose upon when winter finally comes. 

Do you want to know how sneakers are a great investment tool? Read through the last segment of this article to discover this and many more, including knowing when to replace your sneakers and when to wear them. Many people often mistake luxury sneakers t basic ones. For basic sneakers, they are limited to casual activities. Find more on this and others herein.