How to Turn Up in Your Sneakers (and Not Ruin Them)

Image via Complex Original

The only thing worse than messing up a pair of sneakers is ruining a pair you really care about. Seeing one of your grails get decimated by a spilt beer or having someone step on them is heartbreaking. This can be completely avoided by lacing up sneakers that are cool enough to wear at an event, but you won’t feel bad if they don’t come back in pristine condition. These could either be a general release pair of Air Max 1s or an Air Jordan that you have multiple pairs of. Or even a pair of Vans. Either way, these are always a better option than the 1/100 quickstrikes that you’re holding onto.

Not all sneakers are just made of suede, leather, and mesh. Brands have gotten smart and offer a lot of their popular silhouettes with weather-resistant uppers. Some come in Gore-Tex or others have near-waterproof finishes or liners. These are a better option, more times than not, than their non-resistant counterparts. It also helps that they don't look like rain boots, either.

There are plenty of sneaker protecting products on the market, and you’d be foolish if you don’t have at least one can sitting somewhere in your apartment. Some work better than others, but they essentially do the same thing: create a synthetic barrier that helps repel any sort of liquid that should fall on a pair of sneakers. We’re not suggesting that you intentionally spill a drink on yourself to find out of it works, but there are plenty of videos online that suggests these products do their job. Make sure you spray the laces, too, because they're the hardest thing to clean.

Not all stains should wait until later to be removed. It’s lame to keep a whole sneaker cleaning kit on yourself at all times, but just like the O.G.s that carried around a toothbrush to scrub their suede Pumas back in the day, a Jason Markk Quick Wipe should be in your pocket at all times. It can quickly remove whatever filth comes your way. Just don’t use them on a pair of non-smooth-leather sneakers.

The most turnt situations are always the most messy. Packed clubs or festivals are danger zones for sneakers. But it’s possible to have a good time without getting too crazy. A moshpit, no matter how careful you are, will always end in ruined sneakers. The best move is to assess the situation before you get into it. If the venue you’re going be at is packed from wall to wall, and you happen to be wearing good sneakers, it’s best to play the wall or come to terms that your joints are going to get dogged. It’s possible to turn up, though, without getting into the eye of the party. But if you do, know the consequences before it happens.

It goes without saying that sneakerheads constantly have their attention placed on what’s on their feet. The same thing should happen at parties, concerts, or wherever you’re letting loose at. Although it becomes increasingly difficult with every drink consumed, try to not walk into curbs, step in dog feces, or trudge through puddles. This should go without saying, but these are the things that can easily kill anyone’s vibe. Avoid them at all costs.

It’s a sin to mess up a pair of all-white sneakers. But they might not be the worst thing to wear. All-leather sneakers are way easier to clean than anything that has suede, mesh, or any other type of fabrics. They can be cleaned as easily as wetting your thumb and rubbing off the dirt. And soap and water won't ruin most leather sneakers, either. This means you can clean your pair in the bathroom and don't have to worry about specialized treatment.