The Sneaker Problems You Notice Too Late

Sneakers rarely go from new/spotless to trashed in a day. Usually, there's a slow downwards spiral that, when you're not actively checking your shoes, goes unnoticed until the shoe is past the point of simple repair.

Being mindful of the warning signs that come as a sneaker slowly falls apart may help you avoid unnecessary stress later on.

Here's a list of some of the more easily ignored sneaker problems that require repair, and why they should be cared for before they become impossible to fix.

1. Stain That Starts Out Small, But Gets Bigger
   A little fleck of grime on one's favorite pair of sneakers may not seem like an issue to one used to wearing the shoes. Still, over time, the buildup of oils on the shoe will attract food and drink spills, and cause the shoe's material to break down until it's much harder to clean. Even a little bit of dirt and dye can make it significantly harder to care for a shoe.
   Early detection and treatment is best for keeping sneakers from turning into a bigger pain.

2. That Unpleasant Odor Which Shows Up When You Take Your Shoes Off
   It's easy to dismiss the smell of one's sneakers as nothing more than a mild inconvenience, especially if it only seems to appear after removing the shoes. In the case of persistent bad odor, however, there may be a buildup of sweat inside the shoe that requires special attention.
   While covering up the smell with an aerosol may help in the short term, it won't do much towards actually resolving the issue. Keeping sneakers clean and dry, along with letting them breathe when not in use, are the best long-term solutions available for bad sneaker odor.

3. Beginning Of The Discoloration Process
   There are few things as saddening as old sneakers with completely discolored soles, or with otherwise discolored materials or fabric. Discoloration may start out as a minor annoyance that only shows up under certain lighting, or it may appear as an odd patch of uneven color. It can be caused by dirt, or simply the materials used in the making of the shoes.
   Early detection and repair is the only realistic way to prevent discoloration from getting out of control. A professional cleaner may help determine whether a sneaker needs regular cleaning, or if a specialist is needed for deeper material cleaning.

4. Uneven Suede Or Nubuck Texture
   Suede and nubuck sneakers have a certain elegance to them that many people consider worth the extra care required to keep them clean. This care is necessary, since improper cleaning methods may damage the otherwise appealing texture of the material.
   If the texture of one's suede or nubuck sneakers start to look different from what they used to, it may be best to have the shoe looked at by a professional. Trying to clean the shoe with improper tools or materials may cause further damage. The materials will require specific care that differs from cleaning regular fabric sneakers.

5. Creasing That Looks Like It's Going To Become Permanent
   Creasing is a fact of sneaker life, and while some people don't mind the character that creased sneakers often acquire, some people consider it to be a defect that detracts from the shoe's general appearance. Unfortunately, creasing cannot be avoided in most cases. It can be minimized by wearing the right size, taking the proper care of the shoes, and avoiding extreme temperatures.
   However, once the fabric around a creased area begins to crack, the shoe may require more intensive repair than is advisable.

6. Crack In The Finish Or Surface That Seems Like Nothing
   A crack in a sneaker, or a small peeling area that looks like it could be torn out with some effort, is an issue that likely won't hurt the shoe immediately. However, neglecting it or rubbing it further may cause the crack to spread out, or to become embedded in the material of the shoe. The type of material the crack is in will dictate the options for repair, but in some cases, the damage may be repaired with a trip to a professional cleaner.

7. Water Damage That Doesn't Look Like Much
   Water is sneaker damage's best friend. After exposure to water, sneakers may have water spots or other imperfections on the surface, or the material may have been weakened enough to the point where it begins to unravel. After exposure to water, sneakers should be dried thoroughly, but not in excessive heat.

If the damage isn't immediately apparent, drying outside in a well-ventilated area is recommended. If the water spots or other surface imperfections remain after drying, a trip to professional cleaner may be needed to repair the shoe.

When To Seek Sneaker Repair
Most sneakers don't absolutely need a trip to a professional cleaning service. However, there are times when a sneaker has gone past the point of simple repairs at home, or when the material is delicate enough that improper cleaning techniques will damage the shoe's surface. The following services are available at Sneakky Klean, for sneakers that need a little bit of love.

Signature Klean, Premium Klean, and odor elimination are three basic services; the former two of which deal with cleaning the shoe itself. Then there's waterproofing, which protects shoes from water damage, sole whitening, which lightens the color of a sneaker's sole, and sole icing, which makes the shoe's sole less slippery.

The sneaker problems listed above are all small issues that get ignored until they become unrepairable. They're easily overlooked at first, but with a little bit of time and care, they can be prevented from becoming major issues. Taking proper care of one's sneakers goes a long way in preventing sneaker problems from appearing. When a sneaker does require professional repair, Sneakky Klean offers a variety of services for different kinds of sneaker damage.

Written by:
Brainito Intelligence
www.brainito.com