How to Restore Old Shoes - Sneakers, Boots, and More

Wondering how you can make your old shoes look new again? Whether it's a pair of worn-out sneakers, faded tennis shoes, or your old leather shoes with a few too many scuff marks, there's always a way to bring them back to life. From leather boots to crack suede loafers, shoe restoration doesn't need to be a daunting task.

The secret lies in the right techniques and a bit of patience. If you've got old sneakers gathering dust or a favorite pair of leather shoes that have seen better days, keep reading.

Gather Materials

First and foremost, you'll need to gather all the necessary materials for shoe restoration. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Mild soap or detergent
• Soft brush or toothbrush
• Saddle soap (for leather shoes)
• Leather conditioner (for leather shoes)
• Shoe polish in a color that matches your shoes
• Clean cloth or rag

Depending on the type of problem your shoes have, you might also need:

• Shoe or leather glue (for loose soles)
• Sandpaper (for removing scuff marks)
• Shoe stretcher (for tight shoes)

Clean Shoes Thoroughly

Restoring old sneakers or any pair of shoes always starts with a thorough cleaning. Regardless of whether it's Nike Air Max, Air Jordans, or luxury leather shoes such as Gucci loafers or Prada brogues, cleaning is the first crucial step.

Using a soft brush or toothbrush, scrub the surface of your shoes gently with mild soap or detergent. This will help remove any surface dirt or grime.

For leather shoes, use saddle soap to clean, followed by a leather conditioner to restore moisture.

Remember to clean the soles as well, paying extra attention to the nooks and crannies where dirt can hide. Once you've done this, let your shoes dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Remove Old Polish or Coatings

One of the most common problems of old shoes, especially leather footwear, is the fading or flaking of previous polish or coatings. This can make shoes look outdated and worn out. To restore your shoe's former glory, it's crucial to remove these old, faded layers. This will provide a clean slate for your restoration process.

Start by using a specially designed polish remover or opt for a homemade solution like rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the solution onto the surface of your shoes using a cloth until all the old polish or coatings are removed.

This will keep shoes ready for subsequent steps: polishing or dyeing.

For dyed leather shoes, you may need to use a professional-grade shoe dye to make them look brand new again.

Always remember to test any product on an inconspicuous area of the shoe before applying it entirely.

For canvas shoes where paint has chipped or peeled, use a small amount of nail polish remover to remove the old paint before repainting.

Repair Any Visible Damage

By visible damages, we mean scuffed leather, holes, loose soles, or broken stitching. Before proceeding to the restoration phase, make sure you repair these problems first.

For leather shoes, use sandpaper on scuff marks until they are no longer visible. If there are any holes or tears in your shoes, use shoe glue to patch them up before polishing. For loose soles, apply shoe or leather glue and secure them with clamps until dry.

For sneakers, use a toothbrush and soapy water to clean rubber soles. If there are any tears in the fabric, you can try using fabric glue to repair them. Apply adhesive to any loose stitching with a toothpick and leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before continuing the restoration process.

Apply a Quality Shoe Polish

To bring back the aesthetic appeal of your old pair and give them new life, applying a quality shoe polish is the key. Quality shoe polish not only restores the original color but also provides a protective layer safeguarding your shoes from the elements.

Choose a polish that matches the color of your shoes, apply it evenly with a clean cloth, and then buff it out to a high shine. This step can truly transform an old, worn-out pair of shoes into a seemingly brand new one.

So, don't throw away your beloved shoes just because they look a bit worn. Instead, reinforce their condition with a good polish and restore their former glory.

Check out our Complete Shoe Shine Kit that comes with everything you need for a thorough shoe restoration – from polishes in brown, black, and neutral shades to a horsehair brush and cloth.

Replace Worn-Out Insoles

Being one of the most overlooked parts of shoe care, replacing worn-out insoles is a critical step that serves as a reminder that shoe repair is not complete without considering the interior of the footwear. Insoles bear the brunt of daily wear and tear, absorbing impact and providing cushioning.

To extend the life of your shoes and maintain optimal comfort, it's advisable to replace the insoles as part of your DIY shoe restoration project. You can find replacement insoles at most shoe stores or online. Make sure to select the ones that are correct for your shoe size and type.

Once you have your new insoles, remove the old ones from the shoes carefully, clean the inside of the shoes using a damp cloth and mild soap, then let them dry naturally. This is a crucial step to rinse out any dirt, grime, and odor that may have accumulated over time.

When the shoes are completely dry, simply insert the new insoles. A dab of shoe goo can help to keep them in place if necessary.

By taking care of the insoles, you are not just rejuvenating the comfort of your old shoes, but also significantly extending their lifespan.

Store Properly for Future Maintenance

Lastly, the way you store your shoes significantly impacts their longevity. Whether it's a pair of heels or an Air Jordan 1, proper storage can help maintain their shape, color, and overall structure. Always remember to kick off your shoes gently to avoid damaging the heel tips. For shoes with laces, don't just tug on the laces, take the time to unlace properly before removing your shoes.

When storing your shoes, avoid heaping them on top of each other as this can deform their shape. Instead, dedicate a suitable space for each pair. Shoes with a higher toe box, like boots, should be stored upright.

You can use boot shapers or simply stuff them with tissue to maintain their shape. For your favorite pair of heels, consider using heel inserts to keep them standing upright.

For shoes that you wear regularly, consider using a shoe tree. It helps maintain the shoe's shape, reduce moisture, and keep it fresh. And if you have a pair of sneakers, especially collectibles like Air Jordan 1, storing them in a dry and cool place is crucial to keep them in pristine condition.

Proper storage also makes future maintenance easier. If your shoes are stored well, cleaning them and replacing worn parts, like laces or heel tips, becomes less time-consuming and more efficient.

Closing Thoughts

Treat your old shoes like a valuable possession and take the time to restore them. Not only are you saving money by not replacing them, but you also get to keep your beloved pair for years to come.

Make sure to invest in quality shoe care products and take proper care of your shoes to avoid the need for frequent restorations. With these tips in mind, you can extend the life of any pair of shoes and keep them looking like new.

Check out Stone and Clark's Amazon store and find all the essential shoe care products you need to restore and maintain your shoes.