Jordan Sneaker

The Evolution of Sneakers: Who Invented Them & Expert Tips for Care and Maintenance

In the early days, the most popular shoes had hard leather soles and could make sound from the start to the end of a journey. Around the 1870s, the introduction of rubber soles made from Caoutchouc revolutionized the industry with quieter soles. In this article, we are going to be discussing information on who invented the first sneakers from the first canvas shoes. We are going to explore how to take care of our sneakers and how to make a good choice when purchasing a sneaker. Dive in.

Who invented sneakers?

“Sneaker” is a German word meaning to “spy”. After making rubber soles in 1870’s, shoe companies continued making the upper parts from leather. In 1892, a rubber company in Liverpool produced the first pair of canvas with the upper part made of using linen or sailcloth. This first canvas pair fronted the growth and development of the sneaker industry in the world. 

Plimsolls are the most native form of sneakers. The military and gym-goers adapted to them easily because of their lightweight features and simple design. It was made of a rubber sole for providing extra resilience and stomp. The upper part being made of canvas is what gave the shoe its light design and aeration. Plimsolls earned the spot for best selling rubber-soled shoe at the time. It was initially a multifunctional shoe i.e. it could be used for various activities like Beachwear, sports and casual activities.

With time, it gave rise to the development of more specialized sports shoes. This was earned through more sophisticated sneaker brands like Converse, Keds and Adidas. These shoes have cut through multiple decades and they are still worn up-to-date. An accolade to the foundation of the sneaker industry.

Tips on how to protect your sneaker collection

The advantages of taking care of your sneakers are preventing the shoes from falling apart. It also ensures that the soles don’t yellow keeping the elegance intact and also extend their life. This section contains pro tips on how to achieve these milestones.

Cleaning your Sneakers

The most common questions about taking care of sneakers include; How many times should I clean my shoes? What part of the shoes do I clean without damaging its beauty and the products used in the process. First of all, you need to categorize your sneakers collection into a hierarchy. From the casuals you rock regularly and the iconics.

The standard frequency for cleaning daily going sneakers is on a monthly basis depending on the weather conditions. During summer and winter times, it is best to clean the day-to-day sneakers at least once every six months to preserve elegance. The exclusives and iconics are cleaned immediately after use and stored properly.

While cleaning sneakers, use the required products and materials based on the shoe’s texture and material. Reshoevn8r Cleaning Kit comes with a cleaning solution, microfiber ultra soft towel, and brushes. It helps with deep cleaning the shoes from the midsoles to the material.  Jason Mark Premium Shoe Cleaner is also a renowned product for cleaning leather, suede and mesh sneakers. It is able to retrieve the dirt from the material without causing any damage.

The quality of the brush used also matters when cleaning sneakers. Each brush category is suitable for cleaning a specific material. When cleaning the sneaker’s upper part, most especially for suede and knit materials, always use a soft bristle brush to avoid scratches on the material. For midsoles, use a hard bristle brush to successfully remove the dirt. 

After cleaning your sneaker or before moving out, you can use a protective spray to maintain your shoe’s appearance. It adds a protective layer onto the shoe that repels dirt and minor stains keeping the shoes long lasting. The most famous shoe spray is the Crep Protect Spray.

Proper Storage

It is best to store the sneakers on raised ground to avoid them from picking moist from the floor and yellowening. Use proper display cases, most preferably the sneaker boxes for easy access and shelter from dust. Keep the sneakers on a shoe rack and avoid storing them stacked together as this can wear off shiny materials like suede.

Lighting Control

It is best practice to make sure that your shoe room has less access to natural night. This light speeds up the aging and yellowing process of the sneakers. So it is best practice to use devices that emit little light and the best ones are Led lights.

Airflow and Temperature

The temperature and air flow in your sneaker room have to be regulated for a longer sneaker life. You use an Air Conditioning Unit to such out dust such that the shoes don’t get affected. It also helps with temperature regulation. Always make sure the temperature is maintained around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius to prevent the shoes from being affected from extreme cold and hot conditions.

Pet-Free Environment

This is for only pet owners. Always make sure your pets stay away from our shoe room to minimize cases of dandruff, hair or evening the animals peeing in the shoes. Also endeavor to clean the room regularly to minimise the dust and debris that might settle and compile on the sneakers affecting their life.

Conclusion

This article contains information on the history of sneakers from the first Canvas Shoe to the modern trends. Do you want to learn pro tips on how to take care of your sneaker collection? This article got you covered. From the Reshoevn8r Cleaning Kit to the type of brushes needed for each material and the best way to store them. Share your thoughts on the tips you use to take care of yours in the comment section below.

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