How to Care for Sneakers in Winter

Winter is the toughest test for sneakers. Road de-icers eat away at materials, moisture warps the shape, and sharp temperature swings damage the glue and the sole. A premium pair deserves proper care, and a few simple habits will extend its life for years. Below is a complete winter care system: from preparing for the season to proper storage.

Preparing before the season

Before stepping out into the snow in your sneakers, treat them with a water-repellent product. It creates an invisible barrier that keeps moisture and salt from penetrating the material. For suede and nubuck, use special sprays; for leather, use water-repellent creams. Repeat the treatment every one to two weeks of active wear. Apply the product to a clean, dry surface, otherwise you’ll seal the dirt inside.

Tools worth keeping on hand

• Water-repellent spray — separate ones for suede and for smooth leather;
• A soft natural-bristle brush — for dry cleaning of suede;
• Microfiber — for gentle wiping of leather;
• A special suede eraser — removes dried salt stains;
• Shoe trees or dry paper — hold the shape while drying.

Daily salt removal

Salt streaks aren’t just a cosmetic problem: salt dries out leather and breaks down fibers. When you get home, wipe your sneakers with a damp cloth, removing fresh traces of de-icers. If the streaks have already dried, dissolve a spoonful of vinegar in a glass of warm water, dampen a soft cloth, and gently treat the problem areas. For suede, instead of wet cleaning, use a dry brush and a special eraser.

How to dry them properly

Never place wet sneakers on a radiator or near a heater — direct heat over-dries the leather, corrodes the glue, and warps the sole. Instead, follow this order:

• Remove the insoles and laces — they dry separately;
• Stuff the shoes with dry paper or newspaper, which absorbs moisture and holds the shape;
• Place the pair at room temperature, away from heat sources;
• Change the paper several times until it stays dry.

Protecting the sole and seams

The seams and glued areas suffer most in winter. Inspect them regularly: if you notice the glue starting to come away, don’t wear the pair in wet weather until it’s repaired. Soles with clear or icy inserts should be protected from sharp cold — they become brittle and yellow faster. In hard frost, the rubber sole also hardens, so avoid sharp impacts against ice.

Different materials need different approaches

• Suede and nubuck — dry brushing only, regular water-repellent spray, no contact with a wet cloth;
• Smooth leather — wipe with microfiber, nourishing cream after drying;
• Textile and mesh — gentle cleaning, thorough drying from the inside;
• Patent leather — dry microfiber only, since abrasives scratch the surface.

Fighting salt streaks step by step

White de-icer streaks are the main winter problem, but you can remove them without harming the material if you act correctly:

• Let the sneakers dry completely — cleaning a wet material will only smear the salt;
• Prepare a solution: one part white vinegar to two parts warm water;
• Dampen a soft cloth, wring it out well, and gently wipe the streaks with motions from the edge toward the center of the stain;
• Remove the residue of the solution with a clean damp cloth;
• Stuff with paper again and dry at room temperature.

Vinegar is not suitable for suede — there, only a dry brush and a special suede eraser work, with which you gently rub away the dried traces.

Odor and freshness on the inside

In winter, the foot sweats inside warm footwear, and the moisture doesn’t have time to air out — hence the unpleasant odor. To keep the pair fresh, follow a few simple habits:

• Remove the insoles after each active day to let them dry;
• Use dry scented sachets or special absorbent tablets overnight;
• Air out the footwear on the balcony once a week (but not in the cold for brittle soles);
• If needed, treat the interior with an antibacterial shoe spray.

Rotating pairs and storage

Don’t wear one pair every day — give your sneakers at least a day to dry completely on the inside. Constant moisture leads to odor and breakdown of the inner layer. Store pairs in a ventilated place, away from direct heat sources. For off-season storage, use shoe trees or fill the footwear with paper so it doesn’t lose its shape, and keep the box in a dry place free of temperature swings.

Pick the right products and a new pair

Quality care starts with the right tools. Browse the care accessories and the latest models in our catalog and refresh your winter wardrobe in the sneakers section. Have questions about caring for a specific pair? Write to contacts, and we’ll recommend products tailored to your material.