Shoes and sneakers are essential elements to our get-up. And over time, our footwear becomes worn out and dirty because they are subjected to all kinds of punishment from constant wearing. So if you can’t get enough of your favorite shoes, then it’s time to restore your kicks provided that it is still wearable.

And if you’re looking for tips on how to go about with this project, then you’ve come to the right place.

Stick around as we are going to tackle some simple ways on how to make old shoes look new again in today’s entry.

Polishing

If you have old leather shoes, one proven way of rejuvenating the look of your worn out Oxford or loafers is through polishing. Not only will this process make your shoes look shiny and new again but it also protects the leather material from heat and moisture, which causes cracks on the surface and reduces the lifespan of your shoes.

Also, polishing shoes will remove scuff marks, scratches, and other signs of wear and tear that make your shoe look dreadfully ugly.

Thorough Washing

To make your shoes look nice and clean, you have to wash them with soap and water. But instead of using laundry detergent, you should use dishwashing soap as it is less strong but has the same cleaning power as the soap used for washing clothes. You’ll also need a used toothbrush and a piece of cloth to brush off stains and to wipe off excess water after rinsing.

Just a piece of advice:

  • Do not dry out leather shoes under direct sunlight as this can cause cracks.
  • When cleaning white canvas shoes, make sure to cover the upper with strips of wet tissue and allow it to dry at room temperature to prevent the fabric from yellowing.

Repainting

White shoes made of canvas may look snappy and clean, but the same can’t be said when they are filled with dirt and mud stains. So if you can’t get rid of these dirt marks no matter how hard you wash them, then the next best option to salvage your sneaks is by repainting them. Just prepare some acrylic or water-based paints and use your imagination to give your shoes a personalized look.

And since shoe repainting is popular these days, it won’t be hard for you to find some design inspirations over the internet. Just use Google or Youtube and you’ll be sure to find a design that fits your style.

Sole Replacement

If your footwear is already losing traction, then it’s time to resole the shoes. Sole replacement is also an effective way of restoring your kicks back to their former glory and it helps give back grip by swapping a busted outsole with a new one.

In the same way, adding a layer of rubber on the sole of your dress shoes increases grip and makes your footwear look stunningly beautiful again.

If you’re looking online for a shoe repair company that can resole work boots, you can try to visit NuShoe and check out their pricing.

Accessorize

And lastly, if your shoes don’t need cleaning but you want to make them look new, all you need to do is swap laces, add buttons, or use markers to design the rubber soles. This way, you’ll be able to wear fresh kicks without having to purchase a new pair.