Putting it into practice: caring for white leather sneakers with SHOE SHAME.

"When should I wash my favorite sneakers?"

It's only natural to want to take care of the things you love and use them for a long time. And yet, many of us struggle to find the time for maintenance, or feel that caring for our belongings is somehow a bit of a hassle. Perhaps you've experienced this kind of dilemma yourself.

A staff favorite—the white leather sneakers by VEJA—also appeared to have gone unwashed for a while. When we asked about it, the staff member told us that while they had washed the sneakers frequently at first, they had recently been putting it off. Even when thinking "I need to set aside time on my day off to wash my sneakers," other plans or a backlog of household chores tend to get in the way, pushing the task further down the list. Part of the reason may also be that "washing" isn't just about washing—you also have to prepare the tools and find a place to do it.

Keeping things clean by tending to them the moment you notice a spot 

For example, washing clothes in a washing machine has become such a habit that it doesn't feel nearly as daunting as "washing shoes." That's why clothes rarely stay dirty long enough to bother us. Likewise, if you make a habit of keeping certain areas clean—like around the sink—you can maintain that cleanliness by quickly wiping away dirt the moment you notice it.

Much like those examples, being able to wash your sneakers the moment you notice they're dirty is one of the great benefits of the SHOE SHAME sneaker cleaning kit. There's no need to fill a large bucket with water, secure a place to wash, or switch between different detergents depending on the material. Let's compare a typical way of cleaning sneakers with the SHOE SHAME method.

[Typical sneaker care]

1. Preparation: Fill a bucket with water in a place where getting wet is okay (like a bathroom). Prepare detergent and a brush suited to the material.

2. Removing dirt: Scrub the dirty areas with a detergent-soaked brush.

3. Rinsing and drying: Rinse off the detergent thoroughly with water, then let dry naturally.

[With SHOE SHAME]

1. Preparation: Fill the included case with water, and dampen a brush with water after applying one pump of cleaner gel.

2. Removing dirt: Scrub the dirty areas with the brush, and once the dirt lifts, wipe it away with a soft cloth.

3. Drying: Let dry naturally.

The simplicity is clear just from the illustration on the back of the gel package.

There's no need to roll up your sleeves at the sink or in the bathroom—just scrub with the brush and wipe away with a soft cloth. Since the required space is compact, and the included case can double as a tray, you can even wash your sneakers quickly right by the entryway. Dirt tends to set in if left alone, so it's best to remove it early. But just how much dirt can you really remove with something this simple? Curious, our staff decided to try it out and see for themselves.

Washing white leather sneakers worn for two and a half years 

Sneakers being cared for: V-10 Leather Sneakers, White/Black / VEJA

Years worn: about 2.5 years

"White leather sneakers don't look too casual, so they're versatile and I wear them often. For about the last six months, I kept meaning to wash them but never got around to it..."

The toes get dirty easily, but they're also the most noticeable part.

Now, let's get started using the Sneaker Cleaning Set: Lose the Dirt Kit , which comes with all the basics included.

What you'll need:

・Sneaker Cleaning Set: Lose the Dirt Kit (cleaner gel, brush, tray)

・The sneakers you want to wash

・A soft cloth

That's all. It's nice not having to switch detergents or brushes depending on the material.

1. Preparation: Fill the included case with water, and dampen a brush with water after applying one pump of cleaner gel.

The brush has two sides—one with soft bristles for the upper, and one with stiff bristles for the sole. After applying the cleaner gel, dip it in the water-filled tray.

2. Removing dirt:

Scrub the dirty areas with the brush, and once the dirt lifts, wipe it away with a soft cloth.

"There's a scent, but it's not too strong—kind of like hair styling product. It lathers up quickly once you start scrubbing."

After wiping it away, the difference is immediately noticeable.

Perhaps because so little water and cleaner are used, another nice point is that moisture doesn't seep into the inside of the shoe during washing. Unlike a full wash where the entire shoe gets soaked, wiping it down afterward removes most of the moisture right away.

While we were at it, we decided to try washing another staff member's personal suede sneakers as well. Since suede is a delicate material, we worked gently and carefully. As a result, these too were cleaned without any issues, and no stains were left behind.

※Depending on the material and condition of the shoes, some seepage, staining, or color fading may occur on the inside. Dyed materials can sometimes fade in color just from contact with water, so please be sure to test in an inconspicuous area before use.

At a glance, the dirt didn't seem too noticeable, but wiping with a cloth revealed grime. Even if it's not clearly visible, daily wear does accumulate dirt.

3. Drying: Let dry naturally.

Considering everything up to step 3 before drying, it takes less than 15 minutes. What's more, the drying time itself is short—placed in a well-ventilated spot, the shoes dried in about 3 hours. Washing the entire shoe can sometimes take half a day to a full day to dry, so this method saves time in that respect too.

Comparing before and after washing, the difference is obvious at a glance.

"It's so satisfying that just a quick wash at the entryway can make them this clean! It's really convenient. Now I want to try washing my other sneakers too," said one of our staff members.

With so few items required and such a simple process, this sneaker cleaning set is perfect for anyone who feels intimidated by shoe care. And ZUTTO has another special set to offer as well.

For those who want to take care of aftercare as well, there's the special "Ultimate kit" set.

・Can also protect and deodorize after removing dirt,  Sneaker Cleaning Set Ultimate kit

In addition to the items included in the basic Lose the dirt kit, this set includes items that protect your sneakers from dirt even after washing.

✓ Solves bothersome scuffs and yellowing: Remember white (covering color)

Scuffs and yellowing are especially noticeable on white sneakers. For stains that won't come out even after washing, whiten them with color to make them less noticeable. This not only camouflages dirt but also prevents discoloration from UV rays.

✓ Keep clean with bacteria removal and deodorizing: Sweet feet (antibacterial deodorizing spray)

A spray that removes bacteria and provides 24 hours of deodorizing effect. Just a quick spray at the end of the day means you'll enjoy putting your shoes on comfortably again the next morning.

✓ Quickly wipe away dirt even when out and about: Wipe and walk (wet wipes)

Convenient portable wet-wipe-style dirt remover. It has two different textures on each side—use the dotted side to wipe away dirt, and the soft side for an overall finishing wipe.

✓ Perfect for the final touch: Shoe shield (anti-stain spray)

A protective spray that guards against dirt and water. It's fragrance-free and safe to use indoors.

A special set that also makes a great gift for sneaker lovers.

With each passing day getting warmer, taking care of your shoes now in preparation for a day of full-on outings will surely make heading out that much more enjoyable. If dirt can be removed this easily, you'll be able to wear your favorite shoes often without hesitation.

▽Click here for the SHOE SHAME brand page