by Shelia West

Created on: March 13, 2009

As much as sneakers cost today, it's only natural that you should want to keep them clean and looking good. With just a little care, you can keep yours looking fresh and new. And while they may not last forever, they will last longer than those that receive little or no care.

The inside of your sneakers are easy to keep clean if you follow the basic rule. That basic rule is: always make sure your feet and socks are clean before you stick them inside your new sneakers. And you should never wear your sneakers without socks. Bare feet often sweat inside new sneakers and leave behind an odor that is extremely hard to get rid of. So just make sure you always wear clean socks with your sneakers.

If you have foot problems, such as athlete's feet, try to treat the problem with medication. And use a medicated spray on your shoes every night. And as before, make sure you always wear clean socks.

Leather exteriors of sneakers should be kept clean and dry. Use a mild soap and sponge or rag to wash off dirt on the surface of the shoes and on the soles. Keep in mind that too much washing is not good for the shoes. It will dry the leather out and cause it to crack or split. After washing, it is a good idea to rub some type of leather oil on the shoes. This will help keep them soft and pliable. It will also keep dirt from settling in cracks in the leather by sealing them.

Cloth sneakers are usually harder to keep clean. The dirt and water soak into the cloth and stain them. Try not to wear them in wet and nasty weather. But if you do get them dirty, don't despair. Just clean them while they are still wet, if possible. Use soapy water and a soft brush to scrub the shoes. Don't over scrub. You could snag the cloth. And believe it or not, some cloth sneakers can be machine washed. Just don't make a habit of it. Wash them on the gentle cycle and air dry them.

Cloth sneakers can also dry out and loose their color. To prevent this, rub some oil into the cloth after it is clean and dry. Be careful not to spot them.

If your sneakers actually lace up, just changing the old shoelaces for new ones will give them a new look. Keep an extra pair of laces on hand.

Another way to help keep your sneakers clean and in good shape is to wear the right sneaker for the type of activity you are planning. And just remember, no matter how well you take care of them, they do get walked on every day. So just don't expect them to last forever.

Learn more about this author, Shelia West.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.