Trainers looking tatty? Time for a spruce up.
Hands up if you’ve ever microwaved your trainers!
We all love trainers (sneakers?) but let’s face it, we put them through a lot - and 1 in 3 of us chuck them within less than a year! (Hubbub polling, 2023) And with a single trainer made of up to 65 different parts and multiple materials, they’re pretty hard to recycle.
The good news is, with a little clean and repair as we go, we can maintain our comfiest pairs over time and extend their life. Ready to #LaceUpForLonger?
These tips are part of something bigger. At Hubbub, we want to see a world where everyone makes choices that are good for the environment. Check out what we do and how your actions add up.
1. Stuff shoes with a rolled flannel, or shoe tree if you can spare the coins (a shoe tree is a block shaped like a foot that's placed inside the shoe to preserve its shape and prevent creases).
2. Don’t yank your foot out! Unlace properly to keep the heel strong.
3. Spot cleaning is best for shoes made of multiple fabrics (like trainers!) by making a paste of bicarb soda and water and using a damp cloth or old toothbrush to clean.
4. Don’t put your trainers in the washing machine. While it may be tempting to let the machine do the work for you, expert cobblers have explained to us it's likely to destroy or damage your trainers. Standard settings are too harsh for most trainers and may affect the fabric, the rubber and the glue.
5. Wet shoes? Stuff with newspaper to absorb moisture.
6. Dry indoors or in a warm spot but avoid direct heat or sunlight - it can warp and discolour your sneaks.
7. When you’re not wearing your trainers put teabags or bicarb soda inside to keep them smelling fresh. If using bicarb soda, pour two tablespoons into a coffee filter and seal with a rubber band!
8. Search online for your local shoe repair service or cobblers, and get ready for a transformation! These guys can pull magic on a pair of tatty kicks. Some offer a delivery, and services range from a good ol’ clean up to a total restoration. We took a trusty loved pair for a quick fix-up, check out the results here.
Want to see more care and wear from our trainers? Take two steps forwards and ask brands what they're doing to make better quality trainers that last longer. Check out these templates for writing to brands for inspiration.
Ready for more?
Check out our tips for extending the life of the rest of your clothes
You’ve heard of fast fashion, but have you heard about ‘fast homeware’?
Find out how we’ve partnered with Dunelm to help communities extend the life of pre-loved homeware.