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A Q&A on How to Care for Your Jordans

Expert Advice

A Q&A on How to Care for Your Jordans

Jan 14, 2025

So, you’ve cracked open a fresh box of Air Jordan 1 Retros, or you’re planning on wearing that pair of deadstock AJ 12s you recently scored. How do you ensure your Jordans look as good as the day you first got them? Maybe you plan to keep them in your sneaker collection forever, or you want to sell them on a third-party site in a few years. 

Regardless of your current and future goals for your sneakers, here are some FAQs we often get on how to prevent damage to Nike Jordans and how to keep them in pristine condition, whether you’re wearing them every day or admiring them from their shelf.

Understanding the Legacy of the Jumpman

How do I keep my Jordans in good condition?

Store them in a cool, dry place, use shoe trees, clean them regularly, and avoid harsh weather conditions.

How to take care of a pair of Jordans?

Keep them clean, use a sneaker protector spray, and store them in their box or on a shelf.

What cleaning supplies do I need to take care of my Jordans?

What cleaning supplies do I need to take care of my Jordans?

Can you give me the step-by-step process for how to clean Jordans?

  • Remove Laces and Insoles: This allows you to clean every part of the shoe thoroughly. 
  • Brush Off Loose Dirt: Use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove dirt, dust and debris from the surface of the shoes. Pay special attention to seams and crevices.
  • Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap or sneaker cleaner with warm water in a bowl. Avoid harsh detergents.
  • Clean the Uppers: Dip the brush or a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the uppers. Use circular motions to lift dirt without damaging the fabric or leather. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of sneaker cleaner directly to the spot.
  • Clean the Soles: Use a slightly firmer brush or a magic eraser to scrub the midsoles and outsoles. 
  • Wipe Down and Dry: Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any soap residue. Pat the shoes dry with a towel. Avoid air drying in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
  • Reassemble and Store: Once everything is dry, re-lace the shoes and insert the insoles. 

How do I keep my Jordans from creasing?

How do I keep my Jordans from creasing?

Trying to figure out how not to crease Jordans? Crease protectors or shoe trees are your sneaker BFFs for storage. When you’re wearing your Jordans, avoid over-tightening the laces or excessive bending while walking.

How do I protect my Jordans?

Apply a sneaker protector spray, avoid harsh conditions, and handle your sneakers carefully during wear and storage.

How do I preserve my Jordans?

How do I preserve my Jordans?

Keep them clean, store them in their box with silica gel packs to reduce moisture, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

How to prevent Jordans from crumbling?

Even the best-made shoes aren’t resistant to breaking down if not stored properly. In other words, keeping a box of Jordans in your attic will definitely get your crumbling rubber outsoles and cracked leather. Store them in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures, and consider wearing them occasionally to prevent sole deterioration.

How do I make my Jordan laces last longer?

How do I make my Jordan laces last longer?

While you should avoid overtightening them, when you take your laces off the shoe to clean them, make sure you’re hand-washing with mild soap and water when dirty, avoiding harsh scrubbing. It’s also a good idea to alternate between multiple pairs of laces to reduce wear and tear on a single set.

How can I make my Jordans last longer?

In addition to giving them a quick wipe-down after each wear, rotate wear, clean them regularly, store them properly, and avoid exposing them to harsh conditions.

What are the best ways to store Jordans?

Maintaining their shape, preventing damage and minimizing environmental exposure are the keys to storage. Silica gel packs placed in boxes help absorb moisture to prevent any mold or mildew. Wrapping your Jordans in acid-free tissue paper can help prevent material discoloration. Also, if you’re storing your sneakers in boxes, open them periodically for airflow and to prevent moisture buildup or odors. If you’re not storing them in the sneaker boxes, select clear plastic shoe storage cases to protect them from dust while keeping them visible.

What are some common mistakes when cleaning Jordans?

What are some common mistakes when cleaning Jordans?

Using harsh chemicals, submerging shoes in water, skipping a spot test or drying with heat can damage your Jordans.

Whether it’s your first or your 50th, a pair of Air Jordans is an investment into the sneaker lifestyle. Shop all your favorites at Hibbett. 

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