This is the right way to protect your sneakers from dirt and grime:
Every one of us knows it: We’ve bought a pair of new sneakers and want to take them out right away. But before you take your new sneakers out for the first time, you should definitely impregnate them. That way you can extend the longevity of your shoes and they won’t get dirty straight away. We at the 43einhalb crew have just as good a relationship with rotten trainers as rapper Gucci Mane has with US prisons, and that’s exactly why we’re showing you today why it’s important to properly waterproof your shoes.
What is actually impregnation?
“Impregnation” or “water-proofing” refers to an additional and/or a regularly applied element to the surface of the sneakers. With impregnation, a so-called impregnating substance is applied to the material, which contributes to the refinement and protection of your sneakers. The application of these substances ensures that your sneakers become water-repellent. The sneaker is then covered with a sprayable membrane that protects against all kinds of stains and scuffs. At the same time, the materials remain 100% breathable.
A distinction is made between two different types of impregnation: spray and wax. The spray is particularly effective on rough leather and synthetic materials. The wax, on the other hand, should be used on smooth leather. It cares for the leather, but also makes it a little darker.
Why should you protect your sneakers at all?
If you want to keep your kicks rocking in autumn and winter, there’s no getting around waterproofing when it comes to sneaker care. There are materials that are naturally very sensitive to moisture and humidity. These include nubuck leather and suede, for example.
Especially with these types of leather, it can happen that the shoes start to mould if they are not properly cared for. But that’s not the only reason why you should waterproof your kicks. Besides moisture, your sneakers are also protected against dirt and grime. You’ll notice this the next time you clean them. The protection of the impregnation also makes it much easier to get your treasures clean again. In addition, the colours of the upper materials remain beautiful and vibrant for a long time.
How often should you impregnate?
We recommend that you regularly waterproof your trainers. A period of four to six weeks is a good guideline. However, it depends on how often you wear a specific pair. This is because wearing your shoes causes the protective layer to wear off and needs to be renewed. You should also consider how sensitive the material of your sneakers is and how much care it requires. But especially at the beginning of the cold season, it certainly makes sense to unpack your sneaker collection and treat it properly with the waterproofing spray.
How are sneakers properly waterproofed?
The best time to waterproof your sneakers is immediately after buying them. If they are already worn, you should of course clean them first before impregnating them. After cleaning, however, you should make sure that the shoes are dry before you start impregnating them. In the second step, you start impregnating, spraying the entire shoe with the impregnation spray at intervals of 20 to 30 centimeters. This process should be repeated two to three times and then the shoes should rest a little longer so that the layer can dry. To prevent damage to health, impregnation should take place outdoors in a well-ventilated area. The aerosols should not come into contact with the human respiratory tract.
What brands are available at 43einhalb?
In our shop you will find a wide range of protective and waterproofing sprays. You can’t go wrong with the classics from Jason Markk, Collonil, Crep or Solitaire. No matter which brand you choose: Your sneakers will be perfectly protected!
Is impregnation harmful to the environment?
Unjustly, impregnation spray has a bad reputation in the area of environmental compatibility. Since most manufacturers use pump spray technologies, the emission of propellant gases is excluded. The CFC-free aerosols have no negative impact on the environment. So, you don’t need to worry because the major manufacturers use environmentally friendly ingredients in their products.
Cleaning and impregnation stuff
