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05/19/2011

How to Clean Slip Resistant Shoes [Part 1: Upper]

By SR Max

How to Clean Slip Resistant Shoes [Part 1: Upper]
We occasionally get the question, "How do I clean my slip resistant work shoes?" After a recent discussion on Twitter, we decided to break this topic down here on Get a Grip!To properly maintain your slip resistant shoes, there are two things you must consider: cleaning the upper and cleaning the outsole. A shoes upper is everything above the sole that covers the sides and top of the foot. This is the majority of the visible part of the shoe. A shoes outsole is the bottom part of the shoe that touches the floor. This is what makes the shoe slip resistant.Todays post will focus on cleaning and caring for a shoe upper.Cleaning A Shoe UpperDifferent shoe uppers are made of different materials. You should verify if yours is made of leather, suede, nubuck, a sport shoe material such as mesh, or even action leather. Each material requires specific care that is different from the others, and educating yourself makes all the difference.Slip Resistant Dress ShoeLeatherIn the case of a leather shoe, you should first clean the upper and then polish it for a nice luster. Starting off, remove the shoelaces from the shoe completely. Then, use a brush or shoe wipe (or clean, soft cloth such as a microfiber towel) to remove any loose debris, baking products, grease, or whatever may have temporarily made your slip resistant dress shoe its new home.Once you have cleaned the shoe upper, you have a choice: shoe polish / shoe cream or an instant shine liquid. If you choose to use a polish or cream, apply it evenly over the surface of the upper using a new brush or clean cloth (do not use the same one you removed the dirt with, or that grime and grit will get into the polish and work itself back into your shoe), and allow it to dry. Once dry, use a natural bristle brush to buff your shoe vigorously until it shines. If you are working with different colored shoes, use separate brushes and cloths for each to avoid staining or color mixing. If you choose to use an instant shoe shine, simply follow the same directions, except there is no need to buff your shoe with the natural bristle brush, because the shine liquid will do the work for you.Best Winter Boots - RaleighSuede & NubuckThe best method for cleaning your slip resistant shoes that have suede or nubuck uppers is by using a suede and nubuck brush. A good quality brush will have the ability to remove dirt and debris while roughing up the fibers evenly for a classy look. These type of shoes should be brushed and waterproofed regularly. If they get wet, stuff them with packing paper or newsprint while they dry to help them maintain their shape.Slip Resistant SneakerAthletic ShoeIf your shoes feature mesh or athletic shoe material, they should be cleaned using a shoe brush and waterproofed if possible, especially if you work in a high liquid environment. Polish can also help a tired shoe regain its former fantastic appearance.Remember that cleaning your shoes is a great time to apply a waterproofing agent to your shoes. This should be done more regularly based on the environment in which you are working. Beeswax is very popular for waterproofing shoes that are used in messy environments, but there are spray protectants that will provide a slightly nicer looking finish. Consider your needs before waterproofing, and examine the products carefully.Want to learn more? Visit us at srmax.comto purchase your slip resistant shoes and learn more!  

Categories: Q & A  |  Authored by: SR Max  |  Posted: 05/19/2011