It’s probably hard to miss: the entire country has come to a standstill because of snowfall. Whether you’re team snowball fight or team curling up under a warm blanket, your sneakers are suffering from the weather conditions, and it’s important to protect them against salt and snow.
For sneakerheads, winter is a challenge. White stains on your suede shoes, salt on your leather pairs. Moisture marks that just won’t disappear. It’s enough to make you decide to store your best pairs in the closet all winter so they won’t risk getting damaged.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right protection, you can still wear your sneakers, even in January. Today, we’ll explain which five materials are extra vulnerable and how to protect them against salt and snow.
Suede sneakers, the most vulnerable option
Suede absorbs moisture like a sponge. Snow melts, seeps into the suede, and leaves water stains behind. Salt is even worse: it attracts moisture and leaves behind white crystals that damage and discolor the suede. That’s why it’s extra important to protect these sneakers against salt and snow. Think of sneakers like Nike Dunk Low suede colorways, Adidas Samba suede versions, and New Balance 550 with suede panels.
How to protect your suede sneakers:
- Spray your sneakers with a protection spray suitable for suede, such as REINS crystalline protection. Apply two layers using the atomizer for maximum protection. Reapply the protective layer every six months and avoid walking in the rain for the first 72 hours after application.
- Brush salt and dirt off your sneakers immediately using a soft brush. Don’t wait until it dries.
- Use a suede eraser for stains and the REINS cleaner for salt marks. Dab, don’t rub, the suede.
Pro tip:
Honestly? If it’s snowing heavily and there’s a lot of road salt, leave your suede sneakers at home. Suede simply isn’t worth the risk.
Nubuck sneakers, the sibling of suede
Nubuck looks very similar to suede, but feels slightly smoother when you run your hand over it. However, it has the same vulnerabilities: moisture absorption, salt damage, and stains. Nubuck is often overlooked because people assume it’s regular leather—and that’s a real shame. Sneakers like Timberland boots (often nubuck), certain Jordan 1 colorways, and premium New Balance models are frequently made from nubuck.
How to protect your nubuck sneakers:
- Treat nubuck the same way as suede: clean your sneakers, protect them every six months with REINS protection, brush them regularly, and clean them immediately after wearing with the REINS cleaner.
- Avoid water-based cleaners and choose products specifically suitable for nubuck. Water-based cleaners often make the problem worse.
- You can recognize nubuck by touch: it feels softer and more velvety than smooth leather, but slightly tighter than suede.
Canvas sneakers, they seem strong but absorb everything
You might think canvas sneakers can survive all weather conditions, but canvas is nothing more than woven fabric. That’s why it’s crucial to protect them against salt and snow. Canvas absorbs salt, snow, and dirt instantly and allows it to penetrate deep into the fibers. Once absorbed, stains and dirt are difficult to remove without intensive cleaning. Examples include Converse Chuck Taylor, Vans Old Skool Canvas, and certain Nike Cortez versions.
How to protect your canvas sneakers:
- Proper protection is essential. Spray your sneakers every six months using the REINS atomizer. Without protection, they become magnets for salt and dirt.
- If you walk through road salt (often without even realizing it), clean your sneakers that same evening. Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth or, for tougher stains, a soft brush with REINS cleaner.
- Stuff your canvas sneakers with newspaper if they get wet and let them dry completely. Damp sneakers increase the risk of mold and odor.
Pro tip:
Canvas is much easier to clean than suede. So if you’re choosing between canvas or suede sneakers in winter, go for canvas.
Leather sneakers, stronger than the rest, but not immune
Leather is more durable and stronger than suede, nubuck, or canvas, but (road) salt can dry the material out. That’s why it’s important to protect leather sneakers against salt and snow as well. Salt can cause the leather to crack, discolor, and become stiff. Salt lines on leather are very difficult to remove if you don’t use the right approach. Think of sneakers like Air Jordan 1 leather, Nike Air Force 1, and Adidas Superstar, which are made of leather.
How to protect your leather sneakers:
- Always spray your leather sneakers with REINS crystalline protection and use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple. This is especially important in winter air.
- Remove (salt) stains immediately with a damp microfiber cloth or the REINS cleaner.
Note:
Premium leather (such as on expensive Jordans) is more sensitive than standard leather. Treat these sneakers with extra care.
Mesh and knit sneakers, modern look but vulnerable
Sneakers made from mesh and knit are lightweight and breathable. Perfect for summer, but problematic in winter. That’s why it’s crucial to protect them against salt and snow. They offer no barrier against moisture or salt—everything goes straight through the material. Examples include Nike Flyknit models, adidas Primeknit, and mesh running shoes.
How to protect your mesh and knit sneakers:
- It’s extra important to protect mesh and knit sneakers against salt and snow in winter. Use the REINS atomizer and protect them for six months.
- Mesh and knit are not waterproof, even after applying REINS crystalline protection. So if your feet get wet, your sneakers are already wet.
- Dry your sneakers carefully. Never use a dryer or place them on a heater. Stuff them with newspaper or let them air-dry naturally.
Note:
Mesh and knit sneakers are not ideal for Dutch winters. Save them for dry days or keep them in your closet until spring.
How do you protect all these materials? The universal routine
Fortunately, protecting all materials against salt and snow works the same way, especially when using the REINS Starter Kit. Follow this routine and your sneakers will be ready to survive the winter.
Before winter starts
- Clean your sneakers thoroughly with the REINS cleaning solution. Crystalline protection does not work on dirty sneakers. Even new sneakers can have factory residue on them.
- Apply the protection using the atomizer. Apply two layers for optimal coverage. The protection lasts six months, so note when it needs to be reapplied.
- You can wear your sneakers right away, but avoid walking in the rain for the next 72 hours. This ensures the protection has enough time to bond properly.
During winter
- Check the weather and think about which sneakers are best to wear. Prevention is better than cure.
- Clean your sneakers immediately after use. Wipe off salt and snow right away; waiting until the next day can already be too late.
- Let your sneakers dry properly. Stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture and let them air out. Never expose them to extreme heat.
- Reapply the protective layer every six months.
Choose less vulnerable materials in winter
In winter, it’s smart to choose sneakers made from materials that are less sensitive:
- Gore-Tex sneakers: waterproof and breathable. Think Nike ACG and Salomon.
- Rubber and synthetic materials: easy to clean. Think Crocs and certain Nike models.
- Treated leather: already coated and more water-resistant.
- Winter-specific releases: designed specifically for bad weather conditions.
Protect or store them, the choice is yours
It’s simple: in January, you either choose to protect your (new) sneakers against salt and snow and wear them, or you store them until spring. If you choose to wear them, always make sure they’re properly protected with REINS crystalline protection and follow the routine above to keep them looking great. It takes a bit of time, but trust us—it pays off.
Choosing to store them is also a good option, because some sneakers simply aren’t worth the risk. Think suede grails, limited editions, and sneakers made from premium materials. Wear those when it’s dry. Just make a conscious choice—you’ll thank yourself later.
