You scored a great deal—now what?
It’s Black Friday, and the best deals are everywhere. You finally got your hands on those sneakers you’ve been drooling over for weeks. You spotted a deal with 30%, 40%, or even 50% off. Amazing! Well done!
But now the real work begins: how do you know if you actually bought quality? And even more importantly—how do you make sure your bargain doesn’t become worthless in just a few months? In this blog, we’ll show you how to check the quality of your new sneakers and how to protect them optimally against dirt and stains.
Why you need to be extra careful on Black Friday
Not all Black Friday deals are the same. Sometimes you find a real bargain—a product from a previous season or excess stock. Other deals are less impressive. You think you’re getting a steal, but end up with B-grade items or production flaws. The difference is in the details, and REINS helps you distinguish A-quality from B-quality.
Black Friday sneaker deals can be divided into three categories. It’s important to know the difference so you can place your purchase in the right ‘box’.
- Premium deals: sneakers from the previous season, still in perfect condition, on sale purely because there’s too much stock.
- Good deals: sneakers with minor imperfections, often outlet quality, but perfectly wearable.
- Questionable deals: these include returned sneakers, B-stock items, or shoes with production defects. Sometimes they can’t even be saved.
The key is knowing what you have (or are getting) and adjusting your sneaker care accordingly.
The quality check
Pay attention to the following 10 points to properly check the quality of your (new) sneakers:
- Check the glue joints. This is the most common issue. Ask yourself: is the sole fully glued? Are there no loose spots? Are glue residues visible on the material? Are the glue lines even rather than clumpy? Red flags include a loose heel or toe, yellow glue marks on white material, and uneven glue lines—often a sign of rushed gluing. Poor glue can lead to sole separation within 3 to 6 months of purchase.
- Check the stitching and seams. Ask: are the seams straight and even? Are there loose threads? Is the stitching symmetrical on both shoes? Red flags include zigzag stitching (poor craftsmanship), loose threads in key areas, or differences in seam quality between the left and right shoe.
- Inspect the material quality. Ask different questions depending on the material:
- Leather: is it soft or stiff? Soft leather is better. Is the color even? Are there cracks or dry spots?
- Suede: does it have a soft, velvety texture? Any bald spots? Is the color even?
- Canvas or mesh: are the sneakers tightly woven? Any fraying? Is the tension even?
- Check color consistency. Compare left and right shoes—are the colors identical? No discoloration or stains? Tip: place your sneakers in daylight; artificial light can hide differences.
- Inspect the sole condition. Look for sharp, deep tread. Any signs of wear? Check if the rubber is flexible; it shouldn’t be hard. Red flags: worn tread (used shoes), hard/brittle rubber (old stock), yellow discoloration (oxidation).
- Check the inside and insoles. Inspect: is the interior clean? Are the insoles flat and spotless? Any unusual odors? Red flags: sweat smells (used shoes) or deformed insoles. New sneakers should have no dirt or stains inside.
- Don’t forget packaging and accessories. Ask: is the original box in good condition? Are all extra laces included? Are tags and labels complete? This is especially valuable for collectors or those reselling sneakers; missing packaging can reduce resale value by 20–30%.
- Check size and fit. Try both shoes on a clean floor. Are they identical in fit? Any pressure points or friction? Red flags: different fits between shoes or unexpected tight spots.
- Check authenticity. Crucial for premium brands. Confirm: does the SKU on the shoe label match the SKU on the box? How is the logo and branding quality? Does the production date make sense? Fake sneakers can appear on Black Friday, so if in doubt, always consult online authenticity guides.
- Check overall condition. Make sure the sneakers smell fresh, not chemical or musty. Look for unexplained stains or marks. Do they feel new to the touch?
What to do if there’s a problem
Not every issue means you must return your sneakers immediately. Some problems can be fixed. REINS can help you decide whether to solve them yourself or return them to the seller.
- Minor imperfections are easy to fix yourself: remove small glue residues, trim a loose thread (only a single thread), and don’t worry about slight color variations in leather or a slightly damaged box. Keep your order and use a good protective spray to prevent dirt and stains.
- Moderate issues may warrant a return: loose threads in key areas, visible glue marks in prominent spots, slight color differences, or missing accessories. Ask yourself if the discount outweighs the imperfections. If you decide to keep them, protect the shoes with the REINS starter kit.
- Major issues should lead to a return: loose sole, signs of wear such as sweat or abrasion, large color differences, mismatched fit, or suspected fake sneakers. Make sure to return within the return period—no deal is worth accepting poor quality.
Optimally protecting your (Black Friday) sneakers
Once you’ve checked your purchase and quality is good, keeping them in top condition starts now. With proper, high-quality protection, you preserve their value.
Follow this schedule to give your sneakers the care they deserve:
- Immediately after receipt: Inspect thoroughly using the checklist above. Take photos from all angles as proof of condition. Wipe the sneakers with a dry microfiber cloth and let them air out for 2–3 hours.
- In the evening: Clean your sneakers with REINS cleaner to remove dust and factory residues. Use the sprayer to apply two layers of protection: one from top to bottom, the other from left to right. This ensures full coverage. Sneakers can be worn immediately, but protection fully sets after 72 hours, so avoid rain during this time.
Tip: The REINS ultrasonic sprayer provides an even protective layer—especially important for outlet and sale items that may be older.
From bargain to investment
Some sneakers are worth money or may become very valuable. A Black Friday deal can be a good investment if handled correctly. Keep the original box, laces, and tags—especially for limited editions. Keep the proof of purchase as proof of authenticity. Take photos after delivery and track condition updates when wearing the sneakers. Protecting them with REINS spray increases value: unworn and protected sneakers hold the highest value, worn but well-maintained sneakers retain good value, while unprotected worn sneakers lose 50–70% of their value.
Example: You buy sneakers for €80 on Black Friday (original price €160) but don’t protect them. After six months, wear and stains reduce resale value to €20–30. If you use the REINS starter kit (€6 per pair) and prevent wear, the sneakers still look very good after six months and can be resold for €60–80.
(Black Friday) sneaker quality checklist
Within 2 hours of receipt: Inspection
☐ Full quality check
☐ Take photos from all angles
☐ Decide whether to keep or return
Within 4 hours: Preparation
☐ Wipe sneakers with a dry microfiber cloth
☐ Let sneakers air out
Within 24 hours: Protection
☐ Clean with REINS cleaner
☐ Apply two layers of protection with ultrasonic sprayer
☐ Avoid getting sneakers wet for 72 hours
Black Friday deal checklist
A good deal isn’t just about a low price; consider:
☐ Good quality via REINS checklist
☐ Significant discount (~30% off regular price)
☐ Complete packaging and accessories
☐ Correct size and desired model
☐ Possibility to protect and maintain sneakers properly
Say yes to four out of five points: good deal. All five: jackpot!
From bargain to prized possession
A Black Friday deal doesn’t have to be inferior to a full-price purchase. With inspection, protection, and a little care, these sneakers can last as long—or longer—than the full-price version. The key? Treat your Black Friday sneakers not as disposable items, but as investments worthy of protection. €6 in protective products can make the difference between a bargain that becomes worthless and a deal you enjoy for years.
Just scored Black Friday sneakers? Check out our protection and care products to preserve your deal and its value. Because a bargain is only a bargain if it lasts.
