December: a wet challenge for your sneakers
It’s December again in the Netherlands. You might already be feeling frustrated: lots of rain, muddy streets, wet leaves, and puddles everywhere. Your sneakers are really put to the test. Day after day you deal with wet feet, muddy soles, and maybe even stubborn water stains that just won’t go away. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this blog, you’ll read how to keep your sneakers clean and dry during one of the wettest months of the year, without spending a huge amount of time.
Why December is a challenge for your sneakers
December may be a festive month, but the weather usually isn’t something to celebrate. It often combines the worst of all seasons. It rains a lot; on average, the Netherlands has about 15 to 18 rainy days in December. That rain creates muddy conditions with wet leaves and soil. We hope for snow, but rarely get it. Instead, it’s cold, wet, and dirty outside.
Despite that, we still go out more: visiting Christmas markets, shopping, and going to parties. The days are short, we see little sunlight, and humidity is often high. The result? Sneakers that become damp almost daily, mud that builds up, and permanent stains if you don’t act quickly.
The December survival strategy for your sneakers
You’re not alone in facing these challenges. With this three-step plan, you’ll be prepared and give your sneakers the attention they need.
Step 1: Check the weather every morning.
- Rain expected? Choose dark, well-protected sneakers.
- Dry weather? Lighter-colored sneakers are fine.
- Uncertain forecast? Bring spare socks, just in case.
Step 2: Avoid puddles and mud.
Choose cleaner routes, even if they’re longer. It’s good for your daily exercise anyway. Walk around large puddles and stick to pavement instead of grass and soil. You can’t always avoid mud, so shake it off before it dries. Wipe wet spots with a microfiber cloth if you have one with you, and try to prevent water from drying into stains.
Step 3: Act immediately when you get home.
The first 30 minutes after coming inside determine whether stains become permanent.
- Take off your shoes at the door and shake off loose mud.
- Wipe visible dirt with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Grab your REINS starter kit and spray some cleaner onto a microfiber cloth.
- Remove stains caused by mud and water.
- Work from clean to dirty to avoid spreading grime.
- Pay extra attention to the soles, where mud builds up in the grooves.
If your sneakers are very wet, remove the laces and insoles and stuff them with newspaper. Place them in a well-ventilated area, never on a heater, to prevent damage. Replace the newspaper every 2–3 hours. Your sneakers are dry when the paper comes out dry.
Removing mud: dry vs. wet
It’s important to remove mud as quickly as possible so it can’t stain. Never rub fresh, wet mud. That only makes things worse.
Let the mud dry about 80%—not completely, but no longer wet. Gently brush it off with a soft brush. Clean what remains with a lightly damp microfiber cloth and, if needed, a bit of REINS cleaner. Finish by wiping with a clean cloth.
If the mud is already completely dry and hard:
- Let it dry fully.
- Tap your sneakers together outside.
- Brush them with a dry, soft brush.
- Treat stubborn areas with REINS cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
- Use an old toothbrush for the sole grooves.
For difficult areas:
- Toothpicks for seams
- Old toothbrushes for perforations
- Cotton swabs for logos and details
Be patient—careful work pays off.
Water stains: the silent killer
Rainwater contains minerals and dirt. When it dries, those remain behind and cause stains. These are especially visible on suede and nubuck, but also on light leather, canvas, and textiles.
To treat water stains:
- Lightly dampen the entire area evenly using a clean microfiber cloth.
- Do not soak it.
- Blot excess moisture.
- Let it dry naturally, never with a hairdryer.
- Brush suede afterward to restore texture.
REINS crystalline protection doesn’t make sneakers fully waterproof, but it prevents dirt from sticking. Rain droplets actually help clean your sneakers instead of damaging them.
Drying your sneakers the right way
In December, humidity in the Netherlands is often between 70–90% and temperatures are low. Sneakers dry slowly, increasing the risk of problems. Mold can develop within 48 hours in damp shoes. Bacteria thrive in moisture, causing bad odors. Constant moisture can weaken glue and damage materials like leather and canvas.
Dry your sneakers properly:
Step 1:
Remove laces and insoles. Shake out water. Pat the outside dry with a microfiber cloth.
Step 2:
Stuff with newspaper or use silica gel packs. Replace paper every 2–3 hours until it stays dry.
Step 3:
Let them air-dry in a well-ventilated area at room temperature (18–22°C).
Avoid direct sunlight and never place them on a heater.
Step 4:
Check that the inside is completely dry, no musty smell, and no deformation.
If you’re in a hurry (use with caution):
- Fan (no heat)
- Tumble dryer at max 30°C
- Rice method
- Hairdryer on cold, 30 cm away
Rotate your sneakers
It can take up to 48 hours for sneakers to dry. Wearing the same pair daily keeps them permanently damp.
Example rotation:
- Pair 1: Monday, Thursday, Sunday (dark leather, protected)
- Pair 2: Tuesday, Friday (different dark style)
- Pair 3: Wednesday, Saturday (lighter color for dry days or beaters for rain)
Maintenance calendar
- Daily: Wipe dirt, dry properly (5 min)
- Twice a week: Deep clean with cleaner (20 min)
- Weekly: Clean insoles and wash laces (20 min)
- Early December: Check protection layers and restock supplies (30 min)
Sneaker care in numbers
Without care, sneakers can look destroyed in one month, forcing replacement (€60–€150).
With proper care:
- REINS Starter Kit: €49.50
- Protects up to 8 pairs ≈ €6 per pair
- Sneakers last much longer and stay easy to clean
Checklist for December
Week 1:
☐ Check protection layers
☐ Store summer sneakers
☐ Prepare care supplies
☐ Plan rotation
Week 2:
☐ Check insoles
☐ Test drying methods
Week 3:
☐ Deep clean
☐ Check cleaner stock
Week 4:
☐ Inspect for damage
☐ Prepare for January
December doesn’t have to be a disaster
With preparation, rotation, and daily care, your sneakers can survive December in style.
Protect them, clean them immediately, dry them properly, and rotate pairs.
These four habits can save you hundreds of euros.
December has begun. Are your sneakers ready?
