December: a busy month for your sneakers too
Your calendar is probably packed: Christmas markets, office parties, family dinners, New Year’s celebrations, and shopping trips through crowded streets. December is socially one of the busiest months of the year. And your sneakers? They get a serious workout. Spilled mulled wine, accidental bumps in crowds, wet and dirty floors in cafés, or that one friend who steps on your fresh white sneakers. Luckily, December doesn’t have to end in tears. In this blog, we’ll show you how to keep your sneakers clean during the busiest social season of the year.
Why your sneakers suffer more in December
In December, your sneakers face a bit more wear and tear than in other months. Why?
- Crowds: December is busy. You visit Christmas markets, shops, and parties. More people means a higher risk of dirty sneakers.
- Food and drinks: Mulled wine, oliebollen, and hot chocolate increase the risk of stains.
- Temperature changes: Moving from the cold streets to a warm bar creates condensation.
- Wet floors: Rainwater gets tracked indoors, making floors wet and slippery.
- Less caution: The festive drinks in December can make you less careful.
- Time pressure: A busy December leaves less time for sneaker care.
On average, we attend 12–15 social events in December. That’s three times more chances for stains than other months. Yet, at least 70% of sneaker damage in December can be prevented. Sneakers are most at risk between December 20 and 24.
Prepare your sneakers for the holidays
Preparation is everything, and sneaker care is no exception. Keep these tips in mind before heading to an event:
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Strategically choose your sneakers:
- Christmas party: Dark, protected sneakers—mud and mulled wine are likely.
- General party: Mid-range sneakers—not your grails, but still presentable.
- Family dinner: Clean and neat sneakers. You’ll mostly be indoors.
- Club/night out: Older sneakers. Drinks get spilled, and toes get stepped on.
- Shopping: Comfortable, protected sneakers. Streets and floors are often wet.
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Protect them: Apply REINS Kristaline Protectie before leaving. Check for existing stains at the start of December, clean if necessary, then apply the protective layer. Avoid walking in the rain for 72 hours. Now your sneakers stay self-cleaning and easy-to-clean for the next six months.
Pro tip: The more crowded and alcohol-fueled an event, the higher the risk. Always bring a clean microfiber cloth for quick stain removal.
During the event
Good preparation helps, but vigilance during events is key:
- Avoid high-risk areas: Stay away from the bar and the dancing crowd.
- Eat and drink carefully: Oliebollen, chocolate, and sauces pose a risk.
- Watch your feet: Don’t stand at entrances on rainy days—wet floors are guaranteed.
Other tips:
- Christmas market: Avoid puddles of mulled wine, check your soles regularly.
- Cafés/restaurants: Sit at a table, not the bar. Watch for wet floors near entrances.
- Clubs: Don’t wear your valuable sneakers. Leave the bar quickly and check for stains.
- Shopping streets: Avoid puddles at entrances. Be careful with takeaway food and crowded stores.
If a stain happens
Even with precautions, stains happen. Act fast:
- Immediate action: Dab, don’t rub, from outside in. Use a tissue or napkin.
- Add water if needed: Lightly moisten a clean tissue or microfiber cloth, then dab the stain.
- Accept the situation: Sometimes, you can’t fully remove it on the spot—treat it thoroughly at home.
Golden tip: The faster you act, the better the results. Sneakers protected with REINS Kristaline Protectie are easy to clean, increasing your chances of on-the-spot stain removal.
After the event
Follow these steps immediately after returning home:
- Initial inspection: Identify stains and damage in good light.
- Emergency cleaning: Treat fresh stains with sneaker cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Mud can wait until the next day.
- Prepare drying: Remove laces and insoles if wet, stuff sneakers with newspaper to absorb moisture and odor, and place in a ventilated area.
- Thorough check: The next day, inspect in daylight and treat remaining stains.
Stain guide for December
- Mulled wine: Dab immediately, then use a lightly damp microfiber cloth with cleaner at home.
- Hot chocolate: Dab, rinse with cold water, clean in circular motions with sneaker cleaner if needed.
- Oliebollen/frying oil: Dab excess, sprinkle cornflour or talc, brush off, clean with a lightly damp cloth and cleaner.
- Beer/alcohol: Dab excess, rinse, then clean with sneaker cleaner.
- Mud: Let dry, brush off, clean remaining stains with a damp cloth and sneaker cleaner. Use an old toothbrush for soles.
- Candle wax: Let harden, scrape with a plastic card, cover with paper towel, iron on low heat, then clean.
December sneaker maintenance
In December, your sneakers require extra attention:
- Daily: Check after each event, treat fresh stains, wipe sneakers before airing.
- Three times a week: Deep clean the most-worn sneakers. Renew protective layer if older than six months.
- Weekly: Inspect all sneakers for dirt, stains, and wear. Deep clean one pair. Check supplies. With the REINS Starterskit, you can protect 8 pairs and clean about 80 times!
Numbers matter: Without maintenance, 2–3 pairs typically suffer permanent stains in December, costing €150–€400, excluding emotional damage.
With REINS Kristaline Protectie, you protect your sneakers for ~€6 per pair for six months, keeping them clean and saving money.
Checklist for December sneakers
Start of December:
☐ Check protective layers
☐ Plan rotation
☐ Set up REINS Starterskit
☐ Check supplies
Before each event:
☐ Assess risk and pick sneakers accordingly
☐ Carry tissues
After each event:
☐ Inspect sneakers for stains
☐ Treat fresh stains
☐ Prepare for drying if needed
Weekly:
☐ Inspect all sneakers
☐ Deep clean one pair
Early January:
☐ Inspect all sneakers
☐ Repair any damage
☐ Rotate sneakers for rest
Enjoy December with protected sneakers
December is the most festive month—celebrate without letting dirty sneakers ruin your mood. Use older sneakers for risky events, protect your valuable sneakers with REINS Kristaline Protectie, and act fast when accidents happen. Clean sneakers and fun go hand in hand. 🎄✨
