Sneakerheads have sneakers. Yes, sneakers are shoes, but not really. Or arguably, sneakers are shoes with social lives. How about we draw the line there? Now, about your sneaker storage complexes.
Cardboard Box Dilemma Solved!
Yes, there’s the actual cardboard boxes that you buy your sneakers in. And yes, they add value to your sneakers on the resale market. So, if you know you’ll be buying and reselling in a jiffy, original cardboard boxes shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll also find a section on how to preserve cardboard boxes for resale. But if you’re determined to keep AND PRESERVE your sneakers, we recommend you hang out here for a while. And deal with the boxes separately.
Sneaker Storage with Cardboard Boxes: PRO & CON!
The PRO of cardboard boxes conveniently marching their way into your room or closet leads to the CON of them not lasting long. (Applicable to the boxes and the sneakers)! And getting crushed. A lot. And don’t get us started on that slightly acidic wrapping paper that tests negative for preservation!
But we don’t need to get all worked up because you’re looking for time-proof. Now that doesn’t mean going bankrupt for a custom-built display closet. As magnetic as that sounds, there are other solutions that can get the job done AND save your mortgage. AND keep the grocery bags coming in.
So, you either want a long-term or a short-term sneaker storage solution. And we got them both.
Here’s a safe and efficient solution to long-term sneaker storage:
CLEAR CONTAINERS OR ZIPLOC BAGS
(For unmatched quality, we recommend The Container Store).
Who’s got the sneaker storage edge?
Clear containers have an edge over Ziploc bags in that they’re Instagram-friendly! And we don’t need to stress this more: sneakers have social lives. BUT Ziploc bags also have an edge over plastic containers in that they provide a more air-sealed environment. Not a major difference though, so that’s your call.
A dry, dark, dust-free environment!
The first point is that they provide a dust-free environment. And having dust-mites pulls you right out of the game. Second point is that since they’re clear, you’ll want to make sure you store them in a cool environment without exposure to harmful UV rays that cause sneaker discoloration. Meaning, no sunlight. And more specifically, in a cool, dark, humid-free environment.
If you’re living among a surplus of sneaker population and can afford it, don’t hesitate to rent out a climate controlled storage room. But since that is not a feasible option for many, here’s an alternative: installed dehumidifier. That should get the job done. You can check Crep Protect for premium quality UV-protected crates! And if you got the sun covered and are looking for efficiency, there are containers for under $5 that sneakerheads swear by!
Moisture: the yellow sneaker storage death-trap!
Moisture: the yellow sneaker storage death-trap!Although moisture is a yellow sneaker death-trap, it’s not entirely bad. Which is why you have to be careful with those Silica gel satchels. So what they do is suck up the moisture from your kicks. Which is good. Because moisture, though manageable yet definite, makes your sneakers yellow. BUT what they also do is suck up the moisture your midsoles need to survive. Or keep from cracking. So you’ve got to find the right balance there.
No need to over-protect. Just keep them cool in a dark environment and you’re all set. We also don’t mean to crack right through your soul, but sneakers will naturally turn yellow. Due to oxidation, it’s inevitable. This is just to really slow their doom. Which is why it’s preferable to buy containers without ventilation holes if you’re going long-term.
Your Sneakers Also Need a Breather!
Since we’re on the subject of inevitable doom, here’s another crucial tip. RELEASE THEM every once in a while. We know this may come off as a contradiction to everything we just pinpointed. But try not to overlook it. You wouldn’t want to come home in a couple years to sneakers that look like they’ve suffered a gas leak.
Air Them Out for 24 Hours!
So, don’t go without airing them out for over a month. Sure they can last for more than that, but we’re entirely committed over here. And let them breathe, for a good 24 hours if you can, especially if you’ve worn them.
Filling Your Sneakers Makes Them Sturdy!
If you’re determined to keep them on ice, inserts won’t hurt them. In fact, if you don’t want to put them on, inserts can help adjust their actual size and prevent shrinkage. Shrinkage weakens the glue. Fill in your shoes to strengthen the glue. Keep these creases to a minimum and keep the midsoles from cracking. They are made to be worn and by fulfilling their purpose, you are helping their framework mould comfortably to the shape of your feet! But if you’re still hesitant about wearing them, you can maintain your sneakers with Shoe Shapes instead.
Size ALWAYS Matters (…even in sneaker storage).
Although storing your sneakers in a cool, dry environment is vital for their longevity, you shouldn’t be too careful with them. Unless it’s about the size of your containers! Always make sure the size of your container gives adequate room for your sneakers. To prevent scratches and damaged threads. And whatever you do, don’t jam them in. You wouldn’t want anyone jamming your feet into a tight pair of sneakers, right? Well, neither do they.
Bottomline, make sure your sneakers are contained in a dark, humid-free environment. And let them out for a breather every other month or so. Again, do not be terrified to wear them. What they’re built for, friend.
Now, if you’re not looking for long-term and need a short-term storage solution for your daily kicks, here’s what you need:
OPEN SHOE RACKS/SHELVING UNITS
Keep in mind that with short-term storage, it’s more about organization. Yes, organizing your sneakers on floor space does work, but why risk breaking your leg in the middle of the night? Going north is key. Meaning, if you keep your sneakers on the floor, you will eventually create…the pile. And we’re not going into that, literally. You’d spend half your life trying to match a pair only to find it half-suffocated. Talk about star-crossed.
Deciding on how you organize your daily kicks is up to you. Whether you prefer floating shelves, regular shelves, closet racks, or out-in-the-open racks. Go personal with it. BUT no matter which solution you pick, here are tips that apply to them all.
Convenience
Keep together the sneakers you know you’ll be wearing on a daily basis. Keep them within your reach and on the same shelf or rack. To avoid wasting time scanning your entire sneaker collection on a busy morning!
Personal Map to Sneaker Storage Town
Being obsessed with organization brings you a long way! Whether it is by color, style, brand, collab, or even price range, ALWAYS keep your sneakers organized. We all have a hierarchy of priorities programmed into our heads! All you have to do is organize your sneakers based on what makes them similar or different to you! Think of it as your happy ending map to sneaker town!
Yes to Air Circulation, No to Sun!
Yes to Air Circulation, No to Sun!Since you’re wearing these kicks every other day, you’ve got to keep them ventilated. Air them out. Which is why open structures are recommended. But that does NOT mean they also need a tanning session every morning. Remember, it’s cool OVER heat in the sneaker preservation business!
Optional Shoe Trees
Shoe Trees are a double-edged weapon. So you’ll want to be careful with them. Although they keep the fit adjusted, they can also stretch out leather and fabrics over time. So they might not be for your daily kicks. They’re more for your occasional kicks. The ones you wear on casual dates and let’s say, a couple other times a month. They’re for the kicks you don’t wear every day but that you know you’ll be wearing soon enough.
CLEANLINESS: Or Else, Don’t Bother.
Do NOT under any circumstance neglect cleaning or drying your sneakers! LIVE by our step-by-step guide for Yeezys and Jordans you might as well sleep in! And other sneakers with the same materials, really. Like we said, we’re just that committed.
For a Quick Clean on a Busy Day!
If you’re not up for a deep shoe cleaning session, you can pull out a pack of Shoe Rescue wipes to remove surface stains instantaneously. Don’t neglect the dirty bits!
Got a Stink Problem Too?
If you’ve got that lingering stink that’s got your kicks smelling like microwaved feet, not to worry! Sneakerheads swear by Mini Moso Charcoal Deodorizers. You just buy them and slip them into your sneakers like fat socks. Plus, they’re natural, non-toxic, and highly absorbent. They’ll solve your stink situation in a week without the reminder that you even put them there! Pretty sustainable. And you’ve also got Sneaker Balls to boost your Daddy clean and cool factor.
The Promised Section: Dealing with Post-Sneaker Storage Cardboard Boxes!
If you’re NOT interested in reselling your professionally preserved, deodorized kicks, this isn’t for you. Remember we said that original cardboard boxes increase resale value? Well, it’s true. And this section will teach you how to preserve those real-deal boxes to hype up your resale game!
Make Them Collapse!
Cardboard boxes are collapsible. You know, since they’re made of paper. And you can easily do it. Just take your time with them to ensure you don’t cause mutilation.
Use your Personal Map to Combine or Divide
Again, you can organize your collapsed boxes by color, style, brand, collab, or even price range. Just make sure to keep them in labeled plastic trunks. Always label to avoid confusion. And you can use an extra large band or a file band to bind the boxes together for better space management!
Which of the Two is the Sneaker Storage Solution For YOU?
So, we’ve got long-term and we’ve got short-term. Either “terms” make cleanliness and maintenance part of the commitment package! If you’re in for the long run, you gotta make room in your life, and house, for these sneaker storage habits and know-hows. You know they’ll pay off. Plus it all really depends on WHAT YOU NEED and where you see yourself going as a sneakerhead. When you figure that part out, the rest will fall into place!