How to Restore Your Worn-Out Air Force 1s to Look Brand New
Air Force 1s are a timeless sneaker, but daily wear can leave them looking worse for wear. From creases to yellowed soles, restoring a pair of worn-out Air Force 1s to their original glory requires a little effort and the right tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, covering deep cleaning, de-creasing, scuff removal, repainting, and deoxidizing the sole.
If you’d rather let the pros handle it, we’ve got you covered too. Let’s get started!
1. Deep Clean the Sneakers
Before restoring, start with a thorough clean to remove dirt, grime, and stains.
- What You’ll Need: A soft-bristle brush, microfiber cloth, and a high-quality sneaker cleaning solution like Crep Hero Foam Cleaner and Conditioner.
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Steps:
- Remove the laces and set them aside for separate cleaning.
- Apply the foam cleaner to the sneaker’s surface and use the brush to gently scrub away dirt.
- Wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth and let the sneakers air dry.
2. Remove Creases
Creases can ruin the smooth look of your Air Force 1s, but they’re not permanent.
- What You’ll Need: Sneaker shields, a damp cloth, and an iron.
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Steps:
- Insert sneaker shields into the toe box to support the shape.
- Place a damp cloth over the creased area.
- Use an iron on a low setting, pressing gently over the damp cloth. The steam and heat will help reduce the creases.
- Let the sneakers cool before removing the shields.
3. Scuff Removal
Scuffs are common, but with a little care, you can make your sneakers look flawless again.
- What You’ll Need: A magic eraser or sneaker-specific scuff remover.
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Steps:
- Gently rub the scuffed areas with the magic eraser.
- For deeper scuffs, repeat the process with a little more pressure.
4. Repainting with White Acrylic and Airbrush
A fresh coat of paint can restore the crisp white look of your Air Force 1s.
- What You’ll Need: White acrylic leather paint, an airbrush, and painter’s tape.
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Steps:
- Mask off the areas you don’t want painted using painter’s tape.
- Apply thin layers of white acrylic paint using an airbrush for an even finish.
- Let each layer dry completely before applying the next.
- Once fully painted, apply a matte finisher to protect the paint job.
5. Deoxidizing the Sole
Yellowed soles are a dead giveaway of wear, but they can be restored to a cleaner white.
- What You’ll Need: Sole deoxidizer and plastic wrap.
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Steps:
- Apply the deoxidizer generously to the yellowed areas of the sole.
- Wrap the sole in plastic wrap to retain moisture and place the sneakers in direct sunlight or under a UV lamp for a few hours.
- Wipe off the deoxidizer and repeat as needed for a whiter finish.
6. Clean and Replace the Laces
Don’t forget the laces! Soak them in warm water with mild detergent, scrub gently, and air dry. If they’re beyond saving, replace them with a fresh pair.
Bring Your Sneakers Back to Life with Ease
Restoring your Air Force 1s takes time and effort, but the results are worth it. However, if you’d prefer a professional touch, we’ve got you covered:
- Explore Our Full Professional Cleaning & Restoration Kit List: Check it out here.
- Book Our Cleaning and Repair Service: Let us bring your sneakers back to life. Book here.
Don’t let your worn-out sneakers sit in the back of your closet—restore them to their former glory or leave the hard work to us!