Sneakers are a huge part of my style. From signature basketball shoes to classic runners, and even the latest comfort innovations, I love them all. But there's one kind of sneaker I can't wear, and that's a dirty one.
Aside from typical surface dirt, oxidation is the biggest factor that can make a pair of sneakers look dingy and unappealing. You know when your white midsoles just won't come clean or when your icy, translucent outsoles turn that nasty yellow? That's oxidation, and usually, it's very hard to reverse. At least, that's what I thought before I tried Angelus Sole Bright, a $13 solution that can get rid of oxidation and restore your sneakers to their original glory.
Angelus Sole Bright is a UV-activated solution that removes oxidation and yellowing from sneakers.
How it works and the supplies you'll need
Using Angelus Sole Bright is a bit of a DIY project, but stick with me — it's easy to do and well worth the results. The restoring properties of Angelus Sole Bright are activated with UV rays. You can apply the solution to your shoes and use natural sunlight, but I highly recommend using an indoor grow lamp for a more controlled environment and better overall results.
I bought this $24 grow lamp on Amazon to use with it, and it's perfect for the job. You can clamp it onto your work area (in this case, my desk), and the adjustable gooseneck design allows you to point the lights directly at the part of the shoe you're restoring. You'll also need plastic wrap and something with which to apply the solution to your shoes. A clean paintbrush, sponge, or microfiber towel will do.
How to whiten yellowed midsoles
First, you'll need to clean your shoes as best as possible. Remember, Angelus Sole Bright is for oxidation, not dirt, so use your preferred sneaker cleaner first. If you need a good cleaner, check out my Jason Markk sneaker cleaner review to learn why I swear by it.
Once your shoes are clean and dry, you're ready to go. Apply the Angleus Sole Bright solution to your midsoles or outsoles using a paintbrush or hand towel, wrap the applied areas inplastic wrap, and place them under the UV light (or outside in direct sunlight).
I tested the solution on my "Roc-A-Fella" Nike Air Force 1s, a shoe that looks pretty basic and easy to replace, but would cost me more than $300 for a new pair. After one four-hour session, I was blown away by just how white my midsoles were.
How to restore icy/translucent sneakers
The process of restoring icy outsoles is the same, but it takes more patience and repeated sessions. I was worried that I'd need multiple bottles to achieve the results I wanted, but a little bit goes a long way. Letting the shoes sit under the UV light for a 6-8 hour session, cleaning off the old solution, and repeating the process is the key to seeing results.
My "Black Metallic" Air Jordan 5s, had clearly seen better days, but rather than spending more than $400 on a new pair, I gave them new life.
The bottom line
Sneaker collectors have been restoring shoes using a similar process for years, but I never thought it was worth doing. The products most people used were specifically sold for cleaning and restoring surfaces on boats, so they were sold in large quantities, and they were far more expensive.
Now, you can spend $13 on Angelus Sole Bright, $24 on a UV light, and have it delivered within two days. If you're up for an easy DIY project, it's well worth using.
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