How to Keep Your Sneakers Fresh All Summer Long

Beat the heat. Save your sneakers.

Summer is all about rooftop hangs, beach trips, and long city strolls—but it’s also the season where your sneakers take the biggest beating. From sweaty insoles to unexpected BBQ stains, your kicks need extra care to stay fresh all season.

Here’s your go-to guide for summer sneaker care so you can flex with confidence, not funky odors.

1. Rotate Your Sneakers

Wearing the same pair every day? That’s a fast track to sweaty sneaker odor. Let your kicks breathe between wears by rotating through 2–3 pairs. It gives the materials time to air out and reduces long-term damage.

2. Use Odor-Fighting Insoles or Sprays

Invest in sneaker sprays or activated charcoal insoles. They help combat the stink caused by summer sweat and keep your sneakers smelling clean even after a long day in the sun.

Pro Tip: Avoid strong chemical sprays—go for natural, sneaker-safe deodorizers.

3. Air Them Out After Every Wear

When you get home, take out the insoles and loosen the laces. Letting your sneakers air-dry overnight is a simple but powerful sneaker maintenance tip to keep bacteria and odor in check.

4. Avoid Letting Stains Set

Dropped a drink? Caught in a dusty park? Spot clean your kicks as soon as you can. Summer messes become permanent if you let them sit too long.

Materials like suede and mesh need extra TLC, so use soft brushes and sneaker-safe cleaners to prevent damage.

5. Schedule Regular Deep Cleanings

A wipe-down won’t cut it forever. Book a professional cleaning every few weeks—especially if you’re rocking expensive pairs or limited-edition heat.

At Weekend Ritual, we clean sneakers by hand, tackle sweaty sneaker odor at the source, and offer free pick-up and delivery in NYC. It’s sneaker care made easy.

Summer Sneaker Survival Checklist:

  • ✅ Rotate pairs

  • ✅ Use odor protection

  • ✅ Air out nightly

  • ✅ Clean stains early

  • ✅ Deep clean monthly

Keep It Fresh, All Season Long

Summer should smell like sunscreen and fresh air—not funky sneakers. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop party or running errands, clean kicks complete the fit.

Need help keeping your sneakers in top shape?
[Book your summer sneaker cleaning with Weekend Ritual now →]