How to Clean Autry Sneakers ?

It's undeniable, the American footwear and sneaker label Autry has been on the rise for many years now. It's not uncommon to spot a pair of medalist in public transport or on the street. So, how do you take care of your Autry sneakers to keep them for as long as possible? Here are Graduate's tips.

Straight out of the 80s, Autry, a brand from Texas, specialized in tennis and running sneakers. Popularity exploded in the late 80s, with the brand receiving praise and media awards. After disappearing for nearly 30 years, the brand was revived in 2019 by passionate partners. Since then, the brand is easily found anywhere in the world. Find our advices in the article "where to buy Autry Shoes?". Autry sneakers are renowned for their quality, but that doesn't stop stains and marks from easily appearing on your favorite pairs. With a good cleaning routine, you can keep them looking like new, preserving both the appearance and longevity of your Autry sneakers! But how?

Clean the leather of your Autry sneakers:

Most Autry shoes are made of leather, like the famous Medalist, available in white or other colors. The advantage of leather is that stains rarely penetrate the material, making the shoes easier to clean.

No matter the condition of your sneakers, the first thing to do is always to wipe your Autry shoes with a dry cloth to remove excess dirt and dust. Then, two important steps:

• Stuff your shoes with socks, paper, or a shoe tree if you have one. It’s important to stuff your Autry sneakers to maintain their shape and prevent the leather from collapsing when you handle them.
• Get a small brush. Make sure the bristles are not too abrasive. You don't want to strip the paint or damage the leather. A soft-bristled brush will be perfect. Our tip: a toothbrush is the ideal tool.

Next, grab the cleaning solution you have hidden in your cupboards. Don't worry if you don't have one, a soapy solution made of warm water and dishwashing liquid or another soap will do just fine.

Start gently scrubbing the leather and sole of your pair with the brush, avoiding the suede parts as much as possible (no worries, we'll take care of that later). Scrub the entire body of your sneakers, focusing on the stains. Be careful not to press too hard, as this won't make the stains go away any faster. Patience is key!

When you think your shoes are clean enough, remove any remaining soap with a damp cloth, then a dry one.

Bonus: for white pairs, you can revive the whiteness with a bit of toothpaste rubbed on the sole or leather.

And there you have it, most of your sneakers are clean. But we're not done yet! For some Autry sneakers, there are parts made of suede. How do you clean this delicate material?

Clean the suede of your Autry sneakers:

Suede is a sanded leather, giving it a softer appearance with visible nap. This material is delicate and more challenging to clean. Stains can easily set in, so you need to be efficient. If it's a fresh stain, the method depends on the origin:

• If the suede of your shoes has a greasy stain: a bit of baking soda can absorb the excess grease if left on for a while.
• If the suede of your sneakers has another type of stain: apply white vinegar to the tip of a cloth and gently rub the stain, being careful to use only the necessary amount. Gauge it on the lower side if needed. Do not rinse with water and let it air dry.

To revive the nap of the suede, there are several inexpensive tools that are very effective: a crepe brush helps to dust, detach, and rejuvenate your suede, giving it a fresh look. A suede eraser is also very practical for targeting and cleaning the less reachable parts of your shoes and erasing stains.

Don't forget to wash your laces in the machine or by hand from time to time! Gray laces on a clean pair of shoes will always look out of place.

And there you go! Your Autry sneakers look like new, incognito. It is important to clean them from time to time to prolong the life of your leather and suede shoes. It is easy and quick to take care of them, keeping a fresh and nice appearance.