How to Clean Running Shoes

Learn some tricks to keep those shoes shining.

Laundry can be such a tricky thing. There are lots of different materials that have to be washed in a certain way or they may break down. For many people, the most difficult thing to wash is shoes, as many don’t really know how to do it. And the truth is that cleaning shoes is something very few people do, especially running shoes.

Like any piece of clothing, shoes should be washed regularly not just for the sake of keeping them clean but also for general hygiene, remember shoes take in a whole lot of sweating. If left unchecked, all this sweat can create the perfect environment to grow bacteria and fungi, and that can, in turn, cause athlete’s foot and other dermatological infections. Also, if you run at night and wear light reflecting shoes, such as those created by Lightbug Sports, you might want to keep them as clean as possible as dirt and dust can get in the way of the reflective surface and lose its intended purpose. To that end, here’s how to wash your sport shoes in six simple steps:

1. Fill in a sink or bowl with warm water: Not too hot nor too cold. Add a few drops of liquid soap. You can use dish soap or some kind of cleanser as long as it is not too strong.

2. Remove the shoelaces and the insoles: Wash each part separately to ensure maximum cleaning and avoid being too rough on each part of the shoe.

3. Use an old toothbrush to clean the shoe: Dip the shoes in soapy water and begin using the brush to clean them. Make sure to be gentle but still brush every part of the shoe. Dust and dirt can get in the way of the reflective surface and lose its shine. The sole and the tongue of the shoe might be the hardest parts to clean as they are the ones that accumulate the most dirt.

4. Rinse thoroughly: Using warm water, make sure to get rid of all the soap in the shoe before setting it apart to dry. Don’t be afraid to get them completely wet. Once they are soap-free, fill them with dry rags or paper towels to dry them on the inside. Avoid using newspapers because the ink may taint your shoes. Set them where direct sunlight can hit them and change the rags regularly to speed up the process. Keep in mind that for your shoes to be completely dry, it can take up to two days.

5. Wash the laces and insoles with clean soapy water. Use a brush to scrub the laces and insoles and make sure they’re completely clean. Avoid putting them in a washing machine since it can damage the plastic ends of your laces. When done, just set them under direct sunlight to achieve the fastest drying time.

6. Put the insoles back in and tie the laces. Once everything is completely dry just put your shoe back together the same way you took it apart, and you’re done! Now you have clean shoes that look as good as the day you bought them.

Keeping your running shoes clean not only makes you look good, it also can prevent certain foot-related infections and in the case of light reflecting shoes, they can shine as they’re supposed to. Staying healthy and safe is what Lightbug Sports is all about. They have the best sports gear for all your athletic needs, from shoes to shirts and even accessories. Plus, all of their products are made from light-reflecting materials designed to keep you safe and visible even in low light situations.

Reflective shoes are meant to be shiny!

Lightbug Sports

Phone: +1 (877) 586.7425

Email: info@lightbugsport.com

http://www.lightbugsport.com/

Sportswear: Style or Functionality?

Do you need to sacrifice style for functionality with sportswear?

Who said that function needs to outrun style? When it comes to getting the proper sport equipment some people put functionality over style and aesthetics while others do the exact opposite. It all comes down to what matters the most to you and what you actually need depending on the type of exercise you’re about to do.

If you’re going to ride a bicycle, for example, you need to wear tight clothes in order to reduce the wind resistance and be able to go faster. Not everybody looks good wearing tights but they are the proper gear. Depending on where you are and your local climate you may have to wear more clothes than usual to protect yourself from the temperature.

In most cases, people would agree that function overweighs style and the most practical sense they’d be right. But most sportswear manufacturers have begun to take into account the aesthetic aspect of their designs and are now creating items that cover both sides of the arguments. Most brands have created a unique look to their designs in order to give them a special personality and make them stand out from the competition.

The style of shoes made by each major brand can be easily recognizable to the eye of an expert. It has become a phenomenon known by some as sports fashion. A branch of fashion design that focuses on sportswear. They take into consideration both function and style.

The idea is to create articles of clothing and accessories that not only feel good but also looks good. They wish to provide consumers with the possibility to express their tastes and personality at any given moment, even when working out. It’s the perfect balance between usefulness and sheer looks.

Most companies like to incorporate bright colors in their designs. Multiple studies suggest that bright colors create a sense of activity and excitement in people which is what they want to transmit. Some like to contrast bright colors with dark colors; maybe a black shoe with bright green details.

Then there’s people like those in Lightbug Sports that take function to the next level but not forgetting about style. Their products have the advantage of being made from highly reflective materials in order to provide an extra level of safety to their consumers. Athletes that go out at night wearing Lightbug products can be visible from over a hundred feet away by reflecting the light of incoming traffic, thus reducing accidents.

Stay fit and stylish!

LightBug Sports

Phone: +1 (877) 586.7425

Email: info@lightbugsport.com

http://www.lightbugsport.com/