How to Properly Clean Jordan 9 Sneakers

The quality of athletic shoes is only as good as the care that goes into maintaining them. Sneakers that are properly cleaned and preserved will continue to last much longer than those that are allowed to remain dirty and to fall apart. When iconic shoes, such as the Air Jordan line of sneakers, are involved, the process of cleaning becomes both more complicated and more important in order to preserve the integrity of the shoes.

A Brief History of Air Jordan Shoes
The Air Jordan brand of athletic shoes was first released for mass production in 1985, the year after Michael Jordan’s rookie season in the National Basketball Association. The Air Jordan IX model was originally marketed in 1993, the year after Jordan’s official retirement from professional basketball. Because of this retirement, this design is modeled after Jordan’s minor league baseball cleats from the same time period. Featuring symbols and languages of many different foreign countries on the sole, the Air Jordan IX can also be found memorialized on the Michael Jordan statue erected outside the United Center in Chicago.

Cleaning Jordan IX Sneakers
The Jordan IX model of sneakers holds a special place in the design legacy. Many people who have held on to these iconic pieces of footwear can follow some simple steps to properly clean and preserve their shoes.

1. Remove Dirt from the Shoes
Before beginning any cleaning regimen, all packed dirt must be thoroughly cleaned from the sneakers. Carefully use a small screwdriver to loosen and remove any clumps of dirt or debris from the sneaker soles. Gently rub the outside of the shoes with a dry cloth to remove any other areas of dirt caked onto the sneakers.

2. Gently Scrub with Soap and Water
Once the visible clumps of dirt have been removed from the Air Jordan sneakers, it is time to begin using actual cleaning tools. Use cold water, which is less likely to cause additional damage to the shoe leather, to soak the sneaker soles. The soaking process will further loosen any particles stuck to the soles.

Next, use a soft-bristle brush and basic dishwashing soap to gently scrub the soles. Do not scrub too vigorously in order to avoid damaging the shoes. The dishwashing soap will act as a cleaner and degreaser, removing all traces of debris from the sneakers.

3. Clean the Midsoles and Toe Box
Once the sneakers’ soles are clean and clear of dirt or debris, it is time to focus on the midsoles of the shoes. A magic eraser, soaked in water before use, will generally do the trick with a little gentle scrubbing. The magic eraser has the ability to clean without causing undue damage to the shoes.

Use the moist magic eraser on the toe box of the sneakers as well. However, special care must be given that the toe box does not become immersed in water or become overly wet. Water build-up inside the Air Jordan IX sneakers can cause permanent damage. It may be useful to place a cloth or paper towel inside the toe box to soak up any excess moisture.

4. Focus on the Sneaker Tongue
Once the basic sole, midsole, and toe box of the sneakers has been cleaned, it is time to focus on the tongue. Begin by soaking the tongue in cold water by itself, with a cloth or paper towel inside the shoe again to prevent the sneaker from becoming too wet. Use a little dishwashing soap and gentle scrubbing again to loosen dirt and get the sneaker tongue sparkling clean. Make sure that both sides of the tongue have been thoroughly cleaned, and rinse the tongue with cold water to remove all signs of dishwashing suds.

5. Dry the Sneakers
To complete the basic cleaning process of these sneakers, the shoes should be placed in front of an electric fan with the air directed inside the sneakers. This wind movement throughout the shoes will help to quickly and effectively dry them and prevent water damage. A hair dryer should not be used to finish the drying process because the hot air can actually damage the glue that keeps the sneakers together, much the same way that overly hot water could ruin the shoes.