Storage, care and insurance

Clean sneakers promptly after wearing. Dirt and grime that sits on mesh or leather degrades the material faster than the cleaning process does. Use appropriate cleaning products for the material: different treatments for mesh, leather, suede, and synthetic uppers. Store away from UV light

Yellowing of midsoles and outsoles is accelerated by UV exposure and is essentially irreversible without restoration products that are themselves slightly risky. Crease prevention inserts for pairs you intend to wear help maintain the toe box shape. For deadstock pairs being held for value, keep them in the original box in a climate-stable environment. Shoe trees are appropriate for leather pairs

For collections above a meaningful value, specialist collectibles insurance covers scenarios that standard homeowners policies exclude.

CollectorGrade take

Midsole yellowing is the most common condition issue that reduces value on deadstock pairs. UV exposure accelerates it significantly. Store deadstock pairs in their boxes, away from windows, in a stable environment.