Why it matters
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, it’s a must to understand the importance of properly storing your sneaker investments. By implementing the proper storage techniques, you can not only ensure that your sneakers retain their value, stay in pristine condition, and are ready to wear or sell whenever the time comes but also save valuable space and potentially money.
The last thing you want to happen is for your sneakers or sneaker boxes for that matter to be creased or worse moldy when the time comes to sell. This is particularly important for those of you reading who have reached a level where you constantly have hundreds of pairs in your inventory. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices for storing your sneakers, specifically emphasizing the most space-efficient and cost-effective solutions, that also ensure your sneakers maintain their quality and longevity.
Preparation and considerations before storing sneakers
Before delving into the specifics of how to store your sneakers, it’s essential to consider a few factors that can impact the condition of your investments and, or prized possessions for that matter. One key consideration is the environment you store your sneakers in. Ideally, sneakers should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space to prevent mold and odor development. This is because exposure to excessive heat and sunlight can cause irreparable damage to the colors of your sneaker boxes as well as the shoe itself.
Of course, not everyone can control the exact environment that they store their sneakers in, but you should try your best to follow the above advice. Depending on the level you’re at you may wish to purchase a storage unit. If not, then somewhere like a spare bedroom will usually do as the likes of attics are usually too hot and humid.
The last thing to consider before storing your sneakers is to ensure they are clean and free from dirt and stains. How to clean sneakers? Well usually using a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any surface dirt does the trick but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. For example, Nike recommends using a mix of warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap to remove any dirt.
Juiced’s ultimate sneaker investment storage guide
For those wanting to keep the original shoe box your sneaker came in, we recommend you store your sneakers within transparent plastic containers. These containers, which prevent dust, are often stackable allowing for an efficient use of space. If you can, find ones that protect from UV rays to ensure your sneaker boxes aren’t discolored by the sun. If not, make sure to store the containers somewhere where the sun won’t be beaming in on them all day. These boxes can be bought in all good home and furniture stores at a low cost and are easy to find a use for once you no longer need them for your sneakers.
If you plan on ditching the original cardboard boxes then there are few better options available than the likes of Crep Protect Crates. Crates like these will usually have all the features needed to keep out dust and sunlight whilst also being easily stackable and space effective. Moreover, they allow you to display your sneakers in a manner that’s hard to beat.
Efficiently labeling these boxes will help you easily locate and retrieve your sneakers without causing unnecessary damage. Consider organizing your collection by brand, color, or style, depending on your preference. This system would serve best if you make a detailed inventory of your collection to go with it, including details like model, size, and condition. This will serve as a reference and aid in tracking your investments over time. This is where Juiced can help.
Our app features a first-of-its-kind inventory management system that incorporates all of the leading sneaker marketplaces into one major hub including Shopify and eBay with StockX and GOAT soon to be added. You can sign up for free today here.
Conducting periodic check-ups on your stored-away sneakers is also always recommended. Look for any signs of deterioration, color fading, or other issues that might require immediate attention. This is important as early detection can help prevent further damage.
During this check, you should also rotate your sneakers. This helps to prevent long-term compression of certain areas and maintains their shape, reducing the risk of creasing or permanent deformities. Another tip to prevent creasing is to stuff acid-free tissue paper inside each sneaker in order to help the shoe maintain its original shape.
That is it for this edition of The Juiced Guide To, How To Store Your Sneaker Investments edition. Be sure to come back next week for an all-new comprehensive guide, which will cover a new topic!