How to make new sneakers look old

April 21, 2008 9:39 AM

What's the best method to age/weather canvas sneakers?

I have a pair of white Vans that I want to age. At the moment, they're sitting outside in the sun. Short of wearing them every day, is there some way to quicken the aging process (saltwater, dirt, sandpaper, etc)?

posted by mizrachi to clothing, beauty, & fashion (3 comments total)

Walk through some mud, and then send them through the washing machine as many times as it takes to get them "clean" -- not sparkly white, but old sneaker white.
posted by kmennie at 9:42 AM on April 21, 2008

I've been wearing the same style of Chuck Taylors (white oxfords) since I was a teenager. And even though they "age" pretty fast since they are almost the only footwear I wear other than work boots, I really dislike the bright whiteness of new ones. I immediately go out and rub dirt on them. Then run my mountain bike tires over them a few times to give'm a few scuff marks. Then I find an active sprinkler or really wet grass a few blocks away, get them wet and wear them home. One hour seasoning. Tried and true for over 25 years.
posted by elendil71 at 11:08 AM on April 21, 2008

My method in high school was to go to punk shows.

I had friends who just would ask their trusted clique to step on their shoes on the first day they wore them to school.
posted by crinklebat at 7:50 PM on April 21, 2008