If you’ve ever bought a pair of white sneakers or sneakers with light-colored details, you’ve probably noticed that they start to yellow over time. It doesn’t matter if you wear them every day or keep them in a box like a treasure, this phenomenon happens and can be frustrating. But don’t worry! Let’s understand why this happens, how to avoid it and even how to reverse the situation.
Why do sneakers turn yellow? And what types of materials are most affected?
Yellowing of sneakers occurs due to natural chemical reactions in the materials, influenced by factors such as oxygen, light, humidity and pollution. Basically, your sneakers are aging even if you try to prevent it.
The main villains of this process are:
- Oxidation : Oxygen reacts with synthetic materials, degrading them and changing their color.
- UV light : Exposure to sunlight causes plastics and rubbers to turn yellow.
- Humidity and heat : Hot and humid weather accelerates chemical reactions that change color.
- Pollutants and ozone : The air in big cities is unforgiving and accelerates the degradation of materials.
The most affected materials include:
- Rubber : Used in soles and some midsoles, such as the Nike Air Force 1 , Dunk and Adidas Superstar .
- Boost : Found in the midsole of the Adidas Ultra Boost
- Translucent Rubber : Present in soles such as the Air Jordan 5 and the Air Jordan 11 Concord, which turns yellow very quickly.
Why do the sneakers turn yellow even when kept in the box?
If you think that storing your sneakers in the box will keep them intact forever, sorry, but it won’t. Yellowing still occurs because:
- Oxidation never stops : The air inside the box continues to react with the shoe’s materials.
- Release of gases from materials : Plastics, rubbers and glues release chemical compounds that can accelerate the process.
- Trapped moisture : If the box is not ventilated, the stuffy environment can be an invitation for yellowing.
- Plastic boxes can make things worse : Some of them retain gases that accelerate degradation. Irony of fate, right?
Is there any way to prevent yellowing of sneakers?
Fortunately, yes! Here are some tips to keep your sneakers white for longer:
- Store in a dry, airy place : No damp cupboards or sealed boxes.
- Place silica gel inside the box : This helps absorb moisture.
- Avoid sealed plastic boxes : They can speed up the chemical reaction.
- Clean your sneakers regularly : Dust and dirt can make the situation worse.
- Use midsole protectors : There are specific products that create a barrier against oxidation.
Can yellowing give sneakers a retro touch?
Yellowing isn’t always seen as a problem. Some brands and sneakerheads love this vintage effect. “Artificially aged” sneakers are a trend, and models like:
- Nike Dunk High “Vintage Black” (with yellow midsole)
- Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Nigel Sylvester ” (with yellowed midsole and slight wear on the sides)
- New Balance 550 “Aged” (with factory yellowed sole)
proved that, in some cases, time can be an ally of style. But of course, it has to be that intentional yellowing, and not the carelessness of a sneaker that was left in a corner.
What do Nike, Adidas and other brands say about this?
Major brands have already spoken out about yellowing, and the answer is almost always the same: “It’s not our fault, it’s the chemicals!” Some statements include:
- Nike : Says oxidation is inevitable, but seeks to develop more durable materials.
- Adidas : Invests in recyclable technologies to try to minimize degradation.
- New Balance : Turned yellowing into style.
- Jordan Brand : Uses the yellowing effect intentionally on “Reimagined” editions.
In other words, no one can guarantee that your sneakers will stay white forever. But at least some brands are trying to improve the materials.
How to remove yellowing from sneakers?
How to Un-Yellow the Midsole of Your Sneakers Like a True Scientist!
If there’s one thing that sneakerheads hate, it’s seeing that white midsole turn a shade of egg yolk yellow over time. But don’t worry! There’s no need to cry over spilt milk (or rather, over the inevitable oxidation). The good news is that there are simple and effective methods to restore the original color of your sneakers – and the best part: we’ve tested them and guarantee that they work!
The Secret? Pure Science!
The main culprit behind yellowing is oxidation caused by exposure to air and light. But luckily, you can reverse this with a powerful chemical trick using hydrogen peroxide and UV light . There are two ways to do this, and both are worthy of a home science lab.
1. Solar Method (For Those Who Live in Brazil, That Is, It Almost Always Works)
- Apply 40 volume hydrogen peroxide to the yellowed part of the midsole.
- Wrap this part with plastic wrap and secure it with masking tape to prevent it from moving.
- Leave your sneakers in the sun for a few hours and let the magic happen!
But why does this work?
The sun emits UV light, which activates hydrogen peroxide and generates a process called photocatalysis , breaking down the molecules responsible for yellowing and restoring the original color. In other words, it’s basically a rejuvenation treatment for your sneakers!
2. Lab Method (For Cloudy Days or Impatient Sneakerheads)
If the weather is not favorable, do the same procedure above, but instead of leaving it in the sun, you can create a homemade UV light chamber:
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- Take a cardboard box and line the inside with aluminum foil (on the sides and bottom).
- Install a purple UV lamp in the lid of the box.
- Place the sneakers inside and close the lid.
- Wait a few hours while the UV light does the hard work for you!
Nerd Explanation: Why does this work?
The UV lamp mimics sunlight, activating the hydrogen peroxide in the same way, speeding up the chemical reaction and effortlessly removing the yellowing.
We’ve tested both methods and they work really well! So if you want to give your sneakers a little shine without spending a fortune, follow these tips and get ready to see your midsoles looking as good as new.
Conclusion
Will your sneakers turn yellow? Yes, at some point. But you can delay this effect with the right care and even reverse the yellowing if necessary. If you’re one of those people who loves white sneakers, follow these tips. And if you like a retro look, you might not need to worry so much. At the end of the day, the important thing is to keep your sneakers the way you like them!
Why do white sneakers or sneakers with light details turn yellow over time?
Yellowing occurs due to natural chemical reactions in materials, influenced by factors such as oxygen, UV light, humidity and pollution. Essentially, sneakers age over time, even if they are not worn frequently.
Which sneaker materials are most likely to yellow?
Materials such as rubber (used in soles and midsoles), Boost (the midsole of Adidas sneakers), and translucent rubber (common in the soles of Air Jordans) are particularly susceptible to yellowing.
Why do sneakers turn yellow even when stored in the box?
Even inside the box, the oxidation process continues. In addition, materials such as plastics and glues release gases that can accelerate yellowing. Moisture trapped in poorly ventilated boxes also contributes to the problem.
How can I prevent my sneakers from turning yellow?
To prevent yellowing, store your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated place, use silica gel to absorb moisture, avoid sealed plastic boxes, and clean your shoes regularly. Midsole protectors can also help create a barrier against oxidation.
Is it possible to reverse the yellowing of a sneaker?
Yes, it is possible to reverse the yellowing using hydrogen peroxide (40 volumes) and exposure to UV light (solar or artificial). The photocatalysis process breaks down the molecules responsible for yellowing, restoring the original color.
What type of hydrogen peroxide should I use to remove yellowing from my sneakers?
It is recommended to use 40-volume hydrogen peroxide to remove yellowing from sneakers. This concentration is effective in breaking down the molecules that cause yellowing without damaging the material.
How long should I leave my sneakers in the sun with hydrogen peroxide to remove the yellowing?
The time of exposure to the sun may vary depending on the intensity of sunlight. Generally, a few hours are sufficient, but it is important to monitor the process to avoid damaging the material. On cloudy days, it may be necessary to use an artificial UV light chamber.
Can using harsh cleaning products cause sneakers to turn yellow?
Yes, harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or solvents, can damage the materials of your sneakers and accelerate the yellowing process. It is recommended to use cleaning products specifically for sneakers or mild solutions, such as water and mild soap.
Is there any way to prevent yellowing in sneakers with translucent soles?
Sneakers with translucent soles are more prone to yellowing. In addition to the prevention tips mentioned, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and to clean the soles regularly to remove dirt and residue that can accelerate the process.
Does yellowing affect the performance or durability of the shoe?
Yellowing is primarily an aesthetic issue and usually does not affect the performance or durability of the shoe. However, in extreme cases, the degradation of the materials can compromise the structure of the shoe over time.
