How to keep your Nike Air Max 97 looking fresh and clean

Nike Air Max 97 is one of the most loved sneakers out there. It's stylish, sporty, and super comfortable. But like any good pair of shoes, it needs care to stay fresh and clean. If you wear your Air Max 97 regularly, dirt, dust, and stains will naturally show up. Don’t worry—keeping them clean is easy when you follow the right steps and use the right tools.

Here’s a simple guide to keeping them in top shape, whether you wear them daily or save them for special fits.

First, know your materials

Before you start cleaning your Nike Air Max 97s, it’s essential to understand the materials used in different parts of the shoe. Each section—upper, midsole, and outsole—requires a different approach to ensure effective cleaning without causing damage.

1. Upper:

The upper of the Air Max 97 typically features a combination of mesh, leather, and synthetic overlays.

• Mesh/Fabric areas are breathable but delicate, so they require gentle cleaning using a soft brush. Avoid soaking or scrubbing harshly, as it can damage the material or cause it to lose shape.

• Leather and synthetic overlays are more durable. You can use a soft-bristled brush with a shoe cleaning solution to clean these areas. Just be careful not to saturate them, as excess moisture may affect the glue or stitching.

2. Midsole:

The midsole, which includes the signature visible Air unit, is usually made from lightweight foam.

• Wipe it down gently using a soft or medium brush with sneaker cleaning solution and water. Avoid using abrasive tools, as they can scratch the surface or cloud the Air unit’s transparency.

3. Outsole:

The outsole is made from durable rubber and can handle more vigorous cleaning.

• Use a hard brush to scrub away dirt and debris. While you can use a bit more pressure here, avoid harsh chemicals that might break down the rubber or leave residue.

By understanding the structure and materials of your Nike Air Max 97s, you’ll ensure they stay fresh, clean, and long-lasting without compromising their look or performance.

What do you need?

To clean your Nike Air Max 97 properly, it’s important to have good shoe cleaning essentials. The basic shoe-cleaning essentials are

• Soft, medium, and hard bristle brushes

• Cleaning solution

• Microfiber cloth or towel

• Water

You can get a ready-made shoe cleaning kit online at SHOEGR. The kit includes all these accessories for easier shoe cleaning and maintenance. So just grab the kit, and you are ready to clean.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Nike Air Max 97

Step 1: Remove the laces and insoles

Start by removing the shoelaces and insoles. This allows you to clean every part of the shoe easily.

• Laces: Soak them in a small bowl with water and cleaning solution. Scrub gently and let them air dry.

• Insoles: If they smell bad, sprinkle baking soda on them and leave it overnight. You can also scrub them with the same solution and a soft-bristle brush if they have visible dirt or stains.

Step 2: Dry brush the surface

Before using the solution, take the soft-bristles brush and remove loose dirt and dust from the shoe surface. Be gentle, especially around mesh and stitching.

Step 3: Prepare the cleaning solution

In a small bowl, mix 200-250 ml of water with 2-3 squirts of sneaker cleaning solution. If you're using a store-bought shoe cleaner, follow the instructions on the label.

Step 4: Start cleaning the uppers

Dip the soft brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the upper part of the shoes. Don’t soak them—just a light scrub will do.

• Mesh areas: Be extra gentle. Too much pressure can damage the material.

• Leather/synthetic parts: These can handle a bit more pressure.

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the residue parts. If the shoes are too dirty and the stains are visible, you can take a second round with the same procedure.

Step 5: Clean the midsoles and outsoles

The bottom part of the shoe (midsole and outsole) collects the most dirt. Use a firmer brush and the same cleaning solution to scrub this area.

• Pay extra attention to mud stains and dark spots. The foam midsoles can be easily cleaned with the medium-bristles brush.

• Use the hard-bristles brush to scrub the rubber outsoles.

Step 6: Wipe and air dry

After cleaning, take a microfiber towel and wipe the shoes dry. Stuff them with paper or insert shoe trees to help them keep their shape.

Place them in a well-ventilated area and let them air dry. Do not put your shoes under direct sunlight or use a hairdryer—this can damage the glue and color.

Step 7: Reassemble the shoes

Once the shoes are dry, put the clean laces and insoles back in. Give them a quick wipe again if needed.

And your Air Max 97s are ready to wear.

Tips to keep your Air Max 97 clean longer

Here are some real-life tips that help your sneakers stay clean and last longer:

• Avoid rainy days: Water and mud can cause tough stains. Try to avoid wearing your sneakers in bad weather. If you are wearing it on rainy days too, then do not forget to spray water and stain repellent. It adds a protective layer.

Click to buy the SHOEGR Coat Water & Stain Repellent Spray.

• Store properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place. Use a shoe crate for better storage of the shoes while giving your shoe collection a well-maintained look by creating the shoe wall.

Click to buy the SHOEGR Clear Side Drop Sneaker Storage Crates.

• Quick wipe after each use: A quick dry wipe after every use keeps dirt from building up. Use SHOEGR sneaker wipes, which are dual-textured and deliver the best cleaning results.

Mistakes to avoid

• Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals. They can damage the color and materials.

• Avoid machine washing Air Max 97. It can ruin the structure and cause permanent damage.

• Avoid over-soaking. Water can weaken glue and affect the shape.

Final thoughts

Your Nike Air Max 97s deserve more than being tossed in a corner after a long day. With a little regular care, they can stay looking crisp, clean, and just as fresh as the day you unboxed them.

It doesn’t take expensive products or a fancy routine—just a bit of attention, the right tools, and some love for your sneakers.

So the next time someone compliments your Air Max 97s, you can smile and say, “Thanks—I keep ‘em fresh.”