How to Clean Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 “White Denim” Sneakers

Cleaning white denim sneakers is no easy task — especially when it comes to the Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 “White Denim.” This limited-edition sneaker is known for its premium materials, bold design, and unfortunately… how difficult it is to keep clean.

In this episode of Shoe Care Academy, Vick Almighty takes on a heavily worn pair sent in by a customer. Covered in surface stains, dirt, and grime, these kicks were in desperate need of a deep clean — but because of the sneaker’s unique materials, tossing them in the washing machine just wasn’t an option.

Here’s how Vick brought this pair back to life using Reshoevn8r’s Signature Shoe Cleaning Kit and a few expert techniques.

Why White Denim Sneakers Are So Tough to Clean

Unlike traditional canvas or leather uppers, white denim is highly absorbent and prone to deep-set stains. And to make things more complicated, the tongue tags on this sneaker include a cardboard-like backing that can wrinkle, fade, or warp if exposed to too much water.

That’s why Vick avoids the washing machine in this restoration and sticks to a manual deep-clean method that’s safe, effective, and highly detailed.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • ✅ Reshoevn8r Signature Shoe Cleaning Kit

  • ✅ Cleaning Mat

  • ✅ Dry Bowl & Rack Combo

  • ✅ Shoe Trees

  • ✅ Sneaker Laundry System (for laces and insoles)

  • ✅ Air Compressor (optional but helpful)

  • ✅ Soft Bristle Brush

  • ✅ Steamer (for stain lifting)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean the Levi’s x Air Jordan 4 “White Denim”

1. Preparation is Everything

Remove the laces and insoles. Insert adjustable shoe trees to maintain the shape of the sneaker. Use an air compressor or dry brush to remove surface-level dirt and debris. This prevents grime from getting further embedded in the denim during the wet cleaning process.

💡 Pro Tip: Always dry brush denim sneakers first. Wetting dirty denim without dry prep can set stains deeper.

2. Outsole Deep Clean

Use a pick tool to remove stuck debris from the outsole, then scrub it down using the Medium Bristle Brush and Reshoevn8r’s concentrated cleaning solution.

3. Cleaning the Uppers

Mix two squirts of our Reshoevn8r Cleaning Solution in your bowl. Use a Soft Bristle Brush in a circular motion to gently clean the denim uppers. Depending on the dirt level, this may take several passes.

4. Tackling Tough Stains

For hard-to-remove stains, Vick uses a steamer to loosen and lift marks embedded in the fabric.

5. Cleaning the Laces & Insoles

While the shoes dry, clean the laces and insoles separately using the Soft Bristle Brush, then place them in a mesh laundry bag and run them through the Sneaker Laundry System for a final refresh.

The Final Result

Although a few deep stains remained due to the sneaker’s delicate tongue structure (and no machine wash), the transformation is dramatic. The uppers look significantly brighter, and the soles are completely restored. With just the right tools and techniques, you can restore even the dirtiest white denim sneakers back to wearable condition.

Get the Gear Vick Used

All the products used in this cleaning are available now on reshoevn8r.com. For a limited time, use promo code Levis20to get 20% off your entire order.

Shop RESHOEVN8R Products

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