Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Sneakerphile - 01-03-11
So, as you know, when certain shells are left for a long time, namely dark ones like the IBs or RHCPs, the rubber tends to take on a chalky look to it. Now, some poeple don't mind this and think it adds to the old skool look of the shoe, but I know that a few of you want them to look all spanky and new again and can't work out how.
Well, I may have a solution (no pun intended)
I am currently temping in the motor trade and have found a cleaning fluid that is advertised to "clean and restore tyres and rubber trim to an as new look."
So, I figured this stuff would be perfect for making the sneaks look factory fresh again.
I have gotten a sample of the stuff and will be testing it on a couple of my own dark pairs in the next few days. If it has the desired effect, I will post up my results. Then, if anyone is interested in getting some, just let me know and we'll sort something out.
This has been a public service announcement by Sneakerphile
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
super sk8 - 01-03-11
sounds cool to me. looking foreward for the pics.
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Whisky-Ace - 01-03-11
Nice Sneakerphile...
Cant wait to see the results...
Hope it work and dont do any thing nasty to your sneaks...
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Lorrie - 01-03-11
I suppose you could just use armor all, no?
I would be too worried about the long term effects to do this. Waking up in a couple of years to see holes in the shell of the affected pairs would be too much to take.
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Squeaky - 01-03-11
Great Sneakerphile. I really need something to fix my Berlin's with!!
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Sneakerphile - 01-03-11
Holes in the shells...

Highly unlikely mate. This stuff is silicone and solvent free. Its made for car tyres and rubber trim, so I doubt they'd make it to disolve rubber over time.
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Skåne aka PeteRePete - 01-03-11
That's the way to go, I always use products made for luxury car interior on my sneakers. You find the best restore product for leather for example.
But the products for vinyl I feel are a bit to glossy for my taste.
So I look forward to see your results, I belive your on something Sneakerphile!
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
mr.pure - 01-03-11
Sounds a bit like Back to Black to me.
Be interested to see the results but I thought we had this kind of thing covered.
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
Sneakerpimp - 01-03-11
What you want is tyre gel that car dealers use to make make the outsides of the tyres all lovely black and shiny, none corrosive as well
RE: Black shells gone a bit chalky? -
bigrob - 01-03-11
I use a product called finish by auto smart . It's a rubber dressing & can basically be used on anything . It brings them up great