How to care for your Balao Sneakers: The Longevity Guide

Cleaning: Gentle and efficient

Your Balao hates rough treatment. Apple leather (AppleSkin) and recycled plastic are noble materials that require a little manual attention.

• The golden rule: Forget the washing machine. It loosens the soles and breaks the recycled fibers.
• Equipment: A soft bristle brush (or an old toothbrush) and a microfiber cloth.
• Method: Warm water and a little Marseille soap. Rub gently in circular motions.
• Soles: For recycled rubber, a slightly stiffer brush and soapy water are all you need to restore first-day shine.

Protect without polluting: The natural shield

Why ruin an eco-designed shoe with toxic chemical sprays? Our recycled materials are robust, but a little help is always welcome.

• Waterproofing: Use only eco-friendly waterproofing spray (propellant-free if possible).
• No shoe polish: Apple leather is not an animal skin, so it doesn't "drink" shoe polish. A damp wipe is enough to make it shine.

Drying: No heat stroke!

The worst enemy of your recycled shoes? Direct heat. It hardens rubber and cracks vegetable matter.

• Air-drying: Leave them to dry at room temperature.
• The trick: Never place them on a radiator or in direct sunlight behind glass.
• Storage: Store them in a dry place. If you're not going to be wearing them for a while, slip a shoe tree or newspaper inside to keep them in shape.

Memo to keep the pleasure going

Taking care of your Balao means respecting the work of Portuguese artisans and the materials saved from landfill. A small gesture for you, a big step for circularity.

Balao. Kick Your Habits.