So, I’ve been on a bit of a kick lately, a real throwback thing. Kept seeing these flashes of 70s style, you know, the cool, effortless kind. And it got me thinking about the shoes. Not the crazy platform disco nightmares, but the everyday stuff, the sneakers, the casual leather things that just had a certain look.
Getting Started – The Hunt
First off, I figured, “How hard can it be?” Famous last words, right? I started digging online. Man, what a rabbit hole. Some genuine vintage stuff was priced like it was made of gold. Other things looked like they’d crumble if you stared at them too hard. Reproductions were everywhere, but they just didn’t have that… soul, I guess.
I spent a good few evenings just scrolling, comparing, getting frustrated. It felt like looking for a needle in a haystack, and half the hay was fake. I even tried a few local vintage shops. Found some cool jackets, but the shoe sections were usually a bit sad. Lots of 80s and 90s, but that specific 70s feel was elusive.
The Find – A Bit of Luck
Then, one Saturday, I was at this big outdoor flea market, more out of habit than anything. Tucked away under a table, covered in dust, was this pair. They weren’t flashy. Just some simple, low-top sneakers, kind of a suede-ish material. The color was faded, a bit of a muted blue. No big brand name I recognized, which honestly, I kind of liked. They just looked… right.
The guy wanted next to nothing for them. I haggled a bit, just for the sport of it, and walked away with them feeling like I’d found a little treasure. They were definitely worn, definitely from “back then,” but structurally, they seemed okay. Soles were intact, no major rips.
Bringing Them Back – The Process
Got them home, and the real work began. This is the part I actually enjoy, getting my hands dirty.
- First, a good brushing. I used a soft brush to get all the surface dust and grime off. You’d be surprised how much came off.
- Then, I tackled the suede. Didn’t want to use harsh chemicals. I had this special suede eraser and a cleaning block. Took some gentle rubbing, bit by bit, especially on the darker spots. It was slow going.
- The laces were a lost cause. Yellowed and frayed. Tossed ’em and made a note to find some simple cream-colored cotton ones.
- Inside, I gave them a good wipe with a slightly damp cloth with a bit of mild soap. Let them air out properly for a couple of days. Didn’t want any funk.
- The rubber sides of the soles were a bit grimy. A bit of gentle scrubbing with an old toothbrush and some soapy water did the trick there.
It wasn’t a full-blown restoration like you see on those fancy YouTube channels. More like a careful clean-up, a bit of TLC. I didn’t want to make them look brand new. That would kind of defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it? The wear tells a story.
The Result – How They Feel
After a new pair of laces, they looked pretty great. Not perfect, but perfectly imperfect. They had character. I slipped them on, and yeah, they felt good. Comfortable in that broken-in way. They’re not for running marathons, obviously, but for just kicking around, they’re awesome.
It’s funny, wearing them kind of changes how I feel. A bit more relaxed, maybe. It’s not about chasing a trend for me. It was more about capturing a feeling, an aesthetic I appreciate. And doing it myself, bringing something old back to life, even in a small way, that’s always satisfying. They’re just shoes, yeah, but it was a fun little project, and I got something cool out of it. That’s the way I like it.
