Why did my white sneakers turn grey (they didn't get dirty, they oxidized).
Many people believe that white sneakers turn gray only because of dirt. But what if your favorite Nike Air Force 1s or Adidas Stan Smiths are actually undergoing a chemical …
Why recommended
- A Documentary short rated 8.7 — easy to watch in 1m.
Watch Options
Description
Many people believe that white sneakers turn gray only because of dirt. But what if your favorite Nike Air Force 1s or Adidas Stan Smiths are actually undergoing a chemical transformation? It's not just dirt, but irreversible oxidation of the materials.
The soles of most models, such as the Nike Air Max 90 or Adidas Ultraboost, are made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane. These polymers, when exposed to ultraviolet light and oxygen, begin to degrade, forming yellowish or gray compounds.
Remember the "icy" soles of Air Jordan 11 sneakers from the 2000s, which quickly turned yellow? Even the white rubber of classic Converse Chuck Taylor 70s loses its pristine appearance over time. Titanium dioxide, used as a whitening pigment, accelerates this process when exposed to UV light.
Unlike simple dirt, which can be washed away, oxidation is an irreversible process. Attempts to bleach gray soles with hydrogen peroxide only temporarily brighten the surface, but the chemical structure of the material has already been altered at the molecular level.
So, your favorite white sneakers aren't "dirty," they're "aging." To slow down the process, store them in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. Use special UV-protective sprays. Share this surprising fact!
Stills
Director
On a palm Studio
Cast
AI Narrator
Movie Details
Tags
Similar Movies
The most expensive product in the supermarket per unit of weight (spoiler: not caviar).
Mexican cuisine
Guinness Book of Records
Spaghetti shouldn't be broken—that's what happens when you fan it out.
Why did kings need a "poison taster" and not just a food taster?
What did a wig plucker do in the 18th century?
Who were the "competing beggars" in the Roman Empire (protection racket).
