One way to extend the life of your favorite sneakers is a preservation method called "sneaker wrapping."
In particular, moisture prevention is essential to prevent sneakers from hydrolysis.
To delay deterioration due to moisture as much as possible and prevent dust and odor transfer, it is effective to store the product in a wrapping.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to wrap sneakers with photos.
We provide clear explanations of the preparations and order required for wrapping, so that even first-time users can easily put it into practice.
If you're interested in sneaker wrapping but don't know much about it, check out this article.
Sneaker wrapping preparation
First, clean the sneakers before wrapping them to prevent any dirt from getting trapped inside.
Once your sneakers are clean and ready to go, prepare the six items you'll need for wrapping them:

- Sneakers you want to wrap
- Wrapping Film
- Desiccant
- Scissors
- Sealer
- Heat gun (or hair dryer)
Once you have these items prepared, start wrapping on a flat surface such as a desk.
Sneaker wrapping in practice
The process for sneaker wrapping can be roughly divided into six steps:
- Put the sneakers in the film
- Cut the film about 7 cm from the heel.
- Seal the cut surface with a sealer
- Apply heat to the film to cause it to shrink
- Reheat the corner of the film and let it sit
- Sneaker wrapping completed!
The estimated time required is 10 to 30 minutes per pair.
①Put the sneakers inside the film
Place a desiccant inside the sneakers before placing them in the film.

By adding a desiccant, moisture inside the film can be removed after sealing.

After placing the desiccant inside, align the centres of the sneakers and film together and insert the sneakers all the way into the film.
②Cut the film about 7 cm from the heel.

Cut the film about 7cm from the heel of the sneaker so that there is as little excess film as possible when it shrinks.
If you don't have a ruler and don't know the length, you can use the lid of a KicksWrap container, which is the perfect length.

The tip is 7.5cm from the fold, which can be used as a guide for length.
③ Seal the cut surface with a sealer
Once you have cut off the excess, the next step is to close the opening in the film with a sealer.

To make it easier to apply the sealer, lightly pull both ends to create a curl, as shown in the photo.

Once the film has been straightened, seal it with a sealer.
The trick is to not do it all at once, but start from the middle (part ⚪ in the photo) and seal each side one at a time.

Once you have sealed one side, then the other side.
Seal the other side as well, making sure to overlap the sealed line with the crimped part of the sealer.

Once both sides are sealed it will look like the picture.
After this we move on to the process of shrinking the film, but make sure to check again by looking at the cross section where the sealer was applied to make sure it is sealed properly.
④ Apply heat to the film to cause it to shrink.
The next step is to use a heat gun to shrink the film, which is the main part of the wrapping.

The order in which heat is applied is as follows:
- Heel
- Side (either inside or outside is OK)
- Toe and tongue area
- Sole
Deflating them in the above order will allow the air inside to escape through the air hole, resulting in a nice seal.
One thing to note is to be careful not to get the heat gun too close during this process and to be careful and patient .
As a guideline, apply hot air from about 30 cm away, and adjust the distance and speed while observing how the film shrinks.
Be careful not to get too close to the heat gun or apply too much heat to one spot, as this can tear the film and you'll have to start over.
Now, let's apply heat to the heel area (①).

Instead of shrinking it all at once, it's best to rotate the areas you apply heat to and apply it in several steps.
Once you have determined how the film has shrunk at the heel, move on to shrinking the sides (②).

By contracting it from back to front, the air inside can be sent to the front.
Once you have finished either the inside or outside, apply heat to the remaining side in the same way.
Next, move on to ③ the toe and tongue area.

More than half of the film in the toe and tongue areas has shrunk, so there is less shrinkage in these areas compared to the heel and sides.
If you apply too much heat, it will tear quite quickly , so apply heat carefully while keeping an eye on the balance.

Finally, heat is applied to the sole.
As with the toes, there is little film left and it is prone to tearing, so apply heat carefully.
Apply warm air from your heel to your toes until the film stops shrinking.
⑤Reheat the corner of the film and let it rest

Once the film has finished shrinking, the corners will be standing up, so lay them down.

The film will be hard after shrinking, but it can be softened by applying moderate heat, so apply hot air again to any parts that have stood up.

Once the film has softened, press it with your finger for about 5 seconds as shown in the photo.

When you release your fingers, the film will harden in the shape it was pressed in, allowing you to flatten the corners.
If you are unable to flatten the corners in one go, try heating and pressing again, slightly increasing the temperature. (Be careful not to apply too much heat.)
⑥Sneaker wrapping completed!

Finally, check the entire sneaker to make sure there are no areas that have shrunk weakly, and if the film is stuck snugly, the sneaker wrapping is complete.
There is also a video on YouTube that explains the entire process, so if you would like to check it out, please watch the video below.
Sneaker wrapping + other items

We will introduce items that are even more effective in preventing deterioration when combined with sneaker wrapping.
Shoe keeper
The shape of the sneakers is maintained when compressed with film, preventing deformation and giving them a beautiful silhouette after wrapping.
KicksWrap's deodorant shoe keeper can be adjusted in length.
This shoe keeper is perfect for applying the right amount of tension to your sneakers and removing creases from wearing them.
Sneaker Box
Wrapping your sneakers is enough to keep out external factors such as moisture and dust, but you can further increase the insulation effect by storing the wrapped sneakers in a sneaker box.
Especially when it comes to premium sneakers, you can enjoy them as interior decoration by putting them in a box and displaying them in your room.
We recommend KicksWrap's Acrylic Case
Made with extra-thick 3.5mm acrylic, it not only enhances storage but also creates a luxurious feel.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Sneaker Wrapping
Sneaker wrapping is an effective way to prevent deterioration, as it helps prevent hydrolysis and protects sneakers from dust, odors, etc.
However, if you are trying it for the first time, there are bound to be some things you don't understand.
In this section we have compiled some frequently asked questions about sneaker wrapping, so please use it as a reference.
Which wrapping film is best?
We recommend KicksWrap wrapping film .
- Tear-resistant strength
- Transparency that doesn't interfere with the appearance of your sneakers
- High sealing performance
KicksWrap has the performance required for the three wrapping films mentioned above.
What we want to pay particular attention to is the "high level of sealing"

While many films have air vent holes in various places, KicksWrap only has one air vent hole, located at the toe.
It thoroughly prevents moisture, which is the cause of hydrolysis.
Once wrapped, can I leave it like that forever?
Considering the lifespan of the desiccant used to remove moisture, we recommend replacing the desiccant and wrapping it around the box about once a year.
What is a sealer? Which one should I buy?
A sealer is a machine used to seal openings in plastic film with heat.
It can be used for more than just wrapping sneakers; it can also be used to reseal bags of snacks that you haven't finished, making it a convenient item to have on hand.
You can purchase them not only online but also at 100 yen shops.
If you are planning to purchase one in the future, choose a handy type that will be used for wrapping sneakers.
Which is better: a heat gun or a hair dryer?
I recommend a heat gun.
The crucial difference between a heat gun and a hair dryer is that the latter can emit high temperatures.
Especially with thicker wrapping films like KicksWrap Premium , using a heat gun that can produce a high temperature can help shrink the film enough to create a crisp finish.
A heat gun is a useful item for everyday use, not just wrapping, but also for removing stickers and opening tightly sealed bottle caps.
Is there anywhere that can do it for me?
- I looked at the steps but I'm not confident that I can do it properly.
- It's a hassle to prepare things
- I would also like other maintenance to be done.
For people like this, we recommend KicksWrap's online delivery service .
This is a service in which sneaker specialists will handle various maintenance tasks, including cleaning, wrapping, and removing yellowing, which can be difficult for amateurs.
summary

Sneaker wrapping is an effective way to keep your sneakers in good condition for a long time, as it not only prevents dust and odor transfer, but also helps prevent hydrolysis.
It may take some time to get used to it, but if you use the right items and follow the correct steps, even beginners can achieve beautiful results.
To extend the life of your favorite sneakers as long as possible, be sure to give sneaker wrapping a try.