Imagine being in 6th grade, rocking a single pair of Air Force Ones, and wondering how to keep them looking fresh.
That was me, coming from a home where creativity was the currency. With my parents and sister, money wasn’t overflowing, but it was enough to spark some ingenious problem-solving. My quest to keep my all-white Nikes pristine led me to a DIY journey—cleaning and repairing my sneakers with household items and some trusty white shoe polish from Wal-Mart.
This early passion for sneaker care evolved into something truly special. As I dove into the sneaker world through platforms like Sole Collector and Nike Talk, I found not just a hobby but a vibrant community. I discovered the art of customizing and restoring sneakers, turning them into unique pieces of art. My creations caught fire online, making waves on sneaker blogs, and I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with celebrity stylists, crafting one-of-a-kind designs for athletes and stars.
Fueled by this experience and a deep love for sneaker culture, I took a bold step and launched my own venture. In 2019, Rinse was born—a haven for revitalizing and preserving the sneakers that mean the most to you. Starting with a charming spot just outside Uptown Charlotte, we cleaned over 350 pairs in our first year, which was just the beginning. We grew our team and set our sights on even greater success.
Then, life threw a curveball. In 2020, I faced a serious illness that put Rinse on hold. For the next four years, I embarked on a journey of healing and resilience, supported by the incredible strength of my family and friends. Now, I’m beyond grateful to relaunch Rinse and reconnect with the community.
I invite you and fellow sneaker lovers to experience Rinse. Let us help your cherished sneakers shine as brilliantly as they did the day you first unboxed them.
— Mike