How To Protect Your Gear So It Can Work As Hard As You Do

Properly maintaining your athletic gear doesn’t just protect the gear - it protects your wallet as well. Runners and other athletes spend a lot of money annually on shoes, clothing, and other gear, so taking a few extra steps to keep your gear in top condition is worth it in the long run. 

Today we’ve highlighted a couple products available at GBM to keep your gear going strong, and help it last through another season. 

First, we’ll start with shoes. One of the things we recommend using, especially during the rainy months, is waterproofing spray. Waterproofing spray is a liquid that you can spray on your shoes and clothing, and once it dries, it creates a hydrophobic barrier that keeps the water out, and your feet nice and dry. It also makes your shoes much easier to clean, as the protective layer doesn’t let mud and dirt settle into the fabric. Another option to help keep your shoes nice and fresh - odor spray! This stuff is seriously the best! There’s nothing worse than having to stop wearing your favorite shoes because they’ve started getting a bit stinky. (Also, for parents of teens that do sports, this stuff will be your best friend!)

Hydro-Hater Water-proofing Spray and Smell Slayer Odor Spray from Revive & Revel

Revive & Revel is our go-to for both of these products, as they are designed specifically for athletes and people who are tough on their gear. Their Hydro-Hater Waterproofing Spray is safe on all materials and retains the flexibility of the material you spray it on. Safe for shoes, bags, clothing, and more, Hydro-Hater has you covered! The Smell Slayer Order Spray is also safe for all materials and is great to keep in your bag for an after-practice spritz or to keep in your car so it doesn’t accumulate that familiar “funky” gear smell. We stock both of these products and more from Revive & Revel at all three of our GBM locations, so make sure to snag a bottle next time you stop in!

Next up for gear protection, specifically to take care of that familiar funk - we have the Nathan Sports Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent. We love this product for multiple reasons: it’s plant-based, 100% non-toxic, biodegradable, and doesn’t use perfumes, dyes, fabric softeners, or bleach! Not only does the Power Wash Detergent protect your gear, but it also protects you and the environment from the harsh chemicals that are typically found in most detergents. It’s designed to maintain your gear's technical performance, such as breathability and sweat-wicking, by destroying odor without leaving a residue that can deteriorate your gear or compromise performance. We highly recommend this product to clean up your most-used gear. 

Last, but not least - more odor management! (We know there's no such thing as too much odor control.) SmellWell has some great products for this. We particularly love the oder-control gear pouches, as they’re great for throwing your stinky, sweaty gear in after a workout when you can’t get it home immediately to wash. The bags neutralize odor and absorb moisture, helping to prevent bacteria growth. It’s also great for keeping your dirty clothes separated from the rest of the stuff in your bag. The freshener inserts for shoes and bags are also a life saver - easily able to be moved from your bag to your shoes, to your car, or wherever you need a little freshening up. These are both great items to keep in your car to eliminate order when you’re on the go. 

Products to keep your gear in tip-top shape.

We only carry products that we really believe in and love at GBM, so you know these products can keep up with even the most intense athletes. If you give any of these products a try, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments on this post! 

As always, GBM is here to help you take your athletic pursuits to the next level, and properly maintaining your gear is just one part of the formula. Stop by today and speak with one of our knowledgable staff members to help you find everything you need to succeed! 

Catch ya later, runners!