Restoring Kicks & Connections
​Sneak Keepers was born from a simple belief: restoration matters. Whether it's a pair of sneakers that have seen better days or relationships that need mending, the principles are the same - patience, the right tools, and understanding that some things are worth saving.
Based in Nashville/Brentwood, Tennessee, we're more than just a sneaker cleaning service. We're craftsmen who understand that your kicks represent memories, investments, and personal style. Every scuff tells a story, and we're here to help you write the next chapter.
Outreach Program
Respect. Empathy. Accountability. Collaboration. Healing.
What makes Sneak Keepers different? We don't just restore shoes - we restore hope.
We teach students aged 11-13 that restoration - whether for shoes or relationships - requires the same core principles:
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Respect for the materials and the process
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Empathy for understanding what went wrong
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Accountability for the damage that's been done
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Collaboration between all parties to fix it
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Healing that takes time and patience
Our students literally "walk in each other's shoes" during conflict resolution, learning hands-on restoration techniques while developing social-emotional skills. When you choose Sneak Keepers, you're not just getting premium sneaker care - you're supporting youth education and community healing.
Meet our Founder
Rick Johnson aka DJ Louric
My journey with sneaker restoration started years ago with a simple question: "Can these be saved?" I was tired of watching great shoes end up in landfills because people didn't know they could be restored. I was frustrated seeing kids throw away relationships over conflicts that could be resolved with the right tools and guidance.
So I combined both passions.
By day, I work with middle schoolers teaching conflict resolution through sneaker restoration - showing them that with patience, the right approach, and proper tools, almost anything can be brought back to life. By appointment, I do the same thing for your kicks.
The R.E.A.C.H. principles I teach in the classroom are the same ones I apply to every pair of shoes that comes through:
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Respect the materials and the customer
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Empathy for understanding what the shoes have been through
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Accountability for delivering on my promises
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Collaboration with customers to achieve their vision
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Healing that requires patience and proper technique
Every pair restored funds the program. Every student taught creates a ripple effect in our community. This isn't just a side hustle - it's a mission.
🔧 Our Approach
Professional-Grade Materials Only
We use the best in the industry because your kicks deserve it:
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Haelynd Sole Cleaner for UV de-yellowing treatments
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Angelus Products for leather care and restoration
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Barge SuperStik contact cement for repairs that last
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Eco-friendly, plant-based cleaning solutions because we care about the planet as much as your shoes
We don't cut corners with cheap alternatives. We've tested everything, learned from mistakes, and invested in what actually works.
Honest Assessments, Realistic Expectations
Here's what we won't do: promise miracles.
Some wear is permanent. Some yellowing has limits. Some damage can't be undone. But what we CAN promise is that your shoes will look significantly better than when you brought them in. We'll always give you an honest assessment and set realistic expectations before we start work.
If we think something won't work, we'll tell you upfront. No surprises, no disappointments.
Quality Over Speed
Good restoration takes time. Our turnarounds are 3-10 days depending on the service because we refuse to rush the process. UV treatments need proper exposure time. Reglues need proper curing. Deep cleans need multiple passes.
We're not a quick-fix operation - we're craftsmen who care about lasting results.
Our Values
Eco-Conscious Restoration
We use plant-based, eco-friendly cleaning solutions whenever possible. Sneaker care shouldn't come at the planet's expense. Our R.E.A.C.H. Clean formulations are designed to be effective AND environmentally responsible.
Supporting Our Community
A portion of every service goes toward supporting the R.E.A.C.H. program at Stars Nashville. When you invest in your kicks, you're investing in youth education and conflict resolution training for middle schoolers in our community.
Transparency & Education
We believe in teaching, not gatekeeping. Want to know how UV treatment works? Curious about what products we use? Ask us. We're happy to share knowledge because educated customers make better decisions about their sneaker care.
Craftsmanship & Pride
Every pair that leaves our hands represents our reputation. We take pride in our work, document our results, and stand behind every service we provide. Your satisfaction matters because our name is on it.