A connoisseur of sneaker cleaning, restoration, and reselling, Kingsley knows the transformative power of a well-renovated pair.
With 1.2 million followers hooked on his ASMR cleaning clips, entertaining Vox pops, and customisation videos, our newest Crep Protect ambassador takes a break from the grind to give us a closer look at the craft behind the content.
Read the Full Interview Below:
Crep: For people who don’t know you or are unfamiliar with your work, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kingsley: So I’m Kingsley, I’m the founder of Kings Kleans, and I run a sneaker cleaning, restoration, and resale business with stores in Bournemouth and Woking. I started out just trying to get my hands on the sneakers I couldn’t afford as a kid.
I used to buy beat-up pairs online for cheap, clean them with washing-up liquid and a toothbrush, and rock them like they were brand new. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into a full-blown business. Now I’ve got a decent social media following, a team around me, and a community I’m building through online education, live streams, and give-back content, all while trying to change how people view used sneakers.
CP: When did your love for sneakers/ repairing them all start for you?
K: It all started when I was younger. I always wanted the biggest, most in-demand pairs, but I couldn’t afford them brand new. So I started buying worn-out pairs online, cleaning them up, and wearing them like they were fresh out of the box.
I remember the ‘Toro Bravo’ Jordan 4s were the first brand-new pair I convinced my mum to get me. I sold them a month later without even wearing them, just to flip them into a few cheaper pairs I could restore. That moment lit the spark. One pair turned into two, two into four, and before I knew it, I had over 100 pairs stacked in my room. I didn’t even realise it was the start of a career, I just loved the game.
CP: If you had to explain sneaker cleaning to someone who’s never owned a pair of sneakers before, what’s the first thing you’d tell them?
K: I’d say it’s like giving your sneakers a second life. A lot of people don’t realise how far a proper clean and restore can go, especially when you’re using the right products. It’s not just about aesthetics, either. It’s about maintaining the value, extending the lifespan, and reducing waste.
"A good clean can literally make a £20 pair look like £200. That’s powerful, especially in today’s fast fashion culture."
CP: As one of our Crep Ambassadors, you know the importance of keeping sneakers clean to increase their longevity. In what ways do you think your social content is inspiring others to do the same?
K: Everything I post is about showing the process and results. I want people to see what’s possible, not just from a business point of view but from a care point of view. Whether I’m deep cleaning a beat pair of Yeezys or restoring a vintage Jordan, I break it down so people can learn and feel confident doing it themselves.
That’s why Crep Protect is a perfect fit. I use it daily in the business, and I know the products work, so I promote them naturally. It’s all about showing people they can protect their grails too, no matter their budget.
CP: What’s one thing you think people often overlook when it comes to taking care of their sneakers?
K: Definitely, how they store their pairs. People clean them and then toss them in a dusty cupboard or a pile under the bed. Humidity, poor airflow, even sunlight, all of that affects how your sneakers age. Use proper storage boxes like the Crep Crates, rotate your wears, and invest in shoe Crep shoe trees. It makes a huge difference. Also, clean them before they get too far gone; maintenance is easier than recovery.
CP: What has been the most expensive pair of sneakers that you have cleaned/repaired?
K: The Dior x Nike Air Jordan 1s probably take the top spot. I had to treat them with extreme care, I definitely couldn’t afford to replace them if there were any mistakes. But I’ve worked on a lot of pricey kicks, and every pair teaches you something new. But even with high price tags, the clean process is almost always the same.
CP: I heard that you are in the process of opening your very own sneaker repair store. How did this opportunity come about?
K: Yeah, we’ve just opened a second branch in Woking! The first shop in Bournemouth was doing well, but we were maxed out. I saw the potential to scale, not just the cleaning side, but also selling restored kicks, as there was a huge demand from our audience. I sell kicks on a livestream every week now on the Tilt app, and the response has been wild. The new shop lets us reach more people, create jobs, and double down on our mission to make used sneakers cool again.
CP: If you could pick one pair of sneakers you could wear for the rest of your life, what would they be?
K: It’s got to be the Air Jordan 4 ‘Black Cats’. Can’t go wrong. Timeless look, Verdi, and they just elevate every outfit. You could wear them to an event or to the shop — they always work.
CP: What are your top 3 Crep Protect products you like to use and why?
K: 1. Crep Protect Spray – It’s a no-brainer. Every pair we clean gets a spray before it leaves the shop. It keeps dirt and stains away, which is especially useful for light colourways.
2. Cure Kit – This is the bread and butter of what we do. The solution’s gentle but effective, and paired with the brush, it can transform beaters.
3. Wipes – For on-the-go moments, nothing beats these. I keep them with me during day-to-day, trips, everything. One quick wipe can save a pair. The longer the dirt is on your shoe, the harder it is to remove.
CP: With many more people trying to look after their grails, what do you think the sneaker space will look like in the future? Do you think people will be buying less and reviving their old pairs more?
K: Definitely. We’re seeing it already, people are more conscious now. The hype is still there, but so is the awareness around sustainability, and the cost of living is hitting people hard. Not everyone wants to drop £300 on a new pair when they can clean up an old grail for a fraction of the price. I think platforms like Tilt, the resale market, and services like mine are going to push the scene in a whole new direction. It’s no longer about what’s new, it’s about how well you take care of what you’ve got.
CP: Thanks, Kingsley, it’s been great getting to know more about yourself and your craft. What advice or any lasting words would you give to the Crep Family?
K: Appreciate it! My advice? Start small, stay consistent, and always give value to the people around you. If you’ve got a passion for sneakers, lean into it; there’s room for you in the industry, whether you’re a collector, reseller, cleaner, or content creator.
"And to anyone reading: don’t sleep on the power of cleaning your kicks. Respect your sneakers and they’ll carry you far, literally and metaphorically."
Read Crep Connects With Bradley Martinez here
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