Have you heard of IMBOX? I hadn’t either until recently, and now it’s one of those little discoveries I’m glad I stumbled upon.
I first learned about IMBOX when I purchased a pair of sneakers at DSW for my daughter’s birthday. The shoes were a soft, suede-like material -- super cute and perfect for everyday wear. But as soon as I saw them, I also had the very practical thought that many moms have: these are going to get dirty fast.
Between park outings, everyday errands, and just being a kid, I knew those sneakers would probably see their fair share of dirt and spills. And then, almost as if the store was reading my mind, when I got to the checkout, the associate mentioned IMBOX Protection, an in-store treatment that protects shoes from water, stains, and fading.
The cost was $8.99, which felt reasonable for helping extend the life of a brand-new pair of shoes.
Waiting Until the Fit Was Right
Because the sneakers were a gift and my daughter wasn’t with me to try them on, I decided to wait on the treatment until after she opened them. I didn’t want to apply the protection and then discover we needed to exchange them for a different size.
One thing I did learn, though, was helpful: getting the protection would not have prevented me from returning or exchanging the shoes. The store’s normal return policy still applies. However, you wouldn’t be refunded for the protection service itself.
In the end, I waited until she tried them on, confirmed they fit perfectly, and then returned another day to have the IMBOX treatment applied.
The IMBOX Process
Here’s the part that surprised me the most: the whole process takes less than a minute.
Your shoes are placed into a special IMBOX machine, where they receive a touch-free treatment that coats the footwear with a protective layer designed to repel water and stains while helping prevent fading. You can see the shoes through the screen while the applicatoin takes place.
There’s no mess, no waiting hours for something to dry, and no worrying about whether you sprayed things evenly like you might with an at-home product.
For best results, it helps if the shoes are clean before treatment, which allows the protection to last longer.
What Types of Shoes Can Be Treated?
IMBOX works on most footwear materials, including:
- Leather
- Suede
- Sneakers
- Boots
- Sandals
Another great feature: the shoes don’t have to be newly purchased and they don’t have to come from the store you’re visiting. You can bring in a pair you already own.
Where You Can Find IMBOX
IMBOX Protection is most commonly available at DSW, where it’s offered in nearly 500 locations.
It’s also available at select retailers including:
- Dillard’s (including the location at The Woodlands Mall)
- SNIPES
- SCHEELS
So if you’re already shopping and realize you’d like to protect a pair of shoes, it’s an easy add-on while you’re in the store.
Is It Worth It?
Of course, you can always buy a spray and apply it yourself at home. But if you’re like me, you might sometimes wonder whether you’re doing it correctly or applying enough coverage. Personally, I liked the simplicity of letting the experts handle it, especially when the process takes less than a minute.
For a relatively small cost, it’s a simple way to help keep kids’ sneakers, everyday shoes, and even nicer footwear looking good longer.
And when you’ve just bought a brand-new pair of shoes you love, that little bit of protection can go a long way.
