I tend to be rather particular about my games. So before my cards were sleeved, I used a combination of overhand shuffling when the deck was small (though I modified it by putting some on top, some on the bottom as I shuffled through several times), riffle and bridge when the deck got thicker, or creating 4 or 5 little piles and sort them out onto the piles, then put them together. Even though I tried to be careful when shuffling, the edges of the cards were still starting to show wear. Others who played with us would sometimes mash the cards together, which would make me shiver.
Then I sleeved everything. I now can easily slide the sleeved cards together at the lower end of the sleeves. It is very easy to do and works very well. And now I don't shiver when others try to mash their cards together. I am much happier having others play with us, and I'm not always worrying about my cards getting damaged.