How to Clean & Care for Every Type of Shoe

You invest in great shoes. Maybe it's a pair of leather boots that age like fine denim, or white canvas sneakers that somehow attract every sidewalk scuff within a five-block radius. Either way, proper cleaning and care isn't just about aesthetics—it extends the life of your footwear, protects your investment, and keeps you stepping out with confidence.

Below, we break down the best cleaning methods and maintenance habits for every major shoe material and style in your rotation.

Leather is durable, but it's not invincible. Dirt, moisture, and neglect can dry it out, crack the surface, and dull that rich finish you fell for in the first place.

• Remove surface dirt first: Use a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth to wipe away dust and loose debris before applying any product.

• Clean with a leather-specific solution: Mix a small amount of leather cleaner (or a gentle soap-and-water solution), and apply with a soft cloth using circular motions.

• Condition regularly: Leather conditioner replenishes natural oils and prevents cracking. Apply a thin, even layer every 3–4 weeks for shoes in heavy rotation.

• Polish for protection and shine: A quality shoe polish adds a protective barrier and restores color. Match the polish shade to your leather for best results.

• Store with cedar shoe trees: They absorb moisture, maintain shape, and keep odors at bay between wears.

Suede's soft, napped texture looks incredible, but it's notoriously sensitive to water and stains easily. The key here is prevention and gentle intervention.

• Brush after every wear: A suede brush (with soft brass or crepe bristles) lifts the nap and removes surface dust before it settles in.

• Treat stains immediately: Blot (never rub) liquid spills with a clean cloth. For dried stains, a suede eraser works wonders on scuffs and marks.

• Use a protective spray: Apply a suede-specific waterproofing spray before the first wear, and reapply every few weeks. This creates an invisible barrier against moisture and stains.

• Avoid water at all costs: If suede does get wet, stuff shoes with paper and let them air dry away from direct heat. Brush gently once dry to restore the texture.

• Steam for stubborn spots: Hold the shoe over steam briefly to loosen set-in stains, then brush while the nap is raised.

Canvas shoes are the workhorses of casual footwear. Since they’re the easiest to clean, they can take a beating and keep coming back.

• Remove laces and insoles: Take them out before cleaning so you can reach every surface. Laces can be placed in a mesh laundry bag and tossed in the wash.

• Brush off loose dirt: A dry brush or old toothbrush knocks off caked-on mud and debris.

• Scrub with soapy water: Mix warm water with a mild detergent. Use a brush or cloth to scrub the canvas in gentle, circular motions.

• Spot-treat tough stains: A paste of baking soda and water works well on stubborn marks. Apply, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

• Air dry only: Never put canvas shoes in the dryer. Stuff them with paper towels to hold their shape and let them dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight (which can yellow white canvas).

Performance shoes take on sweat as well as grime from the outdoors and gym floors. Regular cleaning is essential for both hygiene and longevity.

• Remove insoles and laces: Wash insoles separately with mild soap and water. Let them air-dry completely before reinserting.

• Hand-wash the uppers: Use a soft brush with warm, soapy water to gently scrub mesh and synthetic uppers. Avoid submerging shoes entirely, as excess water can break down adhesives.

• Target the outsole: An old toothbrush is perfect for digging dirt out of tread grooves.

• Air-dry at room temperature: Stuff with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture. Avoid radiators, dryers, and direct sunlight, since heat warps midsole foam and weakens glue.

• Rotate your pairs: Giving shoes 24–48 hours between wears allows cushioning to decompress and moisture to fully evaporate.

Between rain, snow, mud, and salt, boots endure the harshest conditions in your closet. In other words, they deserve a little extra attention.

• Wipe down after every wear in bad weather: A damp cloth removes salt and grime before it has a chance to stain or corrode the material.

• Condition leather boots seasonally: At minimum, condition at the start and end of boot season. Do so more frequently if you're wearing them daily.

• Waterproof proactively: Apply a wax-based waterproofing treatment to leather boots, or a spray-on protector for suede and nubuck styles.

• Dry boots properly: Remove insoles, open the tongue wide, and let them air-dry. Never place wet boots near a heater; it dries out leather and can warp the sole.

• Use boot shapers for tall styles: They prevent creasing and slouching in the shaft during off-season storage.

Open-toed styles collect sweat, sunscreen, and foot oils that can degrade materials and cause odor over time.

• Wipe footbeds regularly: Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean cork, leather, or synthetic footbeds after every few wears.

• Scrub rubber and EVA soles: A brush with soapy water handles buildup on casual slides and sport sandals.

• Condition leather straps: Treat them the same way you'd treat leather shoes: condition periodically to prevent drying and cracking.

• Protect cork footbeds: Birkenstock-style cork beds benefit from a cork sealant applied once or twice a year to prevent crumbling and moisture damage.

• Air them out: Store sandals in a ventilated space (not sealed in a box) to prevent odor buildup between wears.

Not every scuff means it's time to shop (though we'd never stop you). Here's a quick gut check:

• Repair if: The sole is separating but the upper is intact, the heel tip is worn down, or stitching has come loose. A cobbler can handle all of these affordably.

• Replace if: The midsole cushioning feels flat and unsupportive, the upper material is cracked beyond conditioning, or the shoe no longer fits properly due to structural breakdown.

• Resole for quality investment pieces: Goodyear-welted boots and dress shoes can be resoled multiple times, making them a decades-long investment when properly maintained.

How you store your shoes matters almost as much as how you clean them.

• Use shoe trees for leather and dress shoes: Cedar is ideal, as it absorbs moisture and odor naturally.

• Keep shoes in a cool, dry place: Humidity breeds mold and mildew; excessive heat dries out materials.

• Store in dust bags or breathable containers: Avoid sealed plastic bins, which trap moisture.

• Rotate your footwear: Wearing the same pair daily accelerates breakdown. Give each pair a rest day to recover its shape and dry out completely.

• Stuff boots and tall shoes: Maintain their structure during storage with boot shapers or rolled towels.

A little routine maintenance goes a long way. Treat your shoes well and they'll return the favor, mile after mile.