26 Cleaners That Are Actually Really Worth The Bite the bullet

Cleaning Products Worth Spending On for Your Shoes

Not every shoe-care product earns its place on the shelf, but a handful of cleaner types genuinely extend the life of sneakers and boots. Choosing well comes down to matching the product to the material, rather than reaching for one spray for everything.

Match the cleaner to the material

• Gentle foaming sneaker cleaners work well on canvas, knit and mesh uppers. Apply with a soft brush, work in small circles and wipe away the foam before it dries.
• Suede and nubuck kits, usually a crepe or brass-bristle brush plus an eraser block, lift scuffs and restore the nap without soaking the leather.
• Leather cleaners and conditioners remove grime and then replace oils, which helps smooth leather boots resist cracking through a damp Portland winter.
• Midsole and sole cleaners, or a melamine sponge used lightly, brighten white rubber and foam edges that pick up road dirt fastest.
• Water and stain repellents are cleaning's best partner. Applied to clean, dry shoes, they make the next clean-up quicker.

Habits that make any cleaner work better

Knock off loose dirt with a dry brush before using liquid, and remove laces and insoles so they can be washed separately. Use as little water as possible on leather and suede, and always let shoes air-dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper to hold their shape. Radiators, hair dryers and tumble dryers can warp soles and weaken glue. Test any new product on a small, hidden area first, especially on coloured or dyed uppers.

Cleaning and caring for new pairs

The easiest time to protect a shoe is before its first wear. A quick coat of repellent on a fresh pair from our new arrivals can keep light colours looking clean for far longer. If you're unsure how a material will hold up, check the manufacturer's care label, and keep tags and packaging until you're confident about fit, since our shipping and returns details apply to unworn footwear.