The foundation of shoe care is simple: brush off dirt after wearing, clean gently with the right product for the material, let shoes dry naturally and give them a day of rest between wears. Do this and most leather, suede and sneakers last far longer than neglected pairs.
Habits that suit every pair
- Rotate. Shoes absorb moisture from your feet, and a day of rest lets them dry. Avoid wearing the same pair daily.
- Use shoe trees or stuffing. Cedar trees absorb moisture and keep the shape; crumpled paper works in a pinch.
- Brush first. Dry dirt scratches when you rub it with a wet cloth.
- Dry slowly. Keep wet shoes away from radiators and direct heat, which can crack leather and weaken glue.
- Check the soles and heels. Replacing worn heel tips early is cheaper than repairing damage later.
Caring for leather shoes
Clean
Remove the laces and brush away dust with a soft horsehair brush. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, and for deeper dirt use a leather cleaner suited to your shoe. Test any product on a hidden area first.
Condition and polish
Leather is skin and dries out. Apply a small amount of conditioner or cream polish with a soft cloth, work it in with circular motions and allow it to absorb. Wax polish adds shine and some water resistance. Buff with a brush after it dries. Match the polish colour to your shoe, or use a neutral one if you are unsure.
Deal with water
If leather gets soaked, stuff it with paper, replace the paper when damp and let it dry at room temperature. When fully dry, condition it. Salt marks from winter streets can be wiped with a cloth dampened in a mild mixture of water and a little white vinegar, but test first and follow the manufacturer’s advice for your shoe.
Caring for suede and nubuck
Suede hates water and grease but is easier to look after than many expect. Use a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dirt, and a suede eraser or block for marks. Spray a protector designed for suede before first wear and reapply periodically. If suede gets wet, let it dry naturally, then brush. For stubborn stains, a specialist cleaner is safer than home remedies. Keep it away from direct heat.
Caring for sneakers
Always check the manufacturer’s care advice, because materials vary widely between knit, leather, canvas and mesh uppers.
- Remove laces and insoles and wash laces separately by hand.
- Brush off loose dirt from the upper and soles.
- Mix mild soap with lukewarm water and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.
- Stuff with paper and air dry away from heat and direct sunlight.
Many people put sneakers in the washing machine, but heat and tumbling can damage glue and shape, so avoid it unless the label allows it. White soles can be cleaned with a soft brush and a mild cleaning paste.
| Material | Clean with | Protect with | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth leather | Brush, damp cloth, leather cleaner | Conditioner, wax polish | Direct heat, soaking |
| Suede and nubuck | Suede brush, eraser | Suede protector spray | Water, grease, wet scrubbing |
| Canvas and knit sneakers | Mild soap, soft brush | Protector spray if suitable | Hot washing, tumble drying |
| Leather sneakers | Damp cloth, mild cleaner | Conditioner | Harsh chemicals |
Storing shoes
Keep shoes in a cool, dry place with some air circulation. Avoid piling them in a heap, which crushes their shape. Use cloth bags for pairs you rarely wear, not sealed plastic, which traps moisture. Before storing for a season, clean and condition them.
When to repair
A cobbler can replace heel caps, resole good leather shoes and fix stitching. This is often a fraction of the cost of replacing them, and it is one of the simplest sustainable habits, covered further in our sustainable fashion basics. If you are buying a used pair, check the soles, insides and stitching, as explained in our thrift shopping tips.
Similar habits apply to clothing; see our fabric care guide for washing advice.
Waterproofing and weather
Protective sprays can help shoes cope with rain and salt, but they work differently on each material, so choose one made for your shoe type and follow the instructions on the product. Apply it to clean, dry shoes in a ventilated space, and let it dry fully before wearing. Reapply every so often, particularly in wet seasons. No spray makes a shoe fully waterproof, so avoid deep puddles and let damp pairs rest and dry slowly before you wear them again.
Laces, insoles and small details
Frayed laces, flattened insoles and scuffed edges make a good pair look tired. Replace laces when they fray, wash or swap insoles when they smell and touch up edges with matching polish or cream. These small jobs take minutes and change how a shoe looks far more than people expect.
A simple 10-minute routine
Once a week, take your most worn pair, brush it, wipe it down and insert shoe trees. Once a month, condition leather or reapply suede protector. Keep the kit in one box where you can see it. Find more everyday tips in our fashion guides.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I polish leather shoes?
Many people polish every few weeks for shoes worn regularly, or when they look dull or dry. Brush after each wear.
Can I wash sneakers in the washing machine?
Only if the manufacturer's care advice allows it. Heat and tumbling can damage adhesives and shape, so hand cleaning is generally safer.
How do I get water stains out of suede?
Let the shoe dry naturally, then brush the nap with a suede brush. For stubborn marks, use a suede-specific cleaner.
How can I stop shoes smelling?
Rotate pairs, let them dry fully and use cedar shoe trees or an odour absorber. Washing insoles and wearing clean socks also help.
Is it worth resoling shoes?
For well-made leather shoes, yes. Resoling costs less than a new pair and can add years of wear.
