Shoe care in four steps
Good shoe care comes down to four steps. First, cleaning: a cleaning kit contains cleaner, brush and cloth for a complete clean. You will find individual products under cleaners and brushes. Next, protection with a protector spray, so moisture and dirt soak in less quickly. Crease guards keep the toe box smooth and free of creases. Then care and refresh: nourishing leather and tackling odours. Finally, keep the shoe in shape with shoe trees.
Restoring and repairing
If a shoe is worn in places you don't clean, you can often still restore it. Replace a flattened or dirty insole with new insoles in black, white or grey. Patch a hole in the lining at the heel with pads from heel lining repair. Replace dull or broken laces with new ones from laces by type.
Which product for which material
Smooth leather handles a liquid cleaner and a nourishing balm. Suede and nubuck are best cleaned dry with a suede eraser and a soft brush, because too much water leaves marks. Mesh, canvas and knit can take foam and a soft brush. Rubber soles call for a stiffer brush or a dedicated sole cleaner. If in doubt, always test a product on a hidden spot first.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my shoes?
Remove loose dirt as soon as you see it and give your shoes a deep clean when they start to look dull. Then protect them again, because cleaning removes part of the protection.
Can I put shoes in the washing machine?
Preferably not. Warm water and spinning can loosen glue and damage the shape. Cleaning by hand is gentler and you decide how much water is used.
Is this only for sneakers?
No. The cleaners, brushes, sprays and shoe trees also suit leather shoes, boots, work shoes and walking shoes. Each product page shows which materials it suits.
