What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Clean suede and smooth leather separately: start with dry brushing, use a suede eraser for dry marks, and apply cleaner only when needed. Keep moisture controlled, test products discreetly, and let both materials air-dry at room temperature.
What you need before you start
Check the sneaker maker’s care label first. Leather finishes vary, so a method suitable for one pair may not suit another. For basic care, gather a soft-bristled brush, a clean cloth and, for suede, a suede brush and eraser. A suede brush-and-eraser kit is optional if you already have suitable tools.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Use a suede-appropriate cleaner only if dry care leaves a stain behind.
- For mixed-material sneakers, keep separate cloths or apply cleaner carefully so it stays on the intended panel.
- Test any liquid, foam or other treatment on a hidden spot before treating a visible area.
How to clean suede sneakers
- Let wet dirt dry. Do not brush mud while it is wet. Allow it to dry, then remove loose dirt with a suede brush or clean toothbrush. Nike’s suede-care guide recommends this dry-first approach.
- Brush gently. Use light strokes to lift dirt without flattening or damaging the nap—the soft, raised surface of suede.
- Try a suede eraser on dry marks. Rub gently over surface marks and stop if the material begins to look worn. An eraser can help with marks, but hard rubbing can damage suede.
- Escalate to a small, controlled amount of cleaner. If the mark remains, test a suede-appropriate cleaner in an inconspicuous spot. Apply a little to a cloth and treat the mark lightly; do not soak the shoe. For foam, Jason Markk’s suede-care guidance likewise advises spot-testing, using light pressure and wiping away excess solution. Dyed suede can bleed when it comes into contact with water.
- Air-dry, then restore the nap. Let the shoe dry fully at room temperature, away from direct heat. Brush the suede gently once dry to lift the nap again.
Nike also describes lightly applying a small amount of suede cleaner, white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to a cloth for stubborn stains. Because results depend on the suede and dye, test any treatment discreetly first and avoid applying it broadly.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
How to clean smooth leather sneakers
- Remove loose dirt dry. Brush the upper with a soft-bristled brush before introducing moisture.
- Use mild solution only if needed. Nike’s general shoe-cleaning guidance recommends a mild cleaning solution with a soft brush, toothbrush or damp cloth where appropriate. Work gently and keep the cloth or brush damp rather than wet.
- Blot instead of rubbing. Use a clean cloth to lift moisture and loosened dirt; avoid vigorous rubbing that could affect the finish.
- Air-dry at room temperature. Wait until the shoes are completely dry before wearing them. Avoid direct heat and the clothes dryer.
Nike mentions a household cleaning eraser or leather conditioner for some leather stains, but neither is universal advice for every leather finish. Follow the maker’s care label and test any product in a discreet area first.
#1 Best Overall
Shoe Cleaner Kit for Sneakers, Leather, Suede, Canvas & Washable Fabrics
- SAFE FOR WASHABLE LEATHER, SUEDE, CANVAS AND MESH: Made with saddle soap, natural oils, and gentle agents to restore vinyl, nubuck, knit, cloth, and other washable fabric and synthetic materials without toxic chemicals or harsh residue
- CLEANS SNEAKERS, BOOTS, SANDALS AND MORE: One solution for tennis shoes, running shoes, work boots, hiking boots, cowboy boots, white kicks, espadrilles, and everyday items like bags, purses, and hats made from washable materials
- FOOTWEAR CARE CONCENTRATE FOR LASTING USE: A dime-sized amount covers a full pair, stretching each bottle across months of regular care without frequent repurchases, complicated preparation, or mixing steps for long-lasting results
- BOTTLE AND BRUSH KIT INCLUDED: Apply solution to targeted spots for minimal waste while the multipurpose brush lifts dirt and residue from textured areas, giving you controlled and even coverage on uppers, midsoles, and outsoles
- TRUSTED SHOE CLEANER SINCE 1985: Family owned and made in the USA, this proven concentrate has been relied on for decades by sneaker collectors, athletes, and households looking to keep all their footwear fresh and clean like new
How to clean sneakers with both suede and leather panels
Treat each material on its own terms. Dry-brush and, if appropriate, erase the suede first; use a mild solution on suitable smooth-leather panels only. Keep liquid and foam localized, and do not carry a wet leather-cleaning method across suede. The adidas sneaker-care guidance also describes spot-cleaning rather than wetting the whole sneaker.
How to dry sneakers safely
Let cleaned shoes air-dry at room temperature and keep them away from direct heat. Nike warns that a dryer can damage shoes; its general care guidance also advises waiting until shoes are completely dry before wearing them. For suede, brush the nap back up only after the material has dried fully.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Angelus Easy Cleaner, Premium Shoe Cleaner, Safe For Sneakers, Leather, Suede, Canvas, and More – Removes Dirt and Stains | Made In USA - 8.6 fl oz
- All-Purpose Cleaner – Effectively cleans dirt, grime, and stains from a variety of materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, vinyl, canvas, and more. Includes 8.6 fluid ounces of sneaker cleaning solution.
- Safe and Gentle Formula – Designed to be tough on stains yet gentle on delicate materials, preserving the look and feel of your shoes and accessories.
- Versatile Use – Perfect for cleaning sneakers, boots, bags, furniture, and even car interiors, making it an essential addition to your cleaning arsenal.
- Convenient and Easy to Use – Simply apply, scrub, and wipe away to achieve a fresh, like-new look in just minutes—no rinsing required.
- Trusted Angelus Quality – Made in the USA, Angelus Easy Cleaner is a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts, cobblers, and professionals for reliable, high-quality results.
Rank #4
Jason Markk Essential Kit, Shoe Cleaner, 2-Piece Set, Deep Cleaning Solution & Durables Brush, Sneaker Care, Ideal for Footwear, Safe for Midsoles, Full-Grain Leather, Rubber, Plastic, and More, 4oz
- EASY TO USE: Our deep cleaning and conditioning footwear cleaner safely delivers a powerful, yet gentle clean for just about anything. After cleaning, wipe dry with a microfiber towel to avoid oversaturating and for easy clean-up (microfiber towel sold separately)
- SAFE ON MULTIPLE MATERIALS: Durables Cleaning Brush features stiff bristles that are tough on stubborn stains and great on midsoles, full grain leather, rubber, plastic, and other durable materials. For more delicate materials, such as premium leather, suede, cotton and knit, we recommend our Delicates Cleaning Brush (sold separately)
- RELIABLE CLEAN: Our Essential Kit is ready whenever you need it, simply pour a small amount of the Deep Cleaning Solution on the brush and mix with water. We do not recommend cleaning unsealed or painted leather. Use extra care when cleaning dyed suede as the color could bleed with any water contact
- THIS KIT INCLUDES: Essential Kit includes a 4 oz. bottle of our Deep Cleaning Solution and a Durables Cleaning Brush. Our Deep Cleaning Solution is EPA Safer Choice certified and a 100% USDA Certified Biobased product
- TRUSTED SHOE CARE SINCE 2007: Fueled by a love for sneaker culture, we design safe, effective products to protect and extend the life of your shoes, hats, and leather. Jason Markk is Certified B Corp, striving to achieve the highest social and environmental performance standards as a force for good
Rank #3
Crep Protect Sneaker Cleaner Kit - Deep Cleaning Shoe Cleaner for White Shoes, Leather, Suede, Nubuck & Canvas | Brush, Solution & Microfiber Cloth Included
- All-In-One Shoe Cleaning Kit: This comprehensive shoe cleaning kit includes a 3.5oz shoe cleaner solution, a premium shoe cleaning brush with 17,000+ bristles, an ultra-soft microfiber cloth, and a portable carry case. Perfect for all your sneaker cleaner needs, including leather, nubuck, suede, and canvas shoes
- High-Performance Shoe Cleaner Solution: Our powerful shoe cleaner solution effectively cleans over 50 pairs of shoes, making it an essential for sneaker cleaning. It works wonders on white sneakers, suede shoes, and more, removing tough stains and dirt effortlessly
- Premium Shoe Cleaning Brush: The included cleaning brush has over 17,000 short yet soft bristles, ensuring a deep clean without damaging your shoes. Ideal for suede, leather, and canvas sneakers, this shoe cleaner brush provides a thorough clean for all your footwear
- Ultra-Soft Microfiber Cloth: Our kit features a high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth that is ultra-soft, non-abrasive, and highly absorbent. Perfect for giving your shoes a final wipe-down, leaving them spotless and streak-free
- Versatile Compatibility: Our shoe cleaner is compatible with a wide range of footwear including Nike, Adidas, Converse, Vans, Puma, Jordan, New Balance, Asics, and more, ensuring it meets the cleaning needs of various shoe types
Rank #2
Sale
Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit – Cleaner, Protector, Brush, Eraser
- CONVENIENT ALL-IN-ONE KIT: Suede Cleaner, Protector, Suede Eraser and Suede Brush! Everything you need to keep your suede, Alcantara & nubuck looking like new. For use on suede boots, Uggs, shoes, jackets, apparel, furniture, car interiors and any suede, nubuck or sheepskin item. Cleans rubber shoe and boot soles, too!
- POWERFUL FOAMING SUEDE & NUBUCK CLEANER: Our specially formulated, pH-balanced cleaner maintains the soft, delicate texture of your suede, Alcantara & nubuck while deep cleaning. The cleaner’s naturally derived, sustainable ingredients are uniquely formulated to relax the surface tension of suede, which allows dirt to easily release. Can also be used on smooth leather, faux and vegan leather, rubber, canvas and vinyl.
- WATER-REPELLENT SUEDE, ALCANTARA & NUBUCK PROTECTOR: Advanced pH-balanced protector ensures your suede is safe from spills and stains by creating a breathable layer of protection against water, dirt, rain and snow. It keeps these elements on the surface where they can be easily wiped away.
- HIGH-QUALITY, PREMIUM SUEDE ERASER AND SUEDE BRUSH: Can be used before or between cleanings to gently remove surface dirt, scratches, discoloration and stains. Brush fluffs up the nap to maintain a soft, velvety finish.
- AMERICAN-MADE SINCE 1968: EPA Safer Choice Certified suede cleaner and suede protector are made with non-toxic, high-quality ingredients that make your leather last longer. Free of PFAS forever chemicals and safe for people, pets & your leather. Our premium leather care formulas have had a cult following among leather experts, retailers and high-end car and furniture makers and enthusiasts for over 50 years.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Brushing wet mud on suede: let it dry before brushing so you can remove loose dirt with less risk of grinding it into the material.
- Soaking suede: use a small amount of cleaner only when dry care is not enough, and test first.
- Using one wet method on every panel: suede and smooth leather need different care.
- Scrubbing or erasing aggressively: light pressure is safer for both suede’s nap and leather’s finish.
- Using direct heat or a dryer: air-dry at room temperature instead.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
