How to Take Care of Your Shoes

Why Shoe Care Matters

Shoes are subject to regular wear: dust, moisture, dirt and mechanical stress affect the material, shape and appearance over time. Regular and appropriate care can help maintain them in good condition for longer, slowing deterioration and preserving fit.

There is no universal method — the effect of any treatment depends on the material, the condition of the shoe and how it is used. This guide covers general tips. For model-specific instructions, always check the product page or the manufacturer's care guidelines.

First Rule: Read the Material and Care Instructions

Before cleaning or treating a pair of shoes, identify the main material: smooth leather, suede or nubuck, fabric, mesh, rubber, synthetic materials or a combination. Different materials respond differently to cleaning products and methods.

If the shoes have a care label, follow it. If not, the product sheet or manufacturer's guidance is your most reliable reference. Without specific instructions, it is prudent to test any product on a small, hidden area before applying it to the whole shoe.

Quick Clean and Deeper Cleaning

A quick clean after each use can reduce dirt build-up over time:

• Remove dust and mud with a soft dry cloth or soft-bristle brush while the dirt is still fresh.
• Let wet shoes dry before storing them, away from direct heat sources.
• Remove laces before a deeper clean to reach the areas near the eyelets more easily.

For a deeper clean, the method depends on the material. As a general rule, proceed gently, use as little product as necessary, and always test on a hidden area first.

Different Materials: Specific Tips

Smooth Leather

Smooth leather can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth to remove surface dirt. For a deeper clean, leather-specific products are available at shoe shops or hardware stores. Applying a leather conditioner or maintenance product may help maintain the material's flexibility over time — results depend on the leather's quality and condition. Always check product compatibility with the specific leather type before applying.

Avoid submerging leather in water or exposing it to heavy rain without protection: the material may harden or deform. If the shoe gets wet, let it dry slowly in open air, away from heat sources.

Suede and Nubuck

Suede and nubuck require particular care as they are porous and sensitive to moisture. For surface dirt, use a suede-specific brush with gentle strokes in the direction of the fibres. Avoid applying excess water to these materials.

Suede erasers and specific cleaning products exist and may help remove some stains. Not all stains come out easily — results depend on the type of soiling, the material and how quickly you act. Always check the product label and test on a hidden area first.

Mesh and Technical Fabric

Shoes with mesh or technical fabric uppers (common in running and sports shoes) can generally be cleaned with a soft brush dampened with a small amount of mild detergent. Work with gentle circular motions and rinse with a clean damp cloth.

Some fabric shoes are machine washable, but only if the manufacturer explicitly states this. If in doubt, hand washing is the more cautious option. Do not machine wash unless stated clearly by the manufacturer.

Rubber and Soles

Rubber soles can be cleaned with a stiff brush and water, optionally with a little mild soap. More stubborn stains on white soles can be treated with specific products. Check product compatibility before applying anything near the coloured upper.

Synthetic Materials

Synthetic materials tend to be easier to clean than natural leather or suede. A damp cloth is often enough for surface dirt. For more persistent soiling, use a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid solvents or harsh products that can degrade the material.

Drying: What to Do and What to Avoid

How shoes are dried affects both the shape and the longevity of the material:

• Air dry in a ventilated space, away from direct heat sources. Natural drying is generally the most cautious option for most materials.
• Avoid direct heat: radiators, high-temperature shoe dryers and hairdryers can warp the sole, shrink the upper or damage the material — unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
• Remove laces and insoles before drying so the inside dries more thoroughly.
• Stuff with newspaper or use shoe trees to help the shoe keep its shape while drying — particularly useful with leather and stiffer materials.
• If shoes are very wet, blot excess water with a dry cloth before leaving them to air dry.

Storage and Seasonal Changeover

Good storage can reduce deterioration over time:

• Always clean shoes before storing them for an extended period — residual dirt and moisture can accelerate deterioration.
• Store in a dry, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Prolonged sun exposure can fade colours and degrade materials.
• Use shoe trees or stuff with newspaper to maintain shape, especially for leather shoes.
• Fabric bags or shoe boxes protect from dust while allowing the shoe to breathe. Avoid sealed plastic bags for long-term storage.
• For sports shoes with EVA foam soles (such as many running shoes), the foam compresses over time regardless of use — rotating between pairs where possible can be helpful.

Sneakers: Practical Tips

Sneakers often feature mesh, synthetic leather or combined material uppers with rubber or EVA soles. Some useful tips:

• Remove laces and wash them separately if needed — many fabric laces can be hand washed.
• For white or light-coloured soles, specific cleaning products exist. Results depend on the stain type and the porosity of the material.
• Mesh uppers clean well with a soft brush. Avoid scrubbing hard to protect the fibres.
• Let the inside dry completely before wearing them again.

If you are choosing everyday sneakers, you may find our guide How to Choose the Right Everyday Sneakers useful.

Running Shoes: Practical Tips

Running shoes are designed to absorb repeated impacts and tend to deteriorate mechanically faster than most shoe types, regardless of external care.

• Clean the soles after each run, especially after trail runs — dried mud is easier to remove with a stiff brush once it has dried completely.
• The mesh upper cleans well with a soft damp brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap.
• Do not machine wash unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer — heat and the spin cycle can damage the cushioning foam and adhesives.
• Always air dry, away from heat sources.

For guidance on choosing running shoes, see our guide Running Shoes: How to Choose the Right Model.

Sandals and Slides: Practical Tips

Sandals and slides are in direct contact with the foot and often with water and dust. Some tips:

• Clean straps and footbeds regularly with a damp cloth. For more persistent soiling use a mild detergent.
• Leather sandals should be dried slowly in open air after contact with salt water or pool chlorine.
• Rubber or EVA slides can be rinsed with water and left to air dry.
• Check straps and stitching regularly, especially if you wear sandals intensively.

For guidance on choosing summer sandals and slides, see How to Choose Sandals and Slides for Summer.

Laces, Insoles and Small Accessories

• Laces: fabric laces can be hand washed with water and mild soap. Rinse well and air dry before re-lacing.
• Insoles: removable insoles can be taken out and aired after use. Some can be gently hand washed — check instructions where available. Replacing heavily worn insoles may contribute to perceived comfort.
• Water-repellent sprays and protective products: water-repellent sprays, waxes and protective products exist for various materials. Effectiveness varies by product and material. Always read instructions and test on a hidden area first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Drying on a radiator or with a hot hairdryer (risk of warping and material damage)
• Submerging leather or suede in water
• Using bleach or harsh solvents on any material without checking first
• Machine washing without verifying the manufacturer's guidance
• Storing wet or dirty shoes directly in a cupboard
• Using leather products on suede or vice versa
• Rubbing fresh stains hard (risk of spreading them)

What to Check on the Product Page

Some product sheets include specific care instructions for the model: materials used, cleaning guidance and warnings. Where available, these take precedence over any general advice. If not present, contact the manufacturer or seller for model-specific information.

Shoe Care Checklist

• ☐ Identified the main material of the shoe
• ☐ Checked the manufacturer's care instructions where available
• ☐ Removed surface dirt after use
• ☐ Left to air dry away from heat sources
• ☐ Tested any product on a hidden area first
• ☐ Removed laces and insoles for cleaning where needed
• ☐ Stored in a dry, ventilated place
• ☐ Used shoe trees or stuffing to maintain shape

Explore Shoes on Fuix

On Fuix you will find a selection of shoes for sport, leisure and everyday use. Find more practical guides on care and maintenance in the Care & Maintenance section.