How to care for Leather Sneakers

We all know that feeling when your favourite leather sneaker isn't looking like it did when you first bought them. As much as we encourage stocking up on leather sneakers, we also have the best tips and tricks to restore your current or old leather sneakers. Keeping your sneakers in pristine condition all year round is not an easy task but, we're here to walk you through cleaning your leather sneakers to ensure you can get the most wear out of them.

Let's first discuss leather sneakers. Leather sneakers are made to be durable and can hold up against wear and tear a little better than other sneaker materials. Majority of the time, a lot of leather sneakers are resistant to stains, water, dirt and can also be worn in any weather. So, you can always reach for your trusty leather sneakers, rain, hail or shine.

Choosing a leather sneaker or shoe is always a great option as leather is made to conform to the shape of your foot, making them a more comfortable wear when you've worn them in. We've all had a pair of leather shoes or sneakers that're a nightmare to walk in, in the beginning then they slowly become our favourite pair of footwear.

But how do you ensure you're not going to ruin the leather when you've got to clean them? We've outlined the top 5 steps on how to clean your leather sneakers without compromising on the materials.

  1. First thing to do is to remove the laces. We want to only be working on leather surfaces. If the laces are looking like they need a clean as well, throw them in a washing bag and in the washing machine along with clothing of the same colour. This will have your entire shoe looking brand new.
  2. Secondly, we suggest investing in a good quality nylon dry brush to brush off any excess dirt or debris. A good quality brush ensures that you’re not scratching the shoe or leaving any marks on them.
  3. Once you've taken off any dirt, use warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth to clean any dirt or stains off the leather.  Gently wipe off any dirt or stains and your sneaker should start looking like it’s original colour again.
  4. You can also use sneaker wipes or soft wipes to wipe down the surface of the sneaker. Note that sometimes, the stains require more work, but sneaker wipes are great for on-the-go or if it's a fresh stain.
  5. To keep your leather looking and feeling top quality, apply a leather conditioner or balm.

As obvious as it sounds, avoid putting your leather sneakers in the washing machine. If you need to clean the midsole of the sneaker or shoe, we suggest a sneaker deodoriser or for a natural remedy, you can use vinegar. Vinegar is able to neutralise the odour and kill any bacteria that may be present.  To fully clean the midsole, mix a bit of white vinegar with some water and add to a spray bottle and spray the midsole. Let the midsole dry before wearing and then you're good to go.

So, check out Superga's range of leather sneakers today and ensure to keep your sneakers and shoes looking fresh all year round.

How to care for Leather Sneakers