How to Clean Leather, Suede, Canvas and Synthetic Shoes

Before cleaning a favourite pair of shoes, check what they are made from. A soft suede-effect boot can be fabric, a leather-look loafer can be synthetic, and a glossy finish needs different care from plain leather.

This guide takes you through the main materials and the first steps to take at home, with examples from our current collection at Leavys Shoes.

How to clean smooth leather shoes

1. Remove loose, dry dirt with a soft brush or cloth.
2. Use a smooth-leather cleaner as directed, taking care around stitching, zips and decorative details.
3. Allow the shoes to dry naturally. If the leather needs conditioning or colour care, apply a small amount of a compatible cream and buff as instructed.

Check first if the surface is metallic, coated or unusually shiny. A product made for ordinary smooth leather may not suit these finishes. There is no fixed conditioning timetable for every pair: how often you wear them and the condition of the leather matter.

How to clean genuine suede and nubuck

Suede and nubuck are textured leathers. Use a brush designed for the material to gently lift dry dirt. For marks that remain, choose a specialist cleaner or eraser approved for the finish and follow its instructions.

Let the shoes dry as directed, then gently brush to lift the texture again. Keep ordinary leather polish and rich creams away from suede. Take extra care with pale colours and avoid harsh brushes that could mark the surface.

Suede-effect does not always mean suede leather. If the upper is listed as textile or synthetic, use the care method for that material instead.

How to clean synthetic and leather-look shoes

For surface dust, start with a soft, dry cloth. Where the care instructions allow it, use a slightly damp cloth or a synthetic-compatible cleaner, then remove residue as directed. Avoid soaking the shoe.

Do not assume a leather conditioner or wax is suitable simply because the upper looks like leather. Synthetic coatings and finishes can need their own products. If a surface is peeling, stop scrubbing and ask for advice: cleaning will not put a damaged coating back.

How to clean patent and patent-effect shoes

Check whether the glossy upper is leather or synthetic. Lift surface dust with a soft cloth, then use a cleaner specifically approved for that patent finish if needed. Avoid abrasive pads or stiff brushes that could dull or scratch it.

Keep products intended for ordinary leather away unless their label also permits the glossy finish. Colour restorers are not universal: a black patent product, for example, is not suitable for a brown or cream pair. Store glossy shoes where other shoes and buckles will not rub against them.

How to clean canvas, fabric and mixed-material trainers

Brush away dry surface dirt gently, then use a textile-compatible cleaner according to the shoe’s care instructions. Work carefully around seams, heel coverings and trims. On a mixed-material trainer, check every panel the cleaner will touch.

A fabric upper does not automatically make the whole shoe machine washable. Only use a washing machine if the manufacturer explicitly allows it for that exact style. Otherwise, follow the recommended hand-cleaning method. Keep the brush or cloth used for dirty soles separate from the upper.

Four current styles: what the material label tells you

These examples show why appearance alone is not enough. Each style had several sizes available when checked on 22 September 2026. Follow the links for full details and current availability.

Leather upper · Caprice

Black leather buckle ankle boots

Smooth nappa leather, an inside zip and a 62 mm block heel make these a smart option for trousers or dresses.

Start here: use the smooth-leather routine above, keeping cleaner and cream off the silver-tone buckle and zip.

View Caprice boots

Synthetic upper · Jana

Chocolate brown wide-fit boots

These H wide-fit boots have a leather-look synthetic upper, an inside zip and a 55 mm block heel.

Start here: choose care suitable for synthetics. Their smooth brown appearance does not make them leather.

View Jana boots

Textile upper · Tamaris

Black suede-effect ankle boots

A matte textile upper, inside zip and contrasting reptile-effect 50 mm heel give these boots their distinctive finish.

Start here: follow textile-care guidance. Treat the textured heel separately and avoid ordinary leather polish on the fabric.

View Tamaris boots

Patent-effect synthetic · Marco Tozzi

Cognac croc-effect loafers

A glossy synthetic upper, gold-tone trim and 35 mm block heel make these loafers easy to dress up with tailored trousers.

Start here: use care approved for glossy synthetic finishes. Wipe gently around the croc-effect texture and ornament.

View Marco Tozzi loafers

Material and fitting details apply to the individual styles shown. Sizes and prices may change.

What to do when shoes get wet

• Blot excess moisture with a clean cloth and open fastenings to help air circulate.
• Remove insoles only if they are designed to come out.
• Allow shoes to dry at room temperature, away from radiators, hairdryers and tumble dryers.
• Wait until the inside is dry too before wearing them again or putting them in a box.

Use a protector only if it is suitable for the material and finish, following the ventilation and drying instructions. A spray does not turn ordinary fashion shoes into waterproof footwear.

For storage, rotation and knowing when to visit a shoe repairer, read our guide to making shoes last longer.

Common cleaning questions

Care references: Tamaris material-care guidance and Clarks material-care guidance. Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular shoes and care product.

Originally published 9 April 2024. Refreshed 22 September 2026 with updated cleaning advice and current product examples.