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Keeping shoes clean can be an uphill battle. A lot can happen to pairs when stepping outside even just for a few hours — scuffs, dirt marks or indeterminable stains. And in terms of debris, not only does it make shoes look bad, but it can sometimes lead to permanent damage.
Luckily, there are cleaners, kits and wipes you can use to make your sneakers look like new.
There are also a few cleaning supplies that you might have tucked away at home you can reach for, too. For example, a Mr. Tide stain pen or Magic Eraser can be used to polish and buff your most prized pairs in a pinch.
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Whether you prefer a comprehensive kit or simple at-home treatment, it’s important to first consider the material of your sneakers. Are they canvas, suede, nubuck, knit-based or leather? This will play a factor in determining which cleaning solution will give you the best results. Keep in mind that not all cleaners are safe to use on every type of finish, so make sure to check product details for more information in order to avoid damaging any pairs.
From travel-friendly wipes to cleaning solution kits and pads for removing scuff marks, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best sneaker cleaners on the market for you to try. We’ve even included a rain-repellent spray that will protect pairs from water damage.
Keep reading to shop them all.
Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaner
A bestseller on Amazon.com with over 5,300 five-star reviews, Jason Markk’s Premium Shoe Cleaner is a customer favorite. The pack contains a 4-ounce bottle of the brand’s premium sneaker solution, which is safe to use on all colors and materials according to the brand’s marketplace on Amazon. It also comes with a synthetic bristle brush featuring an easy-to-maneuver woodblock handle. Users should note that the brush should be only used on tougher materials like leather, rubber and plastic. If you have a sneaker with a knit-based or suede upper, consider using a softer tool like a nail brush.
Sneaker Lab Shoe Wipes
For those on the go, consider Sneaker Lab’s Shoe Wipes. The versatile wipe can be used on suede, nubuck, leather, canvas, mesh and various other knits. Each wipe contains bioengineered bacteria that breaks down the dirt at the molecular level, instead of soap or harsh chemicals. The innovative wipes come in a pack of 12 and should wipe off dirt with ease.
Angelus Foam Tex Cleaning Kit
For sneakers with uppers made of delicate materials like suede or knit, consider the Angelus Foam Tex Cleaning Kit. The gentle foaming cleaner won’t heavily saturate material and will leave your shoes squeaky clean. The shoe cleaner kit comes with a 5.7 ounce bottle of cleaner, a hog hair cleaning brush and a microfiber towel, which is great for lifting dirt and stains.
CleanKicks Shoe Cleaner Wipes
Another great choice, CleanKicks Shoe Cleaner Wipes feature a dual-textured material to better remove dirt. Among the product’s 1,000 glowing reviews on Amazon, one user notes, “These are the greatest and most convenient shoe cleaning wipes available.” They come in a pack of 30 for $16.
Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit
Pink Miracle has remained a popular shoe cleaner since 1985. You just need a little bit of the brand’s USA-made concentrate to tackle grime and grit on your favorite pair of kicks. Today, Pink Miracles’ Shoe Cleaner Kit, which comes with the solution and a stiff brush, has over 7,600 reviews on Amazon and a cult following.
GOAT Shield Shoe Wipes
Goat Shield’s Shoe Wipes include two textured sides for helping remove dirt. Available in a pack of 24 individually wrapped wipes, this shoe cleaner will work on a variety of footwear options, including running sneakers and golf shoes.
Crep Protect Sneaker Care Pack
Do your shoes need a little TLC? We suggest Crep Protect’s Sneaker Care Pack. The shoe cleaner kit contains a naturally-derived cleaning solution, hog hair brush, soft microfiber cloth for use on more delicate finishes and 12 cotton-scented wipes for cleaning on the go. To prevent future messes, the kit also includes a rain and stain repellent spray.
X Sneaker Cleaner Natural Foaming Solution
Foam solutions can be great for sneakers with delicate suede or knit-mesh uppers. X Sneaker Cleaner’s Natural Foaming Solution is easy-to-use and guaranteed to be non-yellowing to synthetics and rubber materials. The solvent-free formula is made with a blend of coconut and sugar to leave your shoes smelling fresh and looking clean.
SneakErasers Sole and Sneaker Cleaner
SneakErasers’ Sole and Sneaker Cleaner sponges can help you remove pesky scuff marks on the soles of your shoes. Offering a dual-layer technology, powerful micro-scrubbers and a proprietary cleaning formula, this cleaner can get the job done at a great price point. Simply wet the sponges and buff your shoes to watch the marks disappear. For $10, you can get a pack of 10 rounds that are conveniently pocket-sized. They’re also reusable, so you can get multiple uses out of them.
Deadstock Los Angeles Shoe Cleaner Kit
Another all-in-one option, Deadstock Los Angeles’ Shoe Cleaner Kit includes a shoe cleaner that can be used on all types of materials including vinyl, leather, rubber, cotton, plastic and knit. It also comes with two kinds of brushes for tackling various surfaces, plus a microfiber cloth, water- and stain-repellent spray and shoe deodorizer. Deadstock’s kit should leave shoes looking refreshed, but in case of an unsuccessful cleaning, the brand offers a 100% money back guarantee.
Kiwi Sneaker Cleaner
You can also achieve clean shoes with Kiwi’s Sneaker cleaner. Its powerful formula is suitable to use on full grain and faux leathers, canvas, suede, nubuck, mesh and more materials. For the best results, you can also use the sponge-top cleaner in tandem with the rest of the products in Kiwi’s three-step cleaner system.
Gear Aid Revivex Care Kit
Gear Aid Revivex Care Kit
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover
When you’re out and about and don’t have access to a full-on cleaner, Tide To Go’s Instant Stain Remover pens are perfect for attacking unwanted spots on your sneakers. Each pen contains a stain-fighting solution and absorbent microfiber pad. This pack of three allows you to keep one at home, in your car and in your pocket or purse, so you don’t have to worry about the next time you dirty up your favorite pairs.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Mr. Clean’s Magic Erasers can eliminate just about any surface stain around the house, but can also help remove sneaker scuffs. All you have to do is wet a portion of the sponge, squeeze the excess water out and scrub to get out dirt, grime and stains. With this option below, you get 10 pads in a pack for nearly $13 at a great value.
