As summer approaches, it's time to think about protecting your kicks against the elements. With nubuck, suede, leather, and other materials to consider, picking a product is no easy thing. There’s plenty of solutions, scrubs, wipes, and other tools for keeping your kicks as deadstock as possible and we’re here to try and make sense of the best sneaker cleaners and brands jockeying to clean your kicks.
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The 17 Best Sneaker Cleaners to Keep Your Kicks Fresh
What to Consider When Shopping for Sneaker Cleaners:
It's never a good idea to just randomly use products on your sneakers without first doing some research. Before buying any sneaker cleaner, you'll first want to take a look at the material of your shoe to see what it requires from a cleaning perspective. For example, leather sneakers may require a different set of products as opposed to let's just say suede sneakers. Once you have determined what material your shoes are made of, there's still a few more things you'll need to research.
Price: Pricing is always something to keep in consideration. What are you willing to spend? That's something that only you can determine such as the amount of sneakers you'll be using the product on, and how long you would like the cleaner to last.
Material: As we just mentioned, you will absolutely need to determine the material of your shoe as using the wrong cleaner could ruin your sneakers altogether.
Shoe Color: Similar to how you separate color clothing from white clothing when doing laundry and each set requires something different from a washing perspective, the same is sometimes true when it comes to sneaker cleaners. While it's not always required, you could see better results from using a sneaker cleaner specifically meant for white sneakers, black sneakers, brown sneakers, etc.
Ingredients: In line with the material of the shoe, you'll also want to take a look at the ingredients of the shoe as not all cleaners are compatible with different materials.
Application Method: Lastly, the application method. This is another personal preference based on what you find most comfortable. Some sneaker cleaners have an application brush, while others require you to use some sort of rag or brush. It's up to you which one you want to use.
Now that you have all the information you need, we've rounded up the 12 best sneaker cleaners to keep you fresh throughout the season and after. Check out our curated selection below, picked just for your sneaker rotation.
The Best Sneaker Cleaners, at a Glance
- Best Cleaning Solution - Reshoevn8r
- Best Bundle Deal - Jason Markk
- Best Sneaker Conditioner - EB Kicks
- Best Cleaning Kit - Crep Protect
- Best Wipes - Sneaker Labs
- Best Foam Cleaner - Angelus Foam Tex
- Best Quality - G-Star Raw
- Best Suede Cleaner - Rufus Styles
- Best Waterproof Cleaner - Kiwi
- Best Stain Remover - Liquid Proof
- Best for Leather - SneakersER
- Best Tried and True Option - Pink Miracle
- Best Water-Based Cleaner - ShoeAnew
- A Good Multi-Purpose Option - Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Another for Suede - Bickmore Suede and Nubuck
- Most Affordable - Grandma's Secret
- Best for Dirt Stains - Sof Sole
1. Reshoevn8r 8 oz. Cleaning Solution
Best Cleaning Solution
What We Love: That this is made from all natural products.
Something to Consider: May not get the job done as well as products with stronger ingredients.
Reshoevn8r has been a bastion of sneaker cleaning with 10 years in the game and they have a plethora of products to choose from. Their basic entry-level product is their 8 oz. premium sneaker cleaner. It can be applied with a brush or cloth. The brand also offers a discount when you subscribe, a good deal for anyone finding themselves cleaning their kicks often. Shop their other products or a whole kit here, for all your sneaker cleaning needs.
2. Jason Markk Premium Bundle
Best Bundle Deal
What We Love: The fact that you get everything you need all in one.
Something to Consider: Not particularly great on suede sneakers.
Jason Markk is another name in the sneaker cleaning arena that carries a lot of weight. From celeb endorsements to deals with major retailers, the double K moniker is a highly trusted name for getting those sneakers restored to their former glory. The premium bundle is just about all you’ll need with their repel spray, RTU foam, microfiber towel, and suede cleaning kit. Their premium products are effective and reliable, also it makes a great gift for the sneakerhead in your life, even if that’s you!
3. EB Kicks Cleaner and Conditioner Kit
Best Sneaker Conditioner
What We Love: That the cleaner comes with both a brush and a sponge.
Something to Consider: May not work for deeper stains.
EB Kicks’ cleaner and conditioner kit comes fully stocked with an 8 oz. cleaning solution of their own, wooden brush, and sponge to carefully scrub both leathers and suedes. The brand advertises that their product lasts for 60 washes and can even be used on other things besides sneakers. You might have seen EB Kicks products at your local FootAction store but check out their website for their cleaner and conditioner kit as well as a fury of other related products. E-mail subscribers get 10% off their first order so make sure you get that code before you click checkout.
4. Crep Protect Bundle
Best Cleaning Kit
What We Love: That it gives you more than cleaning option.
Something to Consider: Can damage your shoes if not used properly.
Crep Protect is another big name in the sneaker cleaning world and for good reason. The brand offers a wide variety of products like the Pill shoe freshener, wipes, insoles, solution, and even pretreated laces. The best bang for your buck is their “Bundle” which includes some of the aforementioned products in an “all you need” type of packaging that includes their well-known spray.
5. Sneaker Labs Wipes
Best Wipes
What We Love: That the wipes are a quick solution.
Something to Consider: Not great on white sneakers.
For most sneakerheads, wipes are the easiest and most handy item to have and Sneaker Labs is one of the many brands doing it right. With their cool packaging and modern design, they’re one of the top-selling sneaker cleaning products. Their all-purpose sneaker wipes are suitable for any sneaker material and are good in a quick pinch to combat a spill or misstep. Also, they’re biodegradable. Watch this video for the official how-to applying process.
6. Angelus Foam Tex Cleaning Kit
Best Foam Cleaner
What We Love: The pump handle makes it very easy to use.
Something to Consider: Not great on fabric shoes.
Angelus Foam Tex cleaning kit takes a simple, no-frills, approach to sneaker cleaning. Their simple but comprehensive cleaning kit comes equipped with a wooden brush, microfiber cloth, and 5.7 fl. oz. of their foaming cleaning solution. The foam route is one to go if you’re tired of filling a bowl with hot water and making a mess while you try and clean. With foam tex, the warm water is practically built-in, featuring a no dry mess. Apply the foam directly to your sneakers and start scrubbing until clean.
7. G-Star Raw Footwear Cleaning Kit
Best Quality
What We Love: The quality is superb.
Something to Consider: This can be hard to get your hands on. So it might not be easy to consistently purchase.
While you might not know G-Star Raw for their footwear cleaning products, but their cleaning kit is one of their better accessories. The kit features some top-notch products like a leather cleaner conditioner, water repellent spray, multi brush, and microfiber cloth. The highlight here is that brush, handle, and all separate it from the handheld bristle brushes that come with other kits. This heavy-duty tool comes in suede with both plastic and brass bristles for a tough or gentle clean.
8. Rufus Styles Sneaker Cleaning Kit
Best Suede Cleaner
What We Love: That it works well for suede sneakers.
Something to Consider: The size of the bottle is relatively small
Rufus Styles sneaker cleaning kit features the usual suspects of a sneaker cleaning kit with their own solution, cleaning brush, and cloth. Rufus Styles boasts their own long-lasting clean scent after a wash and is available on Amazon for quick and easy shipping. The spray and other products come with a tidy kit for keeping everything together and it’s safe for any sneaker material like nubuck, suede, leather, and mesh.
9. Kiwi Sneaker and Shoe Cleaner
Best Waterproof Cleaner
What We Love: That it's waterproof and guards against rains, stains, salt, and dirt.
Something to Consider: The bottle sizes are small with this one as well.
Kiwi has a solid reputation for footwear products and their sneaker and shoe cleaner seems to be up to par. The site has a variety of sneaker accessories including a three-step sneaker cleaning product lineup. If you’re not interested in taking all three home, just getting the sneaker and shoe cleaner should be good enough for a base clean. It’s available on Amazon in a three-pack of 2.5 fl. Oz. size. The pack comes with a sponge applicator to help you out.
10. Liquiproof LABS Cleaning Kit, $19.95
Best Stain Remover
What We Love: It's a natural cleaning solution with strong cleaning enzymes designed specifically for use on fabrics.
Something to Consider: Might actually be too powerful as it can leave stains on certain sneakers.
The Liquid Proof LABS cleaning kit comes equipped with all your sneaker cleaning necessities and it's environmentally friendly. Their eco-cleaner even comes with a vegan brush and microfiber cloth. The 50ml solution is safe to use and scrub on leather, suede, and it’s great for removing stains. Pick up the non-toxic formula today.
11. Sneaker ER “Dopper” 7-Piece Luxury Kit
Best for Leather
What We Love: Has everything you need for sneaker cleaning.
Something to Consider: Is only meant for leather sneakers, so may not work on mixtures.
Sneaker ER has plenty of basic tools and products but they separate themselves from the competition with the “Dopper”, a 7-piece luxury kit that comes with just about everything the site has to offer, plus a leather Dopp kit to keep it all together. The kit is comprehensive, with different types of brushes, solutions, and other products. It’s the complete on-the-go kit for any sneakerhead looking to stay clean while traveling.
12. Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner
Best Tried and True Option
What We Love: That this is a tested option that has been around since the 1980s.
Something to Consider: Doesn't work on all materials.
The OG sneaker cleaner, Pink Miracle has been around since 1985, a convenient year to market your product as the first cleaner to scrub the Air Jordan 1. Pink Miracle comes in an 8 oz. bottle and is made from a combination of concentrate with saddle soap, gentle oils, and conditioners. A little goes a long way with this concentrate-based product so be conservative with how much you apply to your brush or cloth. Check out their how-to video for the best possible practice on bringing your dirty sneakers back to their deadstock glory.
13. ShoeAnew Shoe Cleaner
Best Water-Based Cleaner
What We Love: That it is water-based and dries quickly.
Something to Consider: Can't be used on suede products.
Many people have benefited from using ShoeAnew over the years. While the company puts a disclaimer out that the product "can't fix a broken shoe," ShoeAnew can help to remove scuff marks as well as dirt and build up. The cleaner also automatically comes with a nylon brush and microfiber cloth that are made to protect your shoes while cleaning them, and can be used on every fabric except Suede. Amazon prime members can also take advantage of getting the sneaker cleaner shipped free.
14. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Best Multi-Purpose Option
What We Love: There's no harsh chemicals added to the product.
Something to Consider: Not technically a sneaker cleaner, so may not be compatible with certain fabrics/materials.
Most people associate the Mr. Clean brand with household cleaning items, but in actuality, the product can also be used as a shoe cleaner. The process of cleaning your sneakers is pretty much the same as cleaning your kitchen. Simply grab a sponge and use the cleaner to wipe down your shoes. The product has no harsh chemicals added to it, making it safe to use on your sneakers.
15. Bickmore Suede and Nubuck Cleaner
Another Option for Suede
What We Love: Removes oil stains from suede while also conditioning the material.
Something to Consider: Suede is finnicky, some users reported that it still could not get the stain out.
Suede is a tricky product. One wrong move and your suede item (whatever it is) can be ruined forever. It is extremely important to have a suede cleaner in your household, as shoes can get dirty pretty easily. The Bickmore Suede & Nubuck Cleaner helps to renew and restore suede items, and can also work on leather, synthetic, and nubuck items as well. The Suede Cleaner is definitely an affordable and handy item to have at hand.
16. Grandma's Secret Sneaker Cleaner
Most Affordable Cleaner
What We Love: The affordability and quality.
Something to Consider: May not work on certain stains.
Grandma knows best. Grandma's Secret Cleaner Sneaker is great for shoes be it men, women's, and children, and is renowned by sneaker enthusiasts for its high-end formula that removes stubborn dirt without having a harsh impact on the shoe. The stain remover is toxin-free, easy to carry, and equally easy to use.
17. Sof Sole Instant Cleaner Foaming Stain
Best for Dirt Stains
What We Love: Good option for athletes as it removes dirt stains.
Something to Consider: Some users didn't like the smell.
And when it comes to foam cleaners, look no further than the Sof Sole Instant Cleaner, which is designed to remove tough dirt and stains from athletic shoes, and helps them to look brand spankin new.