The Best Shoe Cleaners to Keep Your Footwear Looking Brand New

When it comes to an established dress shoe collection, it’s common practice to keep your prized possessions in the best shape possible. Whether that means consistent care through conscious wear, protecting them from any exterior damage, or carefully nitpicking every little speck of dirt off their surface, there are a variety of ways to keep your shoes in top form — but for those who want to take things to the next level, there are shoe cleaners.

Shoe cleaners are the perfect solution for sneakerheads, dress shoe aficionados, or style-conscious guys who are looking for the next best thing when it comes to shoe care. For decades, men have been cleaning, polishing, and mending their shoes to maintain an aesthetically pleasing facade, as well as to prioritize the livelihood of their footwear. And today, even with a number of tried-and-true products that can keep your shoes close to their original persona, it’s become exceedingly difficult to determine whether or not a certain type of shoe cleaner is right for you. Below, we’ll give you the rundown on a variety of different cleaners, polishes, and products to help you keep your footwear in top-performing condition — so sit back, relax, and let our best shoe cleaners guide do most of the heavy lifting.

why should you use shoe cleaner?

While soap and water can get the job done, they often have harsh chemicals that will eventually damage your shoes. In comes the shoe cleaner, which (ideally) is made with more gentle ingredients that won’t mess your shoes up. Other than keeping your shoes clean and making them look better, regular maintenance with shoe cleaners will help them last longer as well. This will save you money in the long run (and is especially important to do for valuable and/or vintage shoes to maintain value). Besides that, keeping your shoes clean will keep your house clean, too, with fewer opportunities for dirt and germs to spread.

how to use shoe cleaner

At least once a month, grab some shoe cleaner and either a brush, toothbrush, paper towel, towel (or all four) and begin your cleaning process (we recommend microfiber towels as they’re more absorbent, reusable, and come in affordable packs). It starts with taking a dry cloth and wiping away any loose debris, then applying some cleaner to your brush and working up a lather (in a circular motion) on small areas individually. Careful not to get your shoes too wet or scrub too hard, as you don’t want to damage the fabric, then dry the excess cleaner off with a damp towel. To dry them, blot your shoes with another towel, then store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight.

Shoe cleaner vs. shoe polish

Shoe cleaners are meant for every kind of shoe there is, whereas shoe polish is designed specifically for leather shoes. They’re also not made to clean your shoes, but to shine and restore them for longevity by hydrating the leather (helping them repel water as well).

what to look for

Ingredients: Since shoes can be sensitive, it’s best to go for natural cleaners like coconut and jojoba oil-derived soaps, and avoid harsh stuff, like alcohol and bleach. Brands may choose not to list the ingredients in their cleaner, which can make it hard to compare, but they’ll usually disclose what the base is (oil, wax, etc.).

Use: It’s important to select a shoe cleaner that’s been designed and approved for use on your shoe’s fabric. Leather shoes, for example, benefit from natural oils (again, like coconut and jojoba) that will help condition the leather.

Type: Shoe cleaners will come in cream or liquid form, and both will achieve the same clean. However, creams may offer more conditioning elements and can give your shoes a matte finish. Liquid cleaners, on the other hand, will last longer and likely be more gentle on your shoes.

Angelus Direct Easy Cleaner

Best Budget Cleaner: Angelus’ Easy Cleaner is the perfect primer for your shoe-cleaning endeavors. Utilizing a formula that’s both safe and affordable, this versatile shoe cleaner is fit to nourish a wide range of fabric types, from Suede uppers all the way to Nubuck sidewalls. The Easy Cleaner is about as versatile as it gets and ensures an experience that will leave your most prized shoes looking as good as new.

Kiwi Saddle Soap

Best Starter Cleaner: KIWI is trusted far and wide as one of the mainstays of the shoe care industry, and the company’s pre-polish saddle soap doesn’t fall short of their renowned image. Using a traditional blend of ingredients that clean, soften, and prepare your leather gear for enhanced longevity, the wax compound provides a safe solution for those who are looking to clean grime, dirt, and stains from their shoes.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Best Sponge Cleaner: Sometimes you just need a quick clean, or you’re on the go and can’t break out multiple products. The Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean is known for getting the tough stains out, but it works just as well on your shoes (for light stains). If you run into a more serious stain, it’s best to break out the brush, but the Magic Eraser is also a great tool to add to your cleaning rotation for final touches after brushing.

Cole Hann Grand Sole Cleaner

Best Sole Cleaner: Cole Haan is one of the best-known shoe manufacturers within the dress wear industry, and in order to keep their customers happy, they’ve devised a line of cleaning solutions to keep their footwear in prime condition. The company’s Grand Sole Cleaner is utilized primarily for the edges and soles of rubberized footwear, allowing wearers to access a functional spray-style pump to remove oil- and water-based stains from their shoes. The result is an impeccable shine that will keep your best dress shoes in tip-top condition and turning heads every time you head out.

Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit

Best Leather Cleaner: Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner has been keeping it clean since 1985, with a formula of gentle oils and conditioners that works on any washable fabric. It’s made here in the USA, and just a dab will do ya (Pink Miracle claims it’ll last for years). You also get a brush if you purchase this cleaner, which is an essential part of getting a deep clean on your shoes.

Crep Protect Cure Shoe Cleaner Kit

Best Kit: Crep Cure Shoe Cleaner is part of a lavish lineup of solutions that are aimed at those who want to keep their favorite pair of sneakers in spotless condition. The company’s improved 98% natural cleaning solution works alongside coconut extract, water, and jojoba to revitalize your worn-out footwear with ease. And if the shoe cleaner isn’t quite enough, this kit also comes with a brush and cloth to keep your favorite pair fresh, all the time.

Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner Essentials

Best USA-Made Cleaner: Jason Markk has a clean, concise product design that can rival most high-end companies, and the brand’s Premium Shoe Cleaner stacks up as one of the best solutions for dirt-ridden footwear on the market today. This gentle-foaming solution cleans and conditions a wide range of shoes, doesn’t contain harsh chemicals found in less prevalent brands, and boasts a 98.3% natural composition. It’s also biodegradable and safe for use on pretty much any material, so you’ll have peace of mind when applying it to your favorite pair, and it comes in a convenient kit that includes a brush.

Reshoevn8r Sneaker Laundry Detergent

Best Sneaker Cleaner: Reshoevn8r’s Sneaker Detergent is yet another great tool for keeping your most adored street stompers in check, utilizing a well-to-do solution that cleans, conditions, and revitalizes your shoes back to the way they were in their prime. As an added bonus, the company’s proprietary detergent also seals away odors, giving your footwear a pleasant scent reminiscent of fresh lavender.

Jason Markk On-The-Go Essentials

Best Wipes: Jason Markk is dedicated to making sure our fabrics stay in perfect condition, no matter where we are. And these wipes are perfect for traveling or keeping in a to-go bag. They’re also handy for small stains or debris that just need a quick once-over. In the box, you get 30 wipes with Jason Markk’s Cleaning Solution and a durable, dual-textured construction so they can hold their own.

The Best Loafers for Classic Style

You can’t use shoe cleaner without shoes, and our best loafers guide covers picks with timeless style.