Best sneaker cleaning products and kits for every sneakerhead
The right sneaker cleaner depends on the material, not the marketing. Here is what each type of product is good at, what to look for, and how to build a kit that covers your whole rotation.
Updated · Sneakky Klean
Sneaker cleaning products, by type
| Product | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid sneaker cleaner | Full cleans on canvas, mesh, knit, leather, and soles | Over-wetting. Apply it to the brush, not the shoe. |
| Sneaker cleaning foam | Quick cleans, delicate knits, lightly soiled uppers | Less effective on heavy grime and soles |
| Sneaker cleaning wipes | On-the-go spot cleaning, midsoles, fresh scuffs | Not a substitute for a deep clean |
| Suede kit (eraser and brush) | Suede and nubuck marks, restoring the nap | Needs dry suede, and should be used gently |
| Brushes (soft, medium, stiff) | Matching the pressure to the material | Stiff bristles on mesh or suede cause damage |
| Protector spray | Water and stain resistance after cleaning | Only apply to clean, fully dry shoes |
What to look for in a sneaker cleaner
- Material-safe formula. Check that the label covers the materials you own, especially leather and suede.
- No bleach or harsh solvents. They yellow rubber and strip finishes.
- Concentrate versus ready-to-use. A concentrate costs more up front but lasts longer.
- A brush that suits your pairs. A kit with a single stiff brush is not suitable for knit runners.
What belongs in the best sneaker cleaning kit
A complete kit for a mixed rotation covers:
- A concentrated, material-safe cleaning solution
- Three brushes: soft for uppers, medium for leather and canvas, and stiff for soles
- Microfiber cloths
- A suede eraser and brush if you own any suede
- Wipes for between cleans
A white sneaker cleaning kit is the same set with extra attention to soles: a stiff brush and a gentle sole cleaner. Remember that yellowed soles need an oxidation treatment, not a stronger product.
The products we use in our stores
Sneaker Care Kits ($78.00)
The same products we use in-store, organised into a single kit. Designed to extend the life of every pair between visits — brushes, solutions, and the small details that matter most. Includes: 250ml cleaning concentrate, soft, medium, and stiff brushes, microfiber cloth set, storage tray and gloves.
Sneakky Klean Wipes ($14.00)
Our signature wipes — formulated in the store, finished for the road. Lift dirt, scuffs, and surface stains from sneakers, leather, and most everyday materials. Biodegradable, fragrance-free, and built to be the only wipe you carry.
Sneaker cleaning bags and machines
Sneaker cleaning bags (laundry bags for shoes) reduce knocks in a washing machine, but they do not make machine washing safe for leather, suede, or glued soles. We do not recommend machine washing sneakers.
Commercial sneaker cleaning machines are aimed at businesses. Our stores clean every pair by hand because premium materials need different treatment panel by panel. If you are thinking about starting a sneaker cleaning business, look at our franchise program.
Questions?
Quick answers to what people ask most about this topic.
What is the best sneaker cleaner?
The best sneaker cleaner is a material-safe, bleach-free formula that covers the materials you own, used with the right brush. For suede you also need a dry-cleaning eraser and brush, because liquid cleaners alone are not enough.
What should a sneaker cleaning kit include?
A good kit includes a concentrated cleaning solution, soft, medium, and stiff brushes, microfiber cloths, and a suede eraser and brush if you own suede. Wipes for quick touch-ups between cleans are a useful extra.
Are sneaker cleaning wipes worth it?
Yes, for spot cleaning and maintenance. Wipes are the easiest way to stop scuffs and fresh stains from setting, especially on midsoles. They are not a replacement for a full clean.
Where can I find a sneaker cleaning kit near me?
Many shoe stores, sneaker retailers, and big-box stores stock sneaker cleaning kits, and Sneakky Klean stores carry our own care kit and wipes. You can also order online.
Keep reading
Too much to clean yourself?
Bring your pairs to a Sneakky Klean store or mail them in. Every pair is cleaned by hand with material-specific products.
