Sneaker culture is booming, and with it comes the desire to keep your kicks looking fresh and clean. Whether you’re a collector, an athlete, or someone who just wants to keep their everyday sneakers in tip-top shape, the right shoe cleaning products can make all the difference. This guide breaks down the best shoe cleaning products for sneakers—including kits, brushes, wipes, and sprays—so you can restore, protect, and maintain your footwear like a pro.
Why Use Specialized Sneaker Cleaning Products?
Regular household cleaners might seem convenient, but they can damage your sneakers’ materials or cause discoloration. Sneaker-specific cleaning products are formulated to be gentle yet effective on a variety of materials including leather, mesh, canvas, suede, and knit fabrics. These products often include conditioners and protectants to extend the life of your shoes.
1. Best Overall Sneaker Cleaning Kit: Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaning Kit
Why It’s Great:
Jason Markk is a household name in sneaker care for good reason. Their Premium Shoe Cleaning Kit includes a gentle cleaning solution and a standard cleaning brush that works well on most materials.
What’s Included:
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4 oz. bottle of Premium Shoe Cleaner (good for up to 100 cleans)
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Standard cleaning brush
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Safe for use on leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, and more
Pros:
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Highly effective and versatile
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Reputable brand trusted by sneakerheads
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Eco-friendly and biodegradable formula
Cons:
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The brush may be too stiff for delicate materials like suede
2. Best Sneaker Cleaning Wipes: Crep Protect Wipes
Why It’s Great:
Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, Crep Protect Wipes come individually packaged and are dual-textured, with a smooth side and a textured side for tougher stains.
What’s Included:
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Pack of individually wrapped wipes
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Safe for leather and rubber (avoid on suede and nubuck)
Pros:
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Super convenient for travel or daily carry
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Tough on dirt but easy to use
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No water needed
Cons:
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Not ideal for deep cleaning or delicate fabrics
3. Best Sneaker Cleaning Foam: Reshoevn8r Sneaker Cleaning Solution
Why It’s Great:
Reshoevn8r is another premium option that offers a deep-cleaning solution capable of tackling dirt, grime, and stains while remaining safe on a wide variety of materials.
What’s Included:
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8 oz. cleaning solution (can be used with brush or machine wash)
Pros:
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Deep cleaning power
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Safe on many materials
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Can be used in washing machines with their Sneaker Laundry Bag
Cons:
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Works best when used with their brush and laundry system
4. Best for Suede and Nubuck: Angelus Easy Cleaner
Why It’s Great:
Suede and nubuck are notoriously difficult to clean, but Angelus Easy Cleaner is designed to lift dirt without damaging these sensitive materials.
What’s Included:
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Bottle of cleaner
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Works best with a suede brush or eraser (sold separately)
Pros:
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Specifically formulated for delicate materials
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Doesn’t leave water stains or residue
Cons:
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Requires extra tools for best results
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Not as multipurpose as other cleaners
5. Best Water and Stain Repellent: Crep Protect Spray
Why It’s Great:
Once your sneakers are clean, protect them from future spills and stains with Crep Protect Spray. It creates an invisible hydrophobic barrier that repels liquids and dirt.
What’s Included:
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200 ml spray bottle
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Works on suede, nubuck, and canvas
Pros:
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Long-lasting protection (up to 4 weeks per application)
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Great for rainy days or festival season
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Doesn’t alter shoe color or texture
Cons:
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Needs 2 coats and 24 hours to fully cure
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Strong odor during application
6. Best Budget Option: Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit
Why It’s Great:
This long-time Amazon favorite offers a solid clean at an affordable price. It includes a bottle of concentrate and a brush, making it ideal for budget-conscious sneaker fans.
What’s Included:
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4 oz. bottle of Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner
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Bristle cleaning brush
Pros:
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Affordable and effective
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One bottle lasts a long time
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Works on leather, canvas, rubber, and vinyl
Cons:
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The brush can be harsh on soft materials
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May not perform as well on deep-set stains
7. Best Cleaning Brush Set: Sof Sole 3-Pack Sneaker Brush Kit
Why It’s Great:
Having the right brush makes a big difference. This three-brush kit includes a soft bristle brush for delicate surfaces, a medium brush for general use, and a stiff brush for soles.
What’s Included:
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Soft brush
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Medium brush
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Stiff outsole brush
Pros:
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Ideal for a complete cleaning regimen
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Color-coded and clearly labeled
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Durable construction
Cons:
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Brushes sold separately from cleaning solutions
Final Tips for Cleaning Sneakers
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Always test first: Before applying any cleaner to the entire shoe, test it on a small, hidden area.
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Use minimal water: Excess water can warp materials and lead to mildew.
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Dry properly: Avoid direct sunlight and use shoe trees or paper to help sneakers maintain their shape.
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Store smart: Keep your sneakers in a cool, dry place. Dust bags and boxes help preserve them.
Conclusion
Keeping your sneakers clean doesn’t have to be a chore—especially when you’re equipped with the right tools. Whether you want a quick wipe-down before heading out or a full restoration session, these sneaker cleaning products cover all the bases. From trusted brands like Jason Markk and Reshoevn8r to budget-friendly staples like Pink Miracle, there’s a perfect product out there for every sneaker lover.
