A high-quality vegan shoe always requires proper care and cleaning. Taking care of your shoes — whether a vegan loafer or a pair of vegan dress shoes — is also an ethical choice. Extending a product's lifespan reduces emissions and keeps you out of the cycle of fast consumption. Without the right care, however, you risk damaging your footwear: incorrect cleaning of vegan materials can cause stains, bad odours, or abrasions. Here is a complete guide to caring for your vegan shoes correctly.
Tools You Need to Clean Vegan Shoes
A soft brush and a clean cloth are the essentials for regular cleaning, which is recommended once a month. For deeper maintenance you can also use odour-control products, water-repellent sprays (use sparingly), and polishing creams in a neutral shade or matching the shoe colour, but without beeswax. Our Vegan Shoe Care Kit includes everything you need for a complete clean. Shoe trees are also highly recommended both for cleaning and for preventing deformations when the shoes are not in use. Use a separate brush for the sole.
Cleaning the Upper
The upper is the first thing that catches the eye and also the first to get dirty. Remove the laces, then brush the shoe gently without applying too much pressure to remove dust and surface marks. After an initial wipe with a clean cloth, you can use a water-repellent spray on the most stubborn areas — the vamp, around the laces, and along the sides.
Washing the Laces
Once removed from the shoe, laces can be soaked in a basin of water with mild soap. Scrub gently to remove dirt, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before putting them back.
Caring for the Lining
The inside of a vegan shoe also requires attention, especially in summer. If the insole is removable, take it out and wipe the interior with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust or residue. The main concern with linings is bad odours. Odour-neutralising sprays can help — make sure to choose sprays that genuinely neutralise rather than simply mask odours.
Cleaning the Sole
The sole stays in contact with dirt and dust the longest and tends to wear down with use. Use a dedicated soft brush — keep it separate from the one used for the upper and lining — then wipe the sole and its edges with a damp cloth.
The Final Touch
Once all the cleaning steps are complete, apply polishing cream sparingly to the entire outer surface of the shoe. Work it in with gentle, circular movements. Leave it on for at least 24 hours to achieve the best results, then give the shoes a final brush and wipe.
What to Avoid
Just as with traditional leather, excess water should be avoided on vegan materials. Never put vegan shoes in the washing machine. A cloth should be slightly damp — never saturated. Avoid aggressive chemical products and DIY solutions. Strong rubbing and stiff-bristled brushes should also be avoided.
Long-Term Care Tips
Beyond regular cleaning, there are other measures that help extend the life of your vegan shoes. In addition to shoe trees, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight and keep them away from heat sources. Regularly nourishing them with specific creams helps maintain their shine and structural integrity.