Shoe Care Guide: How to Keep Your Favorite Shoes Looking Fresh
You found the perfect pair. Now comes the part we sometimes forget about: actually taking care of them. A little regular cleaning can make a big difference in how your shoes look over time, especially when you’re dealing with suede, leather, knit, or your everyday sneakers. The good news? You don’t need a complicated shoe-care routine.
Here’s our guide to a few of our favorite shoe-care essentials from Jason Markk, UGG, and Birkenstock and when to reach for each one.
Jason Markk: Your Everyday Shoe-Care Go-To
If you have a little bit of everything in your closet, Jason Markk is a great place to start.
The Jason Markk Care Kit is designed to work across a variety of materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, cotton, and knits. The kit includes a ready-to-use foam cleaner, delicate cleaning brush, Repel spray, and quick wipes, making it especially handy for sneakers and everyday shoes.
How to use it
Start by gently brushing away any loose dirt. Apply the foam cleaner to the brush, lightly scrub the shoe, and wipe away any remaining product and dirt with a clean microfiber towel.
Once your shoes are clean and dry, Jason Markk Repel can be used to create a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt. The quick wipes are also perfect to keep in your bag or car for those little emergency cleanups.
Best for:
Sneakers, leather shoes, suede, nubuck, canvas, mesh, knits, and everyday touch-ups.
UGG Care Kit: Give Your Suede Some Love
UGGs are meant to be worn, but suede definitely benefits from a little extra attention.
If your favorite UGGs are part of your everyday fall and winter rotation, having an UGG Care Kit on hand makes it easier to keep them looking fresh throughout the season.
The biggest thing with suede? Try not to wait until your shoes are looking completely worn down before caring for them. Regular brushing and protection can help keep the nap looking fresh while preventing everyday dirt from building up.
Our UGG care tip
Always check the instructions included with your specific care products before applying anything to suede or sheepskin. Test products on a small, less-visible area first, and let your shoes air-dry naturally rather than placing them near direct heat. Once they're dry, gently brushing the suede can help restore its texture.
Best for: UGG boots, slippers, Tasmans, Ultra Minis, and other suede favorites.
BIRKENSTOCK Care: Don't Forget About Your Birks
Your Birkenstocks probably see a lot of wear, which means they deserve some maintenance too. BIRKENSTOCK offers several products made for different areas and materials, including its Deluxe Shoe Care Kit, suede-care products, cork sealer, brushes, and footbed and shoe protector.
Pay attention to the material
Not every Birkenstock should be cleaned the exact same way.
For suede styles like the Boston or Arizona, a suede brush can help lift surface dirt and refresh the texture. Leather styles may need a different approach, while exposed cork can benefit from cork-specific protection as it starts to look dry.
The goal isn't to make your Birks look untouched. A little wear is part of their charm. It's about helping your favorite pair stay in good shape for all the miles ahead.
Best for: Birkenstock sandals, clogs, suede styles, leather styles, and exposed cork.
A Few Shoe-Care Rules We Always Follow
Before you start cleaning, check what material you're working with. Suede, smooth leather, mesh, knit, and synthetic materials can all require different care.
When in doubt:
- Brush off loose dirt before adding cleaner.
- Use a gentle hand, especially with suede and nubuck.
- Test new products on a small hidden area first.
- Avoid soaking your shoes unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
- Let shoes air-dry naturally and keep them away from direct heat.
- Clean small marks sooner rather than letting dirt build up.
And don't forget about prevention. Protecting a clean pair before you start wearing them regularly can make future cleanups much easier.
Which Shoe-Care Product Should You Choose?
If you have sneakers or a mix of different shoe materials, start with Jason Markk.
If you're taking care of your UGG collection, reach for the UGG Care Kit.
And if your Birkenstocks live on your feet, keep BIRKENSTOCK-specific care products nearby for the suede, leather, cork, and footbeds that make them so unique.
Better yet? Keep a few different products in your shoe-care lineup so you're ready for whatever pair needs a little TLC.
Take Care of the Shoes You Love
Your shoes are meant to be worn, not kept perfectly untouched. A scuff here and there is going to happen.But a little cleaning and maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your favorite pairs looking fresh and ready for the next wear.
Need help figuring out what to use on a specific pair? Reach out to us and we'll help you find the right care products for your shoes
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