The best shoe cleaner for most people is a gentle, concentrated solution with a decent brush, such as the Jason Markk Essential Kit or Reshoevn8r Essential Kit. Both are safe on leather, canvas, mesh and rubber. Pink Miracle is the best-value concentrate, Crep Protect Cure is a tidy travel kit, and quick sponge-style erasers are handy for midsoles. Suede needs its own dry tools, and smooth dress leather is better served by a proper leather cleaner.
In this guide
Picks are based on published product information and independent reviews, not our own testing. Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.
Quick picks
| Product | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Markk Essential Kit | Best overall sneaker cleaner | Solution and standard brush |
| Reshoevn8r Essential Kit | Three brushes for different materials | Solution, soft, medium and stiff brushes |
| Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit | Value | Concentrate and brush |
| Crep Protect Cure Kit | Travel and gifting | Solution, brush, cloth, case |
| Shoe MGK Starter Kit | Cleaner plus conditioner | Cleaner, conditioner, brush |
| SneakERASERS | Quick midsole touch-ups | Pre-moistened dual-sided sponges |
| Saphir Renomat or Saphir cleaner | Smooth leather dress shoes | Leather cleaner |
The 7 best shoe cleaners
1. Jason Markk Essential Kit
Best for: sneaker owners who want one reliable cleaner
A mild, largely natural foaming solution with a wood-handled synthetic brush. A small amount with a bowl of water cleans a pair, and it is safe on most materials, including suede with a softer brush and little water.
- Good: gentle, effective, a little goes a long way
- Less good: standard brush is too stiff for delicate uppers; premium price
2. Reshoevn8r Essential Kit
Best for: collections with mixed materials
The kit includes three brushes: soft for knit and suede, medium for uppers, stiff for soles. The coconut and jojoba-based solution is gentle, and the brand sells a laundry bag system for machine washing.
- Good: right brush for every surface, gentle formula
- Less good: more to store; costs more than single-brush kits
3. Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit
Best for: cleaning lots of shoes cheaply
A concentrated cleaner sold since the 1980s that you dilute in water. One small bottle lasts for dozens of cleans across leather, canvas, vinyl and mesh.
- Good: very economical, versatile
- Less good: basic brush; needs elbow grease on set-in stains
4. Crep Protect Cure Kit
Best for: keeping in a gym bag or suitcase
A compact zip case holding a cleaning solution, a brush and a microfibre cloth. It pairs with the brand’s protector spray.
- Good: neat, complete kit, good on white soles
- Less good: small bottle; brush is on the firm side
5. Shoe MGK Starter Kit
Best for: leather sneakers and casual shoes
Combines a cleaner and conditioner, so leather is cleaned and left supple. It also works on canvas and rubber.
- Good: conditions as it cleans, fair price
- Less good: not ideal for suede; conditioner can darken some leathers
6. SneakERASERS
Best for: scuffs on white midsoles
Pre-moistened sponges with a scrubbing side and a wiping side. They are single-use and best for rubber and smooth leather rather than fabric.
- Good: fast, no water or brush needed
- Less good: disposable; abrasive side can dull delicate finishes
7. Saphir leather cleaner
Best for: stripping old polish and dirt from smooth leather
A specialist cleaner used before re-polishing dress shoes. It removes built-up wax, grease and stains so fresh polish can take evenly.
- Good: deep cleans smooth leather, trusted by shoe-care enthusiasts
- Less good: strong; not for suede, nubuck or delicate finishes; follow with conditioner
Related: How to Walk in Heels: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
How to choose a shoe cleaner
- Material first. Mesh, canvas and rubber take any gentle solution. Smooth leather needs a cleaner followed by conditioner. Suede and nubuck should be cleaned dry with a brush and eraser first.
- Brush softness. Soft bristles for uppers and knits, stiff for soles. One hard brush for everything causes pilling and scratches.
- Concentrates save money if you clean often.
- Avoid bleach on white shoes; it yellows rubber and weakens stitching.
How to clean shoes with a kit
- Remove laces and brush off dry dirt.
- Dip the brush in water, add a little solution and scrub in small circles.
- Wipe away foam with a microfibre cloth; repeat on stubborn areas.
- Scrub midsoles and outsoles with the stiff brush.
- Air dry away from heat; see how to dry shoes.
Material-specific guides: white shoes, canvas shoes, suede shoes, white leather shoes and white shoelaces. Finish with one of the best waterproofing sprays to keep them clean longer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dish soap instead of shoe cleaner?
Mild dish soap works on rubber, canvas and synthetics. Dedicated cleaners are gentler on leather, suede and glued seams.
Do shoe cleaners work on suede?
Some do, used sparingly with a soft brush. Start with a dry suede brush and eraser, and avoid soaking the nap.
How often should I clean my sneakers?
Wipe off dirt after wear and do a full clean every few weeks, or whenever they look dull.
Can I put sneakers in the washing machine?
Many canvas and mesh shoes tolerate a cold, gentle cycle in a laundry bag. Leather and suede should not be machine washed.
