Don’t Overlook the Damage

When it comes to cleaning white sneakers, a common mistake is to just wipe them down with a cloth or spray and let them air dry. However, this can often lead to more damage. “They may need more than simple cleaning,” says Vincent Rao Jr., president of shoe restoration company Vince’s Village Cobbler. “Often, they require a full repaint, especially if they are heavily stained.” To avoid having to get your shoes repainted, be careful about when, where, and how you wear your white sneakers.

Choosing the Right Products

When shopping for products that keep white shoes clean, our experts say you should consider the following factors:

• Shoe type: Different materials require different cleaning products. For example, leather shoes benefit from regular conditioning to prevent creasing or cracking.
• Stain repelling: Look for products that create a barrier on the surface of your shoes to prevent stains.
• Cleaning: Choose a product that can effectively clean your shoes without damaging them.

The Best Products for Keeping White Shoes White

Best Protector Sprays

• Jason Markk Repel Spray: This spray is water-based and more eco-friendly compared to aerosol cleaners, and it’s safe to use on leather, suede, mesh, canvas, and nubuck.
• Apple Brand Gardé Rain & Stain Repellent: This repellent is fine to use on white and non-white shoes, including those made of leather, suede, and canvas.
• Crep Protect Shoe Protector Spray: This spray repels water, oil, and other common stains, and prevents dirt from clinging to shoes.

Best White Shoe Cleaner Kits

• Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit with Bottle and Brush: This kit is ideal for cleaning white canvas shoes, and it’s also suitable for leather and mesh shoes.
• Reshoevn8r Premium Shoe and Sneaker Cleaning Kit: This kit has three brushes, a bottled cleaning solution, and a microfiber towel, making it a great option for cleaning midsoles, outsoles, and uppers.
• Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner Essentials: This kit has a 4-ounce bottle with a cleaning solution and a small bristle brush for cleaning the uppers and soles of shoes.

Meet Our Experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Vincent Rao Jr. is the president of shoe restoration company Vince’s Village Cobbler.
• Melissa Maker is an author and the owner of cleaning brand Clean My Space.

Why Trust NBC Select?

I am a commerce editor at NBC Select who frequently covers kitchen, cleaning, wellness, and other lifestyle content. I spoke with cleaning and shoe restoration experts to learn about the best ways to keep white sneakers clean. Our team of experts is committed to providing accurate and unbiased advice to help you make informed decisions about your cleaning products and techniques.

“If you care about your shoes and want them to look just right, consider keeping a package of shoe-cleaning wipes on you when you’re out and about (think: car),” says Melissa Maker, owner of cleaning brand Clean My Space. “Give them a quick scrub before heading into an event, after walking on a dirty path, while traveling, or after a night out.”

Remember to always read the labels and follow the instructions for any cleaning product you use on your white sneakers.