To clean leather shoes, dry brush off loose dirt, add a little Deep Cleaning Solution to a stiff-bristle brush, dip it in water, scrub in small circles, then wipe with a microfiber towel and let them air dry. Most leather sneakers are sealed full-grain leather, so dirt stays near the surface and comes off easily. Watch us do it on a pair of white Nike Air Force 1s in the video.
What you'll need

Essential Kit
Concentrated Deep Cleaning Solution plus the stiff-bristle Durables brush, to clean and condition leather in one routine.
Shop now Essential Kit
Premium Microfiber Towels 3-Pack
Absorbs up to 7 times its weight in water and captures dirt and dust for a lint-free finish.
Shop now Premium Microfiber Towels 3-Pack
Premium Leather Balm
Conditions waxed and oiled leather to keep it supple. Optional, and not for suede or nubuck.
Shop now Premium Leather BalmPlus a small bowl of water. Cleaning premium or soft leather? Use the soft Delicates Cleaning Brush instead of the stiff Durables brush.

Kit option
Clean it, then protect it
Get the Essential Kit from this tutorial together with Repel Spray, so you can add a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt once your shoes are dry.
Shop the Repel & Revive BundleStep by step
-

Dry brush Video 0:48
Take the laces out if you want to clean them separately, then brush the dry shoe to clear loose dirt from the upper, midsole and outsole.
-

Add solution to the brush Video 1:04
Add a small amount of Deep Cleaning Solution directly onto the bristles.
-

Dip and shake off the excess
Dip the brush in water and shake off the excess. You want a damp brush, not a soaked shoe.
-

Scrub in small circles
Work panel by panel as the solution foams. Use the stiff Durables brush on full-grain leather, midsoles and outsoles, and the soft Delicates brush on premium or softer leather.
-

Wipe and air dry Video 1:49
Wipe away the foam and loosened dirt with a microfiber towel, repeat on stubborn spots, then let the shoes air dry at room temperature.
Ready to clean? Get the Essential Kit
Deep Cleaning Solution and the stiff-bristle Durables brush: the same two tools we used on the Air Force 1s.
Shop the Essential KitKeep them clean
Once they're clean and fully dry, keep them that way. Repel adds a breathable barrier against liquid and dirt (it isn't recommended for unsealed or vegetable-tanned leather), and Quick Wipes handle fresh marks between deep cleans.

Repel Spray
A clear, breathable barrier against liquid and dirt, sprayed as a fine non-aerosol mist.
Shop now Repel Spray
Quick Wipes 30 Pack
Individually packed, pre-moistened wipes for fresh scuffs, spills and smudges on the go.
Shop now Quick Wipes 30 PackFAQ
How often should you clean leather shoes?
There's no fixed schedule. Wipe off fresh marks as they happen (Quick Wipes work on leather, rubber and plastic), and do a full brush-and-solution clean when dirt starts to build up in the creases or on the midsole.
What should you never use on leather shoes?
Avoid soaking leather, putting it in the washing machine, or drying it with direct heat. Skip harsh household solvents. We don't recommend Deep Cleaning Solution on unsealed or painted leather, and test first if you're unsure.
How do you clean white leather sneakers?
Use the same five steps: dry brush, add solution to the brush, dip in water, scrub in small circles, wipe and air dry. Give midsoles and outsoles extra time with the stiff Durables brush. For more on whites, see How to Clean White Shoes Without Damage.
Can you put leather shoes in the washing machine?
No. Clean leather by hand with a brush and a small amount of solution, then air dry. Soaking and machine agitation can damage leather and the way the shoe is built.
Should I condition leather after cleaning?
Deep Cleaning Solution cleans and conditions as it works, so most leather sneakers don't need an extra step. For waxed or oiled leather, apply Premium Leather Balm every few months or as needed. It may darken the leather, so test a hidden spot first.
Can I use the same brush on suede?
No. The stiff Durables brush is for standard full-grain leather, rubber and plastic. Use the soft Delicates brush on premium leather, suede, nubuck and knits, and follow our suede guide.