Start by identifying the material - most of our shoes are made with a smooth or embossed leather, metallic leather, suede or nubuck, ripstop or canvas, patent leather or calf-hair.
You then want to prepare the shoes by removing any laces, knocking out any loose dirt, giving them a brush with a soft brush or wiping them with a dry cloth.
Here's how you clean each material;
Smooth leather or embossed leather (incl. white): use Bared Shoe Shampoo or a damp cloth + mild cleaner. For white leather use the White Sneaker Pen or Eco Water‑Base Restorer for scuffs. Spot test first.
Suede, nubuck or calf‑hair: use a suede brush and rubber eraser blocks; avoid saturating with water.
Canvas, ripstop, or fabrics: gentle brush or damp cloth and Shoe Shampoo; air dry.
Patent leather: wipe with a damp cloth and buff; avoid abrasives.
Satin: mist your shoes at a distance with our Stain & Water Protector spray; gently clean with a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth to brush away any dirt - just be mindful to not to rub it into the fabric. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of wool wash to blot any stains, following the grain of the fabric. Finally, “rinse” the shoe by patting with a cold, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
Next up, if your shoes are made with smooth or embossed leather, you want to condition your shoes. This prevents leather from drying out and cracking over time. Your shoes need to stay hydrated, too.
Apply Bared Leather Conditioner with a cloth in small circular motions to rehydrate leather.
The final step is applying a protectant. You can use the Eco Water & Stain Spray (or Bared Waterstop aerosol) - spray 20–30 cm away, and let fully dry. This reduces staining and water damage but bear in mind that this does not fully waterproof your shoes.
Be sure to allow them to dry naturally, away from heaters. We recommend stuffing them with paper or using shoe trees to keep their shape, and lastly, store in a cool, ventilated place.
Safety tips: always spot test products on an inconspicuous area; follow product label directions; repeat protection periodically (especially after cleaning).