The 7 Best Sneaker Cleaners of 2023

ShoeAnew Shoe Cleaner Kit includes everything to keep your shoes fresh & clean

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Sneakers meant for active use, whether you go out for a long run or hop into an elliptical machine every day, can get dirty and smelly pretty quick. Dirt and bacteria can degrade the shoe's materials. A good sneaker cleaner can help you prolong the life of your shoes and reduce odors and germs. Sprays with included brushes or cloths can provide a deep clean and wipes are convenient if your shoes need a quick once-over.

A good sneaker cleaner removes stains, revitalizes the material, and restores the shoes' aesthetic without discoloring or damaging the shoe. We assessed sneaker cleaners for our roundup based on their affordability, their safety for multiple fabrics, and their application method. A personal trainer from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy, how often sneakers need to be cleaned, and when to replace them.

Here, our picks for the best sneaker cleaners to keep your shoes looking fresh. 

In This Article

Best Overall

ShoeAnew Shoe Cleaner Kit

4.6
ShoeAnew Shoe Cleaner Kit

Amazon

This bundle is our best overall pick and comes with everything you need to take sneakers from dirty and drab to fresh and fab. Those who have tried ShoeAnew say it puts new life in their sneakers. Not only does it bring shoes back to their original shade, but it also contains ingredients to prevent future discolorations.

You don't need much of this concentrated liquid—one 8-ounce bottle can clean up to 60 ​pairs of shoes. A microfiber cloth and brush are included too to get the job done.

It’s easy to use and makes a noticeable difference in the look of the shoe. Note: ShoeAnew also kills germs and odors, so spritzing some inside your shoes (and even on your feet!) isn’t a bad idea either.

Price at time of publish: $16

Best Budget

KIWI Fast Acting Cleaner Sport Shoe

KIWI Fast Acting Cleaner Sport Shoe

Walmart

Cleaning your shoes is a lot cheaper than buying new shoes, especially with this cleaner from KIWI that sells for a bargain. It’s quick and simple to use—just spray on the foam, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then use the scrub brush that’s built into the cap to work it into the shoe’s fabric and wipe clean. It dries in about 10 minutes and can be used on nylon, leather, and canvas shoes.

It’s not made for the toughest stains, but for moderate marks. But those who have tried it say it works well, and it can definitely breathe some new life into shoes.  

Price at time of publish: $9

Best for Leather Shoes

Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner

Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner

Amazon

Many sneaker aficionados say they think pink when it comes to cleaning their sneakers. Pink Miracle could have easily tied for best overall sneaker cleaner, as it’s made to clean shoes of all types, but we especially love it for leather as it not only cleans but conditions it as well. It’s been around for more than 30 years and has a loyal following of fans who say it’s the best shoe cleaner they’ve found.

To use, just dampen the brush, which comes with the concentrated cleaner, apply a small amount to the brush and then begin scrubbing. When you’re finished, use a cloth to wipe away any excess soap or water, then stand back and watch your shoes shine anew. Don’t let the pink color worry you either; it won’t stain white shoes, and it’s safe for all colors.

Price at time of publish: $25

Best Natural

Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Essentials Kit

4.7
Jason Markk Shoe Cleaning Essentials Kit

Amazon

Keeping your shoes clean doesn’t have to take a ton of harsh chemicals. This cleaner from Jason Markk is 98.3% natural and 100% biodegradable, but the eco-friendly cleaner still gets the job done and done extremely well.

While it’s a bit on the pricier side, you don’t need a lot of it, and this 4-ounce bottle will clean up to 100 pairs of shoes. It also comes with a soft, hog-bristle cleaning brush that can be used on most fabrics—including leather, suede, nylon, and cotton mesh. 

Price at time of publish: $18 

Best Cleaning Kit

Deadstock Los Angeles Shoe Cleaner Kit - Sneaker Cleaner Ultimate Cleaning Experience

Deadstock Los Angeles Shoe Cleaner Kit - Sneaker Cleaner Ultimate Cleaning Experience

Amazon

If you’re a sneakerhead and own several pairs, this one-stop-shop cleaning kit is for you. The kit comes with four brushes. The suede and soft brush is designed for the upper part of your shoes, preventing damage to the upper material. The stiff and brass bristle brush is used for midsoles and soles of shoes, ensuring the waffle bottoms look like you've never taken a step in them before.

It comes with 8 ounces of shoe cleaner, a microfiber towel, and two shoe trees, which lift dirt from the toe box.  A collapsible bowl completes the kit, which makes it easy for fast cleaning. The Deadstock website offers descriptions of how to use their products depending on the shoe material you're cleaning. 

Price at time of publish: $43

Best Wipes

Tight Wipes Sneaker Shoe Cleaner Wipes

Tight Wipes Sneaker Shoe Cleaner Wipes

Amazon

If you don’t want to mess with sprays, foams, or brushes, you can simply wipe away the dirt and dinginess with these Tight Wipes. Just pull one of the pre-moistened wipes from the container, wipe it over your shoes, and wipe off scuffs, dirt, and other debris. They can be used on most materials, including mesh, leather, vinyl, and suede.

The wipes are easy to use, working as well as traditional cleaners. They’re thick, don’t leave any residue, and work well to take out scuffs, grass marks, and more to keep shoes looking new.

Price at time of publish: $20

Best On-the-Go

Crep Protect Wipes, 12-Pack

Crep Protect Wipes, 12-Pack

Amazon

You never know when you’re going to scuff your kicks or find out you’ve stepped in something that’s left a mark. With these shoe cleaning wipes from Crep you’ll always be ready to kick those marks to the curb. They’re individually wrapped, so they’re great for keeping in your gym bag, backpack, purse, or wallet, and they work on most types of shoes, including leather, canvas, nylon, and vinyl. One side of the wipes is smooth and one is textured for tougher stains.

These wipes do an excellent job without altering the color or finish of your shoes. They are easy to use without the fuss of a brush and cleaner.

Price at time of publish: $10

Final Verdict

To revitalize your favorite pair of sneakers, we recommend the ShoeAnew Shoe Cleaner Kit (view at Amazon). You won't need much of its concentrated liquid—one 8-ounce bottle can clean up to 60 ​pairs of shoes.

If you own several pairs of sneakers, you can’t go wrong with the Deadstock Los Angeles Shoe Cleaner Kit (view at Amazon). The hip-looking kit comes with liquid cleaner, a towel, shoe trees, and a collapsible bowl.

What to Look for in a Sneaker Cleaner

Price

There is quite a price range when it comes to sneaker cleaners, so you'll want to consider your budget. Less expensive ones can be very effective, but may not come with additional equipment to clean your sneakers. If you are looking for additional brushes to get into the nooks and crannies of your sneakers, a higher price point sneaker cleaner may be a better fit for you.

Versatility

Since you may have a variety of different shoes that need cleaning, it is helpful to have a sneaker cleaner that can be used on a number of fabrics. Look for cleaners that can be used on leather, nylon, canvas, suede, and cotton. Additionally, you'll want a sneaker cleaner that is safe for all colors and won't discolor the original material of your shoe.

Quantity

To get the most for your money, you'll want a sneaker cleaner that contains many uses per bottle. Some sneaker cleaner sprays clean anywhere from 60 to 100 pairs of shoes per bottle. The wipes clean about 40 pairs of shoes.

Application Method

While both are convenient options, you'll want to consider if the spray cleaners or wipes are best for you. Spray cleaners are good for a deeper cleaning, where the wipes are an easy option for a quick spot-clean. You can keep them in your car or bag for times you are in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often should sneakers be cleaned?

    Frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you wear your sneakers and where you wear them. You may want to clean sneakers about every two weeks or whenever they look dirty. If you only wear sneakers on pavement, you'll likely need to clean them less often than if you wear them on dusty or dirty terrain. You may also want to spot clean your sneakers whenever one area gets dirty or scuffed.

  • How often should sneakers be replaced?

    Regularly worn sneakers typically have a lifespan of about three to six months. For running shoes or shoes in which you do a lot of walking, replace every 300 to 500 miles. If you wear insoles for flat feet or high arches, for example, you may also consider their lifespan as well.

  • How long does it take to clean sneakers?

    How long it takes to clean your sneakers will depend on how dirty they are. Cleaning your sneakers more frequently can cut down on cleaning time. Cleaning sneakers could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. You can also spot clean your sneakers in just a few minutes if there are specific dirty areas or scuffs you want to get rid of.

  • How soon after you clean sneakers can you wear them?

    The amount of time between cleaning to wearing your sneakers varies based on the cleaner. With some cleaners, sneakers can be worn 10 minutes after cleaning—while others need to sit for 8 hours before wearing again.

  • Why is cleaning your shoes important?

    Not only does cleaning your sneakers keep them looking fresh and new, but routine maintenance comes with other benefits as well. Regularly cleaning your sneakers prolongs their lifespan, which can help save you money. Additionally, it helps reduce bad odors.