How to Clean Leather and Suede Trainers
Clean leather and suede trainers panel by panel. Remove loose dirt first, use a suitable cleaner sparingly on smooth leather and keep suede care separate. Start suede with gentle dry brushing, avoid soaking the shoe, and keep ordinary leather cream or polish off the suede. Follow the footwear’s care instructions and test every new product in a discreet spot.
Why mixed-material trainers need a different approach
A trainer can contain several materials even when its title says “leather”. Treating the whole upper with one cream or a wet cloth risks changing the appearance of its suede sections. Suede’s raised fibres produce its soft texture; smooth leather has a different surface and needs products suited to its finish.
In the QUIVE London collection, BELGRAVIA combines leather with suede panels in a low-profile silhouette. RICHMOND also combines leather and suede, with distinctive apron-style stitching around the toe. Both list leather linings, cushioned foam insoles and rubber outsoles, and both are offered in Black and Brown.
For RICHMOND, pay particular attention to dust along the stitching rather than scrubbing the thread. For BELGRAVIA, identify each leather and suede panel before applying anything. The materials, rather than the colour of the trainer, determine the cleaning method.
A quick material checklist
| Surface | Start with | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth leather | Soft cloth or brush; compatible leather cleaner if needed | Soaking, harsh household cleaners, untested colour products |
| Suede panels | Gentle dry brushing with a suede brush | Ordinary leather cream, wax polish, vigorous wet scrubbing |
| Rubber outsole edges | Separate cloth or soft brush and a rubber-compatible cleaner | Cleaner running onto the upper or into seams |
| Leather lining and insole area | Air circulation; care instructions for the individual shoe | Saturation, direct heat, assuming an insole is removable |
Before you begin
Work in good light with clean cloths and a small soft brush. Separate tools used with polish from those used on suede; residual cream can transfer unexpectedly. Read both the shoe’s care guidance and the cleaning product’s label, including whether it is compatible with mixed materials.
Test a small, unobtrusive area and allow it to dry before judging the result. A cleaner that works on another shoe may change this finish. Remove the laces carefully so you can reach the tongue, and clean them separately according to their own care instructions. Do not assume the footbed can be lifted out.
A gentle cleaning sequence
- Remove loose dirt. Let muddy suede dry, then brush gently. Lift dust from folds and stitching with light strokes; pushing harder can drive dirt into the surface.
- Clean the rubber separately. Apply a suitable cleaner to a cloth or soft brush rather than flooding the shoe. Work along the outsole edge, keeping moisture away from the upper.
- Treat the smooth leather. Use a soft cloth and a small amount of a compatible cleaner where necessary. Follow its instructions, remove residue and avoid dragging it across adjoining suede.
- Reassess the suede. Dry brushing may be enough. For a remaining mark, use a dedicated suede eraser or cleaner only as directed, after a discreet test. Avoid casually wetting the panel; mixed materials can react differently.
- Let the pair dry naturally. Place it in a ventilated spot away from radiators, hairdryers and strong sunlight. Support the shape gently with clean, unprinted paper if needed, without packing it tightly.
- Finish only when dry. Brush the suede lightly to restore its nap. If the smooth leather needs conditioning, use a compatible product sparingly, keeping it strictly off the suede.
What if a mark remains?
A persistent oil, dye or water mark may need specialist attention. Repeated scrubbing or increasingly strong household mixtures can make the affected area more noticeable. Ask a professional shoe-care specialist before treating an uncertain stain. Some marks and scuffs cannot be removed completely; a reasonable care routine aims to preserve the material, rather than erase every sign of wear.
Care between cleans
Air trainers after wearing them and let damp pairs dry fully before storage. A protector must be suitable for every material it touches; test it first and follow its application instructions. It may help with stains, but does not turn leather-and-suede trainers into waterproof footwear. Avoid machine washing unless the footwear’s own instructions expressly allow it.
Browse men’s leather trainers to compare the two silhouettes, and use the size guide when choosing a pair. For wardrobe ideas, continue with smart-casual shoes, leather and suede loafer styling or suede Chelsea boot styling.
Further reading
Consult Saphir’s suede care guide for specialist product methods. Its individual product directions should govern dilution, application and drying times.