The 10 Best Shoe Cleaners
Special Honors
Florsheim Suede & Nubuck Cleaner Coming from a company with over a century of experience, this offering from Florsheim is manufactured in the United States and comes in a can with a scrubber top. Not only does it clean delicate nubuck and suede surfaces, but it also conditions and softens them while maintaining their original color. florsheim.com
Editor's Notes
September 09, 2019:
We updated this list by removing items that had become unavailable (Shoe MGK Kit, Sof Sole 3-In-1) and replacing them with viable alternatives, and we decided to swap out ShoeAnew Bundle due to repeated reports of lackluster efficacy and discoloration issues.
That being said, discoloration, "clean rings", and other types of material manipulation is an occupational hazard of this category. There are too many factors that can affect the integrity of your shoe when it comes into contact with a cleaning solution. Using a harsh brush or abrasive cloth, adding water or not adding water, improper technique, and much more can adversely affect your results. You must protect your shoes by thoroughly researching how to clean the particular fabrics you're working with, using the proper tools, and always spot-testing a negligible portion of the material before adding the solution to the entire thing.
We wanted this list to boast products for both dress shoes and casual ones like sneakers, so we made sure there were selections for every type of material imaginable. We prioritized formulas for their ease of use, efficacy, versatility, and whether they come with helpful additions like brushes and cloths. We also paid attention to selections that are natural and thus friendlier to the environment.
Some of our choices, like the Saphir Renovateur and Lexol Two-Step, will cleanse and condition, but bear in mind that most of these formulas are meant to clean only. If you want to prolong the life of leather or give your shoes a lovely shine, you'll most likely need to purchase a conditioner or polish kit separately.