Shoe cleaning & care - Helpful tips

The right cleaning and care is crucial for you to enjoy your legero shoes for a long time. With these tips you can clean and care for shoes made of smooth leather, suede, effect leather, or textile properly.

A definite no-go – cleaning shoes in the washing machine

Because that damages the upper and the sole. Whether they are from legero or not – if your shoes ever get wet, allow them to dry slowly and evenly at room temperature. Don’t put them on a heater or in the blazing sun. This can cause the leather to become hard or brittle.

Always remove insoles and stuff newspaper inside the shoes. That way, your favourite shoes will keep their shape. That also goes for a shoe tree.

Washing shoes in the washing machine – why this is an absolute no-go

Waterproofing shoes – how to protect them from moisture and dirt

Waterproofing shoes after cleaning: how to keep your shoes protected

If the shoes are cleaned when damp or wet, it’s advisable to impregnate them again afterwards. Please also note our tips on waterproofing shoes.

It’s important to know that both cleaning and impregnating agents can cause the feel and appearance of upper materials to change. It’s therefore best to test performance or care products on a small area before treating the shoe completely.

Cleaning shoes according to material type – care tips for every surface

Each upper material has its own characteristics and requires specific cleaning and care.

Cleaning & care of smooth leather shoes

Remove shoelaces if necessary.
Remove coarse dust and dirt with a cloth or brush.
If necessary, clean with a damp cloth, e.g. with Collonil MaxX Upper Cleaner with micelle technology, Organic Care or Clean & Care.
After drying, a thin layer of shoe polish can be applied to the smooth leather as a care product.
Then polish with a soft cloth.

Clean and care for smooth leather shoes – tips for lasting shine

Cleaning & caring for suede shoes

Remove the laces if necessary.
Remove coarse dust and dirt with a nubuck or crepe brush.
If necessary, clean with a damp cloth, e.g. with Collonil MaxX Upper Cleaner with micelle technology, Organic Care or Clean & Care.
Once dry, roughen the surface again with a suede brush.

Suede leather is extremely absorbent due to its rough surface. Impregnation is important to ensure long-lasting protection against moisture.

Gently clean and care for suede shoes – for a soft, velvety finish

Cleaning & care of effect leather shoes

Remove shoelaces if necessary.
As effect leather is considered particularly sensitive, it should never be treated with a hard brush.
Clean carefully with a damp cloth and a solvent-free care product.
After drying, polish with a soft, dry cloth.

Tip: Test the care product on an inconspicuous area first.

legero Woman SILENCE Sneakers low with Zip - Material: Effect Leather - Colour: Metallic Silver

Cleaning & care of textile shoes

Remove laces if necessary.
Remove coarse dust and dirt with a coarse brush.
If necessary, clean with a damp cloth, e.g. with Collonil MaxX Upper Cleaner with micelle technology, Organic Care or Clean & Care.

To protect your feet from moisture, we also recommend regular waterproofing for functional shoes.

Waterproof textile shoes – protection against moisture and dirt for fabric materials

Shoe care from the inside – tips for freshness and hygiene inside your shoes

It's not just the outer material that needs care – the inside of your shoes should also be cleaned regularly. Especially if you wear them frequently, it's important to keep them fresh and hygienic. With a few simple measures, you can prevent unpleasant odours and maintain a comfortable feeling when wearing them.

Clean and care for shoe linings – for hygienic wearing comfort

Clean the inner lining

Remove the shoelaces.
Take out the insole.
Clean the lining with a damp cloth and some cleaning foam, e.g. Collonil Organic Clean.
For extra hygiene, use a refreshing spray such as Inside Fresh & Clean from Collonil
Then leave to dry thoroughly.

Clean and care for insoles – fresh smell and pleasant foot climate

Cleaning insoles

Smooth leather insoles: Clean the surface with a soft cloth or a fine textile brush, then wipe with a clean cloth.
Microfibre or suede insoles: Clean with a crepe brush and treat with a suitable spray, e.g. Collonil Organic Clean. Once dry, lightly roughen the surface.
In addition, remove the insoles regularly after wearing and allow them to air dry.

Cleaning shoe soles - for visibly neat and clean shoes

Over time, dirt settles on the sole and leaves behind discolouration or a grey haze - especially on light-coloured or white soles. Regular cleaning not only ensures hygiene, but also gives the entire shoe a neat look.