Caring for your shoes: 8 must-have items that will help you keep your kicks looking good for longer
These accessories will help keep your favourite shoes – from canvas sneakers to leather dress shoes and suede loafers – looking factory fresh.
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Shoe-care kits can help extend the life of your favourite shoes, whether they're made from leather, suede or canvas. Photo: Unsplash/Lefteris Kallergis
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Forget beat up, ratty running shoes. These days, sneakers have transcended fashion collectibles that can command tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to fans who form communities and subcultures around hypebeast labels and models.
Even if you’re not a sneakerhead, the right footwear – whether they’re canvas sneakers, leather dress shoes or suede loafers – can elevate an outfit. The secret to shoe care success lies in ensuring they’re not scuffed, scratched, cracked or smelly. Whether your shoe cabinet houses limited-edition Air Jordans, designer heels or steel-toed work boots, here’s how to care for them so you can put your best foot forward every day.
Kaps Complete Shoe Clean and Care Kit (S$52.99)
Manufactured by an established family business with decades of experience in shoe care, this set is a useful beginner’s kit equipped with instructions to spruce up your leather shoes. Start by using the kit brush to remove mud and dirt, before applying polish made with natural waxes and finishing off with a cotton cloth wipe. In addition to tools that care for natural leather, the set contains a special brush for cleaning suede surfaces and two cream polishes that can also be applied to synthetic leather, making it a well-rounded addition to your shoe-maintenance routine.
- Nine-piece natural and synthetic leather shoe care set
- Contains two tins of shoe cream and application brushes
- Housed in a compact wooden box, makes for an ideal gift
Columbus Mink Oil 45g (S$13.50)
From Japanese brand Columbus, this container of mink oil – yes, it really is made from the rendered fat of these weasel relatives – is a natural moisturiser that will condition most leather types. Known for its lasting qualities, mink oil best suits leather that undergoes rough use, such as oft-worn shoes. Clean the leather uppers thoroughly first before rubbing in the mink oil gently with a soft cloth. Leave to dry for around 10 minutes, and then buff. While the 45g container is small, a tiny bit goes a very long way. Be careful not to over-apply, as this will reduce your shoes’ water resistance.
- Moisturises leather, keeping it supple
- Prevents water damage, staining and cracking
Gear Aid Revivex Nubuck Suede Protector and Cleaner (S$33.44)
This suede and nubuck boot care kit is free from environmentally harmful PFAS (per and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) that do not break down in nature and can contaminate drinking sources. The boot-care kit contains a suede and fabric water repellent, boot and shoe cleaner, a stiff brush to remove dirt and an eraser block to get rid of scuffing. It can remove accumulated grime and protects against dye transfer, while maximising shoes’ breathability and waterproofing. Be sure to test on a small area first, especially if your shoes are a light colour.
- Complete kit for protecting and cleaning materials including suede, nubuck, canvas and GORE-TEX
- For waterproof and breathable fabrics
- PFAS-free with no fluorocarbons
Leather Hero Leather Colour Restorer and Applicator (Black) (S$37.99)
We’ve all experienced the horror of realising that the heels of our favourite loafers or oxfords have been scratched. While light scuffs can be buffed away, deeper gouges may require leather colour restorer. This Leather Hero set – comprising a colour restorer in one of 12 shades and a foam dauber brush applicator – can even be used on leather bags, sofas and car seats. The non-toxic formula can be cleaned with water and the leather restorer has been formulated not to peel off or crack on your shoes after drying. For added peace of mind, you can add another layer of protection with the separately-sold top coat in satin or matte finish.
- Repairs the colour and appearance of faded or scratched leather
- Available in 12 shades and with a foam dauber brush for application
- Non-toxic formula
Kicks Kase Premium Sneaker Bag with Sneaker Travel Case (S$157.81)
This premium travel sneaker bag from Kicks Kase has adjustable, removable dividers and reinforced padding to protect up to four pairs of size 14 shoes without crushing them. It also has a 16-inch laptop pocket and other internal pockets for essentials like chargers and cables. The bag is TSA (transportation security administration) carry-on approved, has a 44-litre capacity and a rear baggage pocket so it can slide onto luggage handles. The water-resistant exterior ensures your beloved Air Force 1 Low sneakers stay dry even if you’re caught in a drizzle.
- TSA carry-on approved size
- Reinforced padding protects sneakers from being crushed
- Adjustable divider system holds up to 4 pairs separately
Dr Scholl’s Probiotic Foot Spray (S$31.04)
The good doctor knows that smelly feet can ruin your favourite shoes, as bacteria and sweat can soak into the soles and worsen the smell. Formulated with a blend of essential oils that cool and soothe hot, tired feet, the Probiotic Foot Spray claims to help reduce even strong odours. This is a game-changer if you have a teenager who sweats right through their socks in PE class.
- Can help reduce strong odours
- Probiotics restore skin’s healthy microbiome
- Blend of essential oils provide cooling sensation
Jason Markk On-The-Go Essentials (S$41.75)
You might have seen Jason Markk’s flagship store in Shibuya, Tokyo, where sneakers of all types undergo TLC from lace cleaning to in-depth detailing in a space more reminiscent of a trendy cafe than a sneaker clinic.
To recreate that shoe-spa experience, this On-The-Go Essentials travel kit enables you to clean and condition your sneakers when you’re travelling. The ripstop nylon carrying case has a clear front window to display its contents. It includes a mini premium brush with soft hog bristles intended for delicate surfaces like knit, suede and canvas, a two-ounce bottle of the brand’s shoe cleaner, a microfibre towel and three quick wipes in case you step into a puddle or dirt. You won’t be afraid to don your new white leather Stan Smiths on your next trip, thanks to this compact kit.
- Travel shoe cleaning kit from well-known sneakerhead care company
- Contains wipes, microfibre towel, shoe cleaner, premium brush
- Maintain shoes and sneakers while travelling in snow, rain, dirty environments
Under Bed Shoe Storage Organiser (S$56.58)
Placing your shoes into a storage container is a step up from stuffing shoe boxes under your bed, but you’ll have to worry about scuffing and dye transference if they’re not separated. Enter this under-bed organiser specifically designed for shoes. This set of two zippered organisers holds a total of 24 pairs in individual compartments separated by breathable fabric reinforced with cardboard. This reduces the odds of heavier boots scuffing lighter pairs, like running or badminton shoes.
The double handles – located at the front and side – allow you to pull the organiser out easily, while the large PVC window makes it easy to find the pair you need at a glance. Each unused divider can be folded flat to save on space.
- Clear PVC cover for easy identification
- Separate compartments
- Holds its shape for heavy shoes, can be folded when not in use
A good pair of shoes can be a decades-long investment, if stored and cared for correctly. Equip yourself with a leather shoe care kit and products like mink oil and colour restorer so that you have all you need on hand to address scuffs, stains and everyday wear and tear.
If you wear a favourite pair of shoes in tough environments – like Singapore’s hot, humid weather – a suede protector and cleaner and probiotic foot spray will keep them fresh, inside and out. Don’t forget a travel shoe cleaning kit so you can walk everywhere with confidence, and to house them in protective storage both at home and on the go when they’re not on your feet.
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