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White sneakers just might be the most universal wardrobe staple, yet they are also the most difficult to keep pristine. As a kid, I remember being so frustrated that my white Keds were always a grime-caked shade of gray that as a grown-up, my shoe collection became filled with black sneakers. But let’s be honest, there’s a casual chicness to any outfit topped off with white sneakers that other colors just don’t quite achieve.
A couple years ago, I decided to give it another go with a pair of white Veja Esplar shoes; it didn’t take long for dirt and gook to get caught into the creases between the upper and sole, as well as into the grooves of the sole's rim. Earlier this year, I became intrigued by Lululemon’s new Cityverse shoe, but it only came in light shades, mostly variations of white. Sure enough, I seemed to always be fighting dirt and stains, especially on the toe area with the darkest spots oddly on the insides above the arch.
Instead of shoving another pair of dirty white sneakers into the corner of my closet, I realized it was time to properly learn how to clean these light-colored shoes. So I tapped the expertise of Waleed Cope of The Soap Box, a Brooklyn-based premium laundry company specializing in sneaker care, and also started testing products for myself. Here's what I learned:
- Cleaning techniques
- The best on-the-go cleaners
- The best shoe eraser
- The best shoe cleaners
- Comfortable white sneakers we recommend
White sneaker cleaning techniques
While there may be an instinct to constantly wipe off those white shoes to keep their bright sheen, Cope says to hold back, recommending only cleaning them as needed “to reduce the wear and tear on the material and fabrics.” The first thing to keep in mind is that not all white sneakers are created equal. From leather or canvas to suede or nubuck styles, “each material requires a different technique and cleaning solutions," he says.
Suede is arguably the most delicate. Cope says to start with a “firm brush to knock off any loose debris.” The reason for that crucial step is to avoid grinding any of it even deeper into the material. Then take a suede eraser, like the Kiwi suede and nubuck stain eraser or the Reshoevn8r nubuck suede shoe cleaner kit, to get rid of marks and dirt. If needed, next take a brass brush like Reshoev8r’s brass bristle brush or Takavu’s suede cleaning brush kit for another round to remove any further debris as well as reset the nap (that means brushing the material in multiple directions to restore the fiber to its natural appearance). One thing to avoid on suede: “No water and soap,” Cope says. “It will affect the color and texture of the suede.”
For other materials, follow the same idea by brushing off debris first, followed by spot cleaning with an eraser as needed, before turning to any solutions. In general, canvas shoes can endure more scrubbing in the way you’d treat a tough stain on clothing, but go gentler on other surfaces.
As daunting as the idea may be, many sneakers, especially those made of canvas, cotton, polyester, or other fabrics, can be put in the washing machine. Some brands—Vessi, Rothy's, Keds, Skechers—specifically tout certain styles as machine washable. As with other garments, check the label or retailer's site to see if there are any specific recommendations for how to best machine wash your pair.
Generally speaking, it's best to take out both the insoles and laces before placing shoes in the washing machine. To prevent them pounding around in the machine, secure them inside a washable mesh laundry bag and use the gentle cycle. You can also toss in a few towels or a robe to lessen the impact. Skip the dryer and let them air dry.
There is one major mistake white sneaker owners tend to make: “They don’t protect the shoes when they first get them,” Cope says. “You should treat every new sneaker you get with stain- and water-repellent before you put them on your feet.” He explains that the coating will “prevent dirt and liquid from adhering to the material” as well as make it “a lot easier to clean your sneakers over time.”
For a more low-maintenance solution, opt for a leather shoe, like Everlane's The Day Sneakers, Adidas Superstar Shoes, or Frye Ivy Low Lace. “Leather is way more forgiving than other materials and doesn't let dirt and stains seep into it as easily as suede, canvas, and nubuck,” Cope says.
How I tested:
Doctors have told me that I “wear my shoes hard,” so with Cope’s advice in mind, I put my newfound white sneaker cleaning skills to the test on a trio of my white shoes: leather Vejas, suede Adidas, and mixed material Lululemon sneaker with a smooth leather-like surface with detailing that’s more suede-like. I also tried cleaning my all-fabric running shoes, the Lululemon Blissfeel, which are technically more of a light shade of blush pink, but completely filthy. I tested a variety of bestsellers on the market that claim to make your white sneakers sparkle, from on-the-go wipes and shoe erasers to foams and sprays. Below, I've rounded up the products that worked the best—actually cleaning my kicks and proving to be effective options.
On-the-go cleaners
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Shoe erasers
Shoe cleaners
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Versatile white sneakers we love
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