When it comes to cleaning and restoring sneakers, the first step is knowing what you’re working with. Shoes are built from a variety of materials, each with unique characteristics that require different care methods. Mistaking suede for nubuck, or cleaning leather like canvas, can lead to damage that’s costly—or even impossible—to reverse.
This guide breaks down the most common materials you’ll encounter in sneakers, how to identify them, their typical uses, and what makes each one unique.
Leather
- Composition: Made from animal hide, usually cowhide, processed through tanning. Leather can be full-grain, top-grain, or corrected-grain, with varying degrees of smoothness and durability.
- Use: Found on premium sneakers (Air Jordans, luxury brands, boots) for structure, durability, and a polished look.
- Identification: Smooth surface with visible pores or grain. Feels firm yet flexible, and usually smells distinct. Leather darkens slightly when wet.
- Care Note: Clean safely with a soft brush and Revive Kicks Shoe Cleaner. Avoid oversaturation.
Suede
- Composition: A type of leather made from the underside of the hide, giving it a soft, fuzzy nap.
- Use: Popular on lifestyle sneakers (Puma Suede, New Balance, Air Jordan retros) for its premium texture and rich color.
- Identification: Velvety surface that changes shade when brushed in different directions. Feels soft and delicate.
- Care Note: Never soak. Best cleaned with the Revive Kicks Shoe Eraser, a soft brush, or dry-cleaning methods designed for suede.
Nubuck
- Composition: Like suede, but created by sanding or buffing the outer side of the hide. This produces a short, velvety nap with a more uniform finish than suede.
- Use: Seen in premium basketball shoes, hiking boots, and lifestyle sneakers for a matte, luxurious finish.
- Identification: Similar to suede but finer, smoother, and more durable. Has a “silky” look instead of a deep nap.
- Care Note: Handle carefully—clean with the Revive Kicks Shoe Eraser or a light brush. Water and harsh cleaners can stain.
Imitation Materials (Synthetic Leather & Suede)
- Composition: Man-made alternatives such as polyurethane (PU) or microfiber designed to mimic leather or suede.
- Use: Common in affordable sneakers and vegan options. Brands use synthetics to reduce cost or add durability.
- Identification: Lacks the natural grain of leather, more uniform in texture, often has a plastic-like backing. Doesn’t absorb water the same way real leather does.
- Care Note: Clean gently with Revive Kicks Shoe Cleaner and a soft brush. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that can cause cracks.
Mesh & Canvas
Mesh: Woven synthetic fibers (often nylon or polyester) designed for breathability.
Canvas: Cotton or cotton-blend fabric, tightly woven for durability.
Identification:
- Mesh: See-through weave, flexible, often layered.
- Canvas: Solid, coarse fabric that feels rougher than mesh.
Care Note: Use Revive Kicks Shoe Cleaner with a soft brush for mesh, and a firmer brush for canvas. Be gentle on mesh to prevent fraying.
Plastics, Rubbers, and Foams
- Rubber: Natural or synthetic, used for outsoles and midsoles.
- Foam: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or PU foam, used for cushioning.
- Plastic: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or similar, used for support cages and accents.
- Use: Provide durability, cushioning, and structural support in virtually all sneakers.
- Identification: Smooth or textured surfaces, flexible but sturdy. Foam often feels soft and compressible, rubber feels dense and springy.
- Care Note: Clean easily with Revive Kicks Shoe Cleaner and brushes. For yellowing foam, professional deoxidation or UV light sessions are needed.
Painted Surfaces
- Composition: Leather, rubber, or plastic panels coated with paint or finish (e.g., midsoles, custom sneakers, luxury shoes with detailed accents).
- Use: Adds color, branding, and style to sneakers. Found on midsoles, heel tabs, or custom artwork.
- Identification: Surface has a slightly different sheen than the base material. Scratches reveal a different color underneath.
- Care Note: Wipe lightly with Revive Kicks Shoe Cleaner and a microfiber towel. Painted areas can chip or peel, so avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Why This Matters
Understanding materials is the foundation of sneaker care. Each material reacts differently to Revive Kicks Shoe Cleaner and tools like the Revive Kicks Shoe Eraser. By learning how to identify and treat them, you’ll avoid costly mistakes, extend the life of your shoes, and deliver professional-level results for yourself or clients.
