How to Clean & Condition Clarks Shoes (Leather, Suede & Crepe Soles)

Quick answer: clean Clarks shoes by material. Wipe and condition smooth leather, brush suede dry (never soak it), and clean crepe soles with a crepe brush or eraser. Below is the step-by-step for each, plus how to store them so they last.

As an authorized Clarks retailer since 2003, we fit and care for these shoes every day. Here is exactly how we keep them looking their best, by material.

How do I clean smooth leather Clarks shoes?

Wipe off dust, clean with a damp cloth or mild leather cleaner, let it dry, then condition. This covers oxfords, loafers, and leather Wallabees.

• Brush or wipe away loose dust and dirt first.
• Clean with a slightly damp cloth or a mild leather cleaner. Avoid soaking the leather.
• Let the shoes dry naturally, away from direct heat.
• Apply a leather cream or conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
• Buff with a soft cloth to bring back the shine.

Re-condition periodically, especially if the leather starts to look dry or dull. Clarks makes its own leather care products if you want a matched option.

How do I clean suede or nubuck Clarks shoes?

Never soak suede. Brush it dry to lift dirt and restore the nap, use a suede eraser for scuffs, and protect it with a spray. This is the routine for the suede Wallabee and Desert Boot.

• Let any wet shoes dry fully before you start.
• Use a suede brush to lift surface dirt and bring the nap back up. Brush in one direction.
• For scuffs or marks, work them out with a suede eraser or cleaning block.
• Apply a suede protector spray when the shoes are new and again after each cleaning.
• For water spots, blot (don't rub), let the shoe dry naturally, then re-brush the nap.

How do I clean the crepe soles on Wallabees and Desert Boots?

Use a crepe brush or a clean rubber/crepe eraser. The gum crepe sole naturally attracts dirt and yellows over time, so the goal is to lift grime without overwetting it.

• Brush the sole with a dedicated crepe brush or rub it with a clean crepe/rubber eraser.
• For stubborn dirt, use a little soapy water on the sole only, and keep it off the suede.
• Avoid getting the crepe overly wet, which it doesn't like.
• A suede-and-crepe cleaning kit handles the upper and the sole together and works well.

How should I dry and store Clarks shoes?

Air-dry away from heat and store them cool and dry with their shape held. Heat sources like radiators and direct sun can dry out leather and warp the fit.

• Stuff damp shoes with paper to hold their shape while they dry.
• Air-dry away from radiators, heaters, and direct sunlight.
• Use a shoe tree to keep the shape between wears.
• Rotate between pairs so each one gets time to fully dry out.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

How often should I condition and protect them?

Condition leather periodically and re-apply suede protector after every clean. There's no fixed schedule. Let the material tell you. Dry-looking leather wants conditioner; suede wants protector once it's freshly brushed.

Popular Clarks styles to shop

Once your pair is clean, here are in-stock Clarks favorites our fit team reaches for:

• Wallabee: Beeswax Leather, Black Suede, or the Wallabee Boot.
• Desert Boot: the Women's Desert Boot on a gum crepe sole.
• Smooth-leather lace-ups: Whiddon Cap and Whiddon Plain.

Want help choosing a pair or sorting out fit? See our Clarks collection, the Clarks Wallabee sizing guide, or the Wallabee vs. Desert Boot comparison.

Need fit or care help?

We're a family-run Southern California shop and an authorized Clarks retailer since 2003, with stores as Feet World in Culver City and Arcadia. Call or text our fit team at (310) 398-7497 or email info@feetheart.com. Online orders ship free in the U.S. with free 30-day returns, so it's easy to get the right pair.