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 — family-run 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 — family-run 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.