Tips for cleaning and caring for kid's shoes

How to clean kids' shoes

Cleaning kids' shoes is important to keep materials such as smooth leather, suede, effect leather, textiles and felt beautiful and functional in the long term. Whether mud, sand or rain - kids' shoes are exposed to daily wear and tear in everyday life. Regular care supports longevity and protects the materials. We explain step by step how to properly clean and care for kids' shoes depending on the material and degree of soiling.

Proper care for kids' shoes: The 3 most important basic steps

Before using special cleaning agents or care products, it is worth taking a look at the basic steps for cleaning shoes. Because cleaning kids' shoes always starts with good preparation - regardless of the material.

Prepare the shoes

Remove the laces, open the Velcro fasteners and - if present - remove the insoles.

This allows for more thorough cleaning and helps the shoes to dry evenly.

Remove dirt

Carefully remove coarse dirt with a soft brush or a slightly damp cloth. Be as gentle as possible on the material - avoid rubbing or scrubbing vigorously.
For stubborn dirt, lukewarm water with a little mild soap will help - always use sparingly.
If the shoes are wet, allow them to dry slowly and do not place them on a radiator or in direct sunlight.

Caring for superfit kids’ shoes – Step 3: Care and protect

Care and protection

Apply suitable care products to keep the material supple and protect it from drying out.
Then waterproof the shoe to protect it from moisture and dirt.

After every wet cleaning, the waterproofing should be refreshed with a single spray. Tips for correct waterproofing.

Don'ts when cleaning kids' shoes

Cleaning in the washing machine: Kids' shoes, whether made of leather or textile, do not belong in the washing machine. Washing can damage the upper and sole, dissolve adhesives and create microplastics that pollute the environment. For gentle and sustainable shoe care for children, cleaning by hand is always recommended.
Drying on radiators or in the blazing sun: Wet kids' shoes should never be dried directly on radiators or in the sun. High temperatures can make the material - especially leather - hard, brittle and unusable. Better: remove the insoles, stuff the shoes with newspaper or use a shoe tree. This will help the shoes keep their shape and dry slowly at room temperature.
Harsh cleaning agents: Chemical household cleaners, aggressive soaps or solvents have no place in shoe care for children. They attack surfaces, colours and materials.
Store in an airtight or damp place: Kids' shoes should always be aired out well after wearing. If they are stored in damp or airtight conditions, mould can form on the inside. The following therefore applies: clean the shoes, allow them to dry and store them in a well-ventilated place.

Cleaning & care of smooth leather shoes

Remove coarse dirt with a brush or soft cloth.
Heavier soiling can also be wiped off with a damp cloth, e.g. with Collonil Upper Cleaner with micelle technology, Organic Care or Clean & Care.
Remove excess care material with a microfibre cloth.

Cleaning and caring for superfit smooth leather shoes properly

Cleaning & care of suede shoes

Veloursleder und Nubuk lassen sich am besten mit speziellen Bürsten und Reinigungsgummis reinigen.
Suede and nubuck are best cleaned with special brushes and cleaning rubbers. Heavier soiling can also be wiped off with a damp cloth, e.g. with Collonil Upper Cleaner with micelle technology Organic Care or Clean & Care.
Remove excess care material with a microfibre cloth.
Important: After drying, roughen the surface again with a crepe brush.

Tip: Due to its rough surface, suede leather is particularly absorbent and requires special care. An additional impregnation protects the shoes from moisture for a long time.

Gentle cleaning and care for superfit suede leather shoes

Cleaning & care of effect leather shoes

Effect leathers have special design elements, such as glitter or shimmering elements, as well as imprints, which require special attention.

Effect leather should only be treated with a damp cloth or solvent-free care products.
Always test care products on an inconspicuous area first.
After drying, polish carefully with a soft, dry cloth.

Caution: Do not use hard brushes, as these can damage the sensitive surface.

Cleaning and caring for effect leather shoes from superfit – here's how

Cleaning & care of textile shoes

Dry cleaning with a brush is often sufficient for these shoes.
If necessary, clean with a damp brush, e.g. with Collonil Upper Cleaner with micelle technology or Textil Wash.
Remove the excess material with a microfibre cloth.

Tip: Functional textile shoes should also be impregnated regularly to protect against wet feet.

Cleaning and caring for superfit textile shoes – here’s how

Cleaning & care of felt shoes

Felt is best cleaned dry with a soft brush.
For heavier soiling, treat with lukewarm water and a little soapy water or wool detergent.
After cleaning, stuff the shoes with paper and leave to air dry.

Caution: Cleaning and/or impregnating agents can change the look and feel of the upper material.

Cleaning and caring for Superfit felt shoes – here's how

How do I clean the inside of shoes properly?

Before cleaning, remove the shoe laces, open the Velcro fasteners completely and - if present - remove the insole. This makes it easier to clean the inside of the shoe and the insole, which then dries more evenly.

How to clean the inside of superfit kids’ shoes hygienically

Variant 1: Collonil Organic Clean

Also removes dirt from the inner shoe and cleans the footbed. Bacteria and unpleasant odours are reliably removed.

Variant 2: Collonil Carbon MaxX Fresh oder Collonil Breeze

Combats unpleasant odours directly at the source by neutralising odour-causing bacteria - also has a preventative effect.

How do I clean the hook and loop fastener?

Dirt in the hook and loop fastener can significantly reduce the adhesive force. Regular cleaning ensures that the fastener works reliably.

Cleaning Velcro fasteners on superfit shoes – quick guide

The best way to remove dirt from the hook surface is with a stiff brush or a special hook and loop fastener brush. It is important to brush in short movements against the direction of the hook to loosen stuck particles.
The soft side can be cleaned with adhesive tape or a lint roller: simply press lightly and pull off to pick up loose fibres.
For heavier soiling, cleaning with lukewarm water and a little mild soap will help. A microfibre cloth or soft brush is suitable for this. Then leave to dry thoroughly.

Tip: If the fastener no longer adheres properly after cleaning, this may be due to bent hooks. Use a bank card or a flat object to gently brush against the direction to straighten it.

Keep the outsole and sole edge clean

When playing outdoors, dirt, mud and small stones quickly stick to the outsole and sole edge. To ensure that superfit shoes not only look good but also retain their anti-slip properties, it is important to clean the soles of kids' shoes regularly.

Cleaning and care for the outsole and sole edge of superfit children's shoes

Cleaning the outsoles of kids' shoes

It is best to remove coarse dirt or small stones with a brush first.
Then clean the sole with a sponge, lukewarm water and a little mild washing-up liquid.
An old toothbrush is suitable for tread grooves to loosen stuck-on dirt.

Cleaning the edge of the sole properly

Most residues can be easily removed with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
A dirt eraser can help with heavier soiling. Always work with gentle pressure to avoid scratching.

How to clean GORE-TEX and Sympatex kids' shoes properly

Kids' shoes with an integrated climate membrane - such as GORE-TEX® or Sympatex® - offer reliable moisture protection and good breathability at the same time. To maintain this function in the long term, it is particularly important to clean the material gently: