Keep Their Kicks Fresh: A Complete Guide to Kids’ Shoe Care

As parents, it’s important to keep our children's shoes in good shape not just for looks, but also for their comfort and health. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your kids' shoes clean and well-maintained, whether they're leather, fabric, or synthetic. Let's make sure your kids' shoes stay in great condition so they can walk confidently every day.

Why is it important to take care of your kids’ shoes? 

Taking care of your kids' shoes is essential for ensuring they last longer and remain comfortable. By maintaining their shoes well, you not only save money by avoiding frequent replacements but also prevent infections and bad odours that can arise from dirty footwear. Well-maintained shoes also provide better support, which is crucial for your child's comfort and safety during their daily activities. Moreover, keeping their shoes in good condition ensures they always look neat and presentable, boosting your child's confidence in various settings.

How to clean kids’ shoes

Cleaning your kids' shoes is a simple yet crucial task to keep them looking great and feeling comfortable. By following proper cleaning techniques based on the shoe material—whether leather, fabric, or synthetic—you can maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan. Let's explore the essential steps to effectively clean your kids' shoes and keep them in top condition.

Daily cleaning 

Daily cleaning is a quick and effective way to maintain your kids' shoes and prevent dirt and grime buildup. After each use, take a moment to wipe the shoes with a damp cloth. This simple step helps remove surface dirt and debris, keeping the shoes looking clean and presentable. By incorporating daily cleaning into your routine, you can prolong the freshness of the shoes and ensure they are always ready for your child's next adventure.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning is essential to refresh your kids' shoes thoroughly, especially when they accumulate stubborn dirt or stains. Depending on the shoe material:

For leather shoes, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to gently scrub away dirt. Follow up with a leather conditioner to maintain suppleness.

Fabric shoes can be hand washed using mild detergent and water. Alternatively, some fabric shoes are machine washable—use a gentle cycle to preserve their integrity.

Synthetic shoes should be cleaned with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material.

Regular deep cleaning not only restores the appearance of the shoes but also helps maintain hygiene and durability over time.

Leather

For leather shoes, cleaning requires a gentle approach to maintain their quality and appearance. Start by preparing the shoes, removing laces and inserts. Create a mild soap solution by mixing soap or leather cleaner with water. Gently scrub the shoes with a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and stains, ensuring not to soak the leather. After cleaning, wipe off any residue with a damp cloth and allow the shoes to air dry at room temperature. 

Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. Optionally, you can polish the shoes for added shine using a shoe polish that matches the shoe colour. Regular care like this ensures your kids' leather shoes stay in excellent condition for longer wear.

Fabric  

Start by removing any laces and insoles from the shoes. Hand wash the shoes using a mild detergent mixed with water. Gently scrub the fabric surface with a soft brush or cloth to lift dirt and stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue. Avoid soaking the shoes excessively.

Alternatively, if the shoes are labelled as machine washable, place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. This helps to protect the fabric and maintain its integrity.

After cleaning, allow the shoes to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Stuff them with paper towels or cloth to help retain their shape as they dry.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean fabric shoes, ensuring they look clean and fresh for your child's next adventure. Regular maintenance like this helps extend the lifespan of the shoes and keeps them comfortable to wear.

Synthetic 

Cleaning synthetic shoes is simple and important for maintaining their condition. By using a mild detergent mixed with water, gently scrub the shoes with a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and grime. Rinse them thoroughly afterward and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. This routine care helps keep synthetic shoes looking good and ready for your child's next adventure.

How to dry kids’ shoes 

Drying your kids' shoes properly is crucial to maintain their shape and integrity after washing or cleaning. By using the right drying techniques, you can ensure their shoes remain comfortable and ready for use. Let's explore the essential steps to dry your kids' shoes effectively.

Air drying 

After cleaning or washing your kids' shoes, air drying is the best method to preserve their quality and shape. Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as they can cause the shoes to warp or lose their shape. Allow the shoes to dry naturally. Proper air drying ensures the shoes remain comfortable and ready for their next use, prolonging their lifespan.

Stuffing  

Stuffing shoes with crumpled paper towels or newspaper helps absorb moisture and maintain their shape during drying. This method prevents shoes from shrinking or losing their form, ensuring they remain comfortable and ready for your child's next adventure.

Avoiding heat

To ensure your kids' shoes dry properly and remain in good condition, avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the materials to fade and warp. Similarly, keep them away from heaters or radiators, as excessive heat can distort their shape and damage the materials. Instead, opt for air drying in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. This gentle method allows the shoes to dry naturally while preserving their integrity for continued comfort and wear.

How to store kids’ shoes

Storing your kids' shoes properly is essential to maintain their condition and prolong their lifespan. By following the right storage techniques, you can ensure their shoes stay organised, clean, and ready for use whenever needed. Let's explore the essential steps to store your kids' shoes effectively.

Clean before storage

Cleaning your kids' shoes before storing is essential to maintain their condition and prevent dirt and odour buildup. Start by wiping off any dirt or debris with a damp cloth or brush. Ensure the shoes are completely dry to prevent moisture-related issues like mould. Additionally, inspect them for any damage or wear that might worsen during storage. By cleaning them beforehand, you keep your kids' shoes in good shape and ready to wear whenever needed.

Use shoe racks

Ensure your kids' shoes are completely dry before placing them on the shoe rack to prevent moisture buildup. Shoe racks allow air to circulate around the shoes, helping them remain fresh and reducing the risk of mould or mildew. Organising shoes on a rack also keeps them easily accessible and prevents them from getting squashed or misshapen in crowded storage spaces. This method helps preserve the shape and quality of your kids' shoes for longer wear.

Climate control 

Store shoes in a cool, dry place to avoid excessive humidity, which can promote mould or mildew growth. High humidity can also cause leather to crack or synthetic materials to deteriorate faster.

Avoid storing shoes in areas prone to temperature extremes, such as near heaters or in direct sunlight, as these conditions can cause materials to warp or fade.

Maintaining a stable climate helps preserve the quality of your kids' shoes, ensuring they remain in good condition and ready to wear when needed.

Rotation  

Regularly switch out the shoes they wear to ensure all pairs receive equal use. This prevents one pair from becoming overly worn or misshapen.

Rotate shoes based on seasonal changes or different activities to evenly distribute wear and tear.

By rotating their shoes, you extend their lifespan and ensure they remain comfortable and supportive for your child's feet.

How to label kids’ shoes 

Labelling your kids' shoes is a practical way to keep them organised and easily identifiable, especially in busy settings like school or daycare. By following simple labelling techniques, you can prevent mix-ups and ensure your child's shoes are always ready for use. Let's explore the essential steps to label your kids' shoes effectively.

Inside labels 

Labelling the inside of your kids' shoes is a practical way to keep them organised and identifiable, especially in settings like school or daycare. Using fabric markers or iron-on labels, you can easily write your child's name inside each shoe. This simple step helps prevent mix-ups and ensures your child's shoes are always ready for wear, making morning routines smoother and less stressful.

Shoe stickers  

Shoe stickers are a convenient option for labelling your kids' shoes, especially when you want a quick and easy solution. These durable, waterproof labels are designed specifically for footwear and can withstand daily wear and tear. Simply apply the stickers to the outside or inside of the shoes, ensuring they are securely attached. This ensures your child's shoes are easily identifiable, whether at school, daycare, or during playdates, helping to avoid confusion and loss.

Personalised inserts 

Personalised inserts for your kids' shoes offer a custom touch while ensuring they remain easily identifiable. These inserts typically feature your child's name or initials and can be placed inside the shoe for added personalization. Whether you opt for custom-printed insoles or simply write their name on a removable insert, this method helps distinguish their shoes from others, making it easier to keep track of them in busy environments like school or sports activities.

Permanent marker  

Using a permanent marker is a quick and straightforward method to label your kids' shoes. Simply write your child's name or initials on the tongue or heel of the shoe with a permanent marker. This method ensures the label is durable and easily visible, helping to identify their shoes in various settings. It's a practical solution for quick labelling without the need for additional materials, ensuring your child's footwear stays organised and easily recognisable.

Ready to get your kid a new pair of kicks? 

Taking care of your kids' shoes isn't just about looks—it's about keeping them comfortable, safe, and lasting longer. By following these tips, you can keep their shoes clean and ready for any adventure.

Regular cleaning and proper drying methods maintain their condition. Thoughtful storage and labelling prevent mix-ups and ensure their shoes are always easy to find.

Investing time in caring for their shoes pays off by keeping their feet happy and their shoes in great shape.

Ready to update your kids' shoe collection? Check out our range of kids’ kicks.