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Cleaning sandals?

Anonymous

You all know I loooove my sandals I wear them exclusively 6 months of the year, and as much as I can get away with in the other 6 months.

That said- I have considerable feet marks in all of them. I just tried to clean the whole stableful with a leather cleaner/conditioner, but it only works so well. Plus one pair gets dunked weekly (briefly) into the grotty river when I paddle. Anyone have any tricks to clean them up better?

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14 replies

Latest reply was from

kkards

Veteran

I guess it depends on what it’s made of. Teva’s and similar types of sandals I’d take dish soap and a gentle toothbrush. Leather sandals I don’t think there is too much you can do, a little leather soap but that’s only going to get you go much.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What kkards said. At a certain point, I just say, time for new ones. Often I find the footbed is worn down at that point as well.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I dislike the appearance of foot marks and tend to regard it as time for the pair to go. Having said that, I should thus be letting my brightly coloured “gold thread” sandals go but can’t quite bring myself to, yet, as they are unique…
The photo is them in new condition, they look a lot worse now!

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Anonymous

My shoe repair guy recommended Tana “sandal kit” cleaner, and I think it has extended the life of some of mine. It’s a bottle of detergent with a sponge applicator top, which you apply to the surface, then scrub the insoles with the included brush, and wipe clean. They aren’t like new, but certainly cleaner. Supposed to be good for leather, suede, nubuck, fabric, etc.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Something like these, perhaps?

Birkenstock Deluxe Shoe Care Kit

View Info

Top Pick

2

Cadillac Sandal Life - Athletic Sandal Flip Flop Cleaning Kit - Cleaner and Deodorizer Wash + Brush for Outdoor Hiking Trail Boat Beach Water Sport Footwear

View Info

Top Pick

5

Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner Essentials for Shoe Cleaning

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3

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I find a good leather cleaner or baby wipe can get you pretty far, depending on the sandal. Sometimes a cobbler can do remarkable things too.

Olive Green

Veteran

I throw all my Teva or other water sandals into the washing machine with the small floor rugs or utility towels. Air dry outside in the sun. Same with non leather sneakers.
The leather or suede casual shoes and sandals are brushed off with a nail brush and wiped with cloth, apply a little oil. I can send the hand made pair back to the maker for repairs. That is such a luxury, as have not seen many cobbler shops!

Anonymous

The only cobbler in my multi county work territory closed before Covid- unfortunately :/ I didn't think of trying to scrub at the stains with a brush though. Maybe will try one of these kits.
All my sandals are leather.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

This doesn’t really help you in this particular case, but my favorite shoe company just launched a refurb service and I’m seriously tempted to send my sandals from them in for the full treatment:
https://www.bedstu.com/rescue-program

It’s not cheap, but it’s half the price of a new pair and certainly better for the planet. (And I’m for sure getting my boots refurbed!)

Anonymous

I saw something like that for Birkenstocks too Jenn. Report back if you do it!

Roberta

Veteran

A suede or nail brush is a big help, I use a little Dawn and hope for the best.

Ginger

Veteran

My mother used rubbing alcohol on her leather/suede soled sandals and it removed the footmarks. I presume she rubbed it, maybe with a toothbrush. I haven't gotten around to trying it yet myself but she's really good at this stuff.

hereforthecake

I had the same problem and find that using waterproofing spray on the soles helps. Do it twice and leave them to dry for at least an hour before wear.
That way the sweat & oil from your the soles of your feet doesn't get imbedded in the leather as much.

Of course, you have to do this when they're new, or at least after you've cleaned them.

Anonymous

Thanks all! Think I'll try the alcohol first and see how that works before buying anything.