White sneakers get most of the cleaning advice, but leather and suede need a genuinely different approach — the wrong method can do more damage than the dirt itself. Here's how to actually care for each.
Leather needs conditioning, not just cleaning
A damp cloth removes surface dirt from leather, but leather also dries out and cracks over time without occasional conditioning — a small amount of leather conditioner or cream keeps it supple and extends how long it looks sharp. This matters more for officials and smart-casuals worn regularly than for an occasional-wear pair.
Suede hates water
Never use a wet cloth on suede — water leaves visible marks and flattens the nap, the soft texture that makes suede look the way it does. A dry suede brush, used in one direction, lifts dust and light dirt without damaging the surface. For a deeper clean, a suede eraser handles specific marks that brushing alone won't shift.
Rain is the real enemy
Both leather and suede suffer in Nairobi's rainy season more than most people expect — leather can stain and stiffen, suede can develop water marks that don't brush out. A waterproofing spray applied before the rainy season starts is worth the five minutes it takes, especially for a pair you wear often.
Storage matters as much as cleaning
Leather and suede both hold their shape better with a shoe tree or stuffed paper inside when not being worn, rather than left to collapse in on themselves. Keep them away from direct heat or sunlight, which dries out leather and fades colour on both materials faster than normal wear does.
When to leave it to a professional
A deep stain, a colour that's badly faded, or suede that's genuinely matted rather than just dusty is usually better handled by a professional shoe-care service than a home fix — trying too hard yourself risks making it worse. For everyday upkeep, though, the basics above cover almost everything.
Explore our officials and smart-casuals ranges built in leather and suede finishes.