Vegan sneakers are in vogue. Ethical, sustainable and stylish, they appeal to more and more consumers concerned about their impact on the planet and animals. But one question often arises: how to care for your vegan sneakers so they stay beautiful and last over time? Unlike animal leather shoes, the alternative materials used in vegan sneakers sometimes require specific care. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to care for your vegan sneakers without damaging them.
What is a vegan sneaker?
Before getting into the heart of the matter, a quick reminder is in order. We previously explained the environmental benefits of vegan sneakers, designed without any materials of animal origin. This means no traditional leather or any other animal-derived components. Instead, brands offering vegan shoes use alternative materials such as:
- Apple leather, grape or pineapple leather (also known as Piñatex)
- Recycled polyester
- Polyurethane or other synthetic materials without toxic solvents
- Organic cotton or hemp
These materials have different properties from traditional leather, and their care must be adapted so as not to alter their appearance or longevity.
Why is care important?
No one wants to have to buy a new pair of shoes every 3 months - especially when trying to combat overconsumption. This is why caring for eco-designed shoes should not be overlooked.
Good care helps to:
- Extend the life of your sneakers
- Preserve their original appearance (color, texture, shape)
- Limit the appearance of odors or mold
- Reduce their environmental impact, as you will replace them less often.
Step 1: Regular cleaning
When properly cared for, your vegan sneakers can last for several years, even if they are worn frequently.
How often to clean?
It all depends on how you use them. If you wear them every day, a light cleaning every two weeks is recommended. For occasional use, monthly care is enough.
Tools you need:
- A soft brush or an old toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
- Warm water
- A mild soap (Marseille soap or pH-neutral soap)
- A non-abrasive sponge
To make things easier for you, we offer a complete cleaning kit for your vegan shoes, designed with sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Cleaning method:
- Remove the laces and the insoles if possible.
- Remove the dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth.
- Prepare a mixture of warm water and mild soap.
- Dip the sponge or cloth, wring it out slightly, then gently rub the dirty areas.
- Rinse with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
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Leave to air dry, away from direct sunlight and any heat source.
The tip: Never put your vegan sneakers in the washing machine unless the manufacturer explicitly states it. This could damage the materials or affect the glue.
Step 2: Caring for specific materials
Depending on the material of your sneakers, the care varies slightly. Here are some tips for each type of material:
For vegan leather sneakers (corn, apple, grape, pineapple leather, etc.)
- Clean with a damp soft cloth.
- To restore the shine, you can use a specific product for faux leather or a drop of vegetable oil (such as coconut oil), applied sparingly.
- Avoid waxes or products for animal leather, as they are not suitable.
For canvas models (organic cotton, hemp, etc.)
- Brush regularly to prevent dirt from becoming embedded.
- Clean with warm soapy water.
- In case of a persistent stain, rub with a little baking soda or diluted white vinegar.
For synthetic fabric parts (recycled polyester, etc.)
- Use a soft brush or a damp sponge.
- Avoid harsh solvents, which could cause the colors to fade or the texture to deteriorate.
Step 3: Insoles and the interior
The inside of shoes is often neglected, even though it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and bad odors.
How to care for the interior:
- Air out your sneakers after each use.
- If the insoles are removable, remove them regularly to wash them by hand.
- Use baking soda : sprinkle a little inside the shoe in the evening, leave it overnight, then shake it out in the morning.
- In case of a persistent odor, you can spray a natural deodorizer made with essential oils (tea tree, lavender, peppermint, etc.).
Step 4: Drying
Even if your sneakers look clean on the surface, moisture can remain trapped inside or between the layers of materials, especially after washing or exposure to rain. If not properly removed, this moisture promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi, deforms the structure of the shoe, and degrades the plant-based materials.
Do:
Prefer air drying! Place your sneakers in a room with good ventilation, at room temperature, and in the shade. You can also insert newspaper or a dry towel inside to absorb moisture and maintain the shape of the shoe.
Absolutely avoid:
Avoid any direct heat source! This includes hair dryers, radiators, tumble dryers, as well as direct exposure to sunlight, especially for colored models.
Indeed, excessive heat can cause cracking in vegan materials (especially synthetic or plant-based leathers), the insole to come loose, and the fabric to fade.
Wild Walker unisex message vegan sneaker model - Black from the Mood Walk collection
Step 5: Protection
Even though your vegan sneakers are already designed to be durable, a little prevention never hurts.
Waterproofing your vegan sneakers
There are non-toxic vegan waterproofing sprays (included in the NAE vegan shoes cleaning kit), formulated without silicone or harsh solvents. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry shoes, and leave to dry for 24 hours. This will help repel water and stains.
Important: Always check that the spray is compatible with the material of your sneakers!
And what about the eco-friendly aspect of all this?
Caring for your vegan sneakers is also an eco-friendly act. By extending their life, you limit your consumption and reduce waste. This goes hand in hand with the ethics surrounding their production: a responsibly designed product deserves equally responsible use.
Explore our vegan shoe collection for women, men, and children now: sneakers designed to last, made for everyday wear, and crafted from recycled and upcycled materials.
