Leather Care Guide
Full-grain leather is one of the most durable and rewarding materials to care for. With the right routine, your Uniform Standard leather sneakers will develop a patina over time — becoming more characterful with every wear.
Our leather sneakers are made from LWG-certified Italian full-grain leather, selected for its quality and longevity. Unlike synthetic materials, leather responds to care — and a consistent routine will significantly extend both the life and appearance of your sneakers.
What You'll Need
All products below are available in our Sneaker Care collection:
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Leather Sneakers
Step 1 — Remove Loose Dirt
Start by brushing your sneakers with a clean natural bristle brush to remove any ingrained dirt particles. Work across the full upper before moving to the next step — removing as much dry dirt as possible at this stage will make the cleaning process more effective.
Step 2 — Clean the Upper
For light dirt, use Saphir Sneaker Care Foam Cleaner. Shake well and apply evenly across the upper. Work the foam into the material with a natural bristle brush and leave to soak for 4 to 5 minutes. Once the foam has absorbed the dirt, brush it off with a clean brush, rinsing the brush frequently as you go.
Always allow leather to dry fully at room temperature — never near direct heat or in direct sunlight.
Step 3 — Clean the Outsole
Use Saphir Sneaker Deep Clean for the outsole. Apply with a Technical Cleaning Cloth or a natural bristle brush to access harder-to-reach areas. Be careful not to let the product touch the upper as it may cause staining. Wipe clean and allow to dry.
Step 4 — Nourish
After cleaning, it is important to rehydrate and condition the leather. Apply Saphir Renovateur Creme with a clean Technical Cleaning Cloth in circular motions, allowing the leather to fully absorb the product. Wipe off with a clean cloth and allow your sneakers to dry fully before the next step.
Conditioning is not optional — leather that is not regularly nourished will dry out and crack over time.
Step 5 — Polish
Once nourished, apply a layer of Saphir MDO 1925 Creme Polish. Choose a colour that matches your leather. Apply in circular motions with a clean Technical Cleaning Cloth and allow to dry fully before buffing to a finish.
Step 6 — Protect
As a final step, apply Saphir Super Invulner Protector Spray to provide a protective barrier against water and stains. Its neutral colour makes it suitable for all leathers and all colourways. Work in a well-ventilated area outdoors, hold the can 12 to 18 inches from the surface, and spray evenly. Allow 30 minutes to dry before wearing. Apply once a month to maintain protection.
How Often Should You Clean Leather Sneakers?
After every wear
Brush to remove surface dust and dirt.
Monthly
Full clean, nourish, polish and protect cycle.
Seasonally
Deep clean before storing for the season.
Tips for Caring for Leather Sneakers
Always protect before first wear. Applying the protector spray before your first wear significantly reduces the risk of early staining.
Use shoe trees between wears. Cedar shoe trees absorb moisture and maintain the shape of the upper, preventing creasing.
Never dry near direct heat. Radiators and direct sunlight will dry out the leather and cause it to crack or fade.
Match your polish to the leather colour. Using a mismatched polish can alter the tone of the leather over time.
Do not use suede or nubuck products on smooth leather. Always use products formulated for the specific material.
All products mentioned in this guide are available in our Sneaker Care collection, curated specifically for Uniform Standard's Italian leather, suede and nubuck sneakers. If you own any suede or nubuck styles, see our Suede & Nubuck Care Guide for the full cleaning process.
Shop Sneaker Care
Everything you need to clean, nourish, polish and protect your leather sneakers. Curated for Uniform Standard's Italian materials.
Shop Sneaker Care Suede & Nubuck Care Guide