Superga sneakers are the iconic People’s Shoe of Italy, from their durable, grippy “orange peel” vulcanized rubber soles to their beautiful, clean-looking uppers. Canvas is an excellent material for sneaker uppers, the perfect combination of lightweight, breathable, and durable, and well-constructed canvas shoes will last for years. Vulcanized rubber is similarly durable, flexing and protecting your feet through all your day’s activities. But how do you keep that like-new luster over the years? Regularly cleaning your Superga sneakers will help extend that timeless Superga look for the life of your sneakers. There are several methods for safely cleaning canvas sneakers. Here are some of the most effective cleaning methods that we recommend.

Cleaning Canvas Shoes (Even Those Clean White Sneakers)

First off, don’t forget those laces. You can remove your shoe laces and machine-wash them in a mesh bag in the laundry. However, the tight weave of modern laces makes them difficult to get perfectly clean, and you’d be surprised how far a brand new set of laces will go in giving your sneakers that like-new appearance. 

For your shoes themselves, cleaning them by hand is the best way to ensure their longevity. Add some warm water and detergent to a cloth. Gentle laundry detergent is best, but you can also use liquid dish soap. Rub the canvas in a circular motion, working the solution into the weave to help pull dirt and discoloration away. A little bit of oxygen-based bleach like OxiClean (a little less than a teaspoon dissolved in a cup of water) can also help keep your colorful sneakers looking bright and new. Apply this in the same way, rubbing it into the canvas in a circular motion with your cloth. Switch out the part of the cloth you’re using as you go, so you’re always using a clean bit to treat your shoes. Once you’re satisfied, use a towel dipped in just water to rub any excess detergent from the canvas, then pat with a fresh cloth to get them as dry as possible before letting the air do the rest. Let them dry completely before wearing them again. Protip: Stuffing a rolled-up cloth, crumpled paper bag, or newspaper inside them will help them maintain their shape as their air-dry.

The same method can be used for spot cleaning when you need it. You can also use nail polish remover if you have it handy, using a cotton swab and rubbing in a uniform direction to avoid making the spot-clean stand out against the rest of the canvas. Rubbing alcohol will work as well, but you should dilute the alcohol with an equal amount of water. 

 

Cleaning Rubber Soles

Now for those signature bright vulcanized rubber soles. Brightening these requires a different approach than the canvas uppers. For spot-cleaning, a melamine sponge like Magic Eraser can be very helpful, rubbing scuffs and stains from the rubber. For more established dirt and discoloration, you’ll want to use grease remover. Cover the upper to keep the grease remover from getting on the canvas. Then use an old toothbrush or other small brush, and dip it in a solution of water and grease remover. Gently scrub your sole in a circular motion to ensure full, thorough coverage. The brush will help you get into all the nooks and crannies around the bumpers and in the traction grooves on the orange-peel bottom, pulling out bits of dirt, and the grease remover will lift stains and discoloration out of the rubber. Baking soda and vinegar can also be effective in brightening those soles. For clean white sneakers soles, you can also scrub them with a little hydrogen peroxide to rejuvenate their brilliance. When you’re satisfied that you’ve got all the dirt and stains out of the rubber, use a damp cloth to remove any grease remover residue and set the shoes aside to air dry.

Avoid Machine Washing

We do not generally recommend machine washing, as laundry machines are rough with the clothing they wash, and not generally built with the metal, rubber, and adhesives of footwear in mind. However, if you feel that you must run your shoes through the laundry, there are several steps you can take to minimize wear and tear and get the best results. 

First, remove the laces and wash them in a mesh bag (replace them entirely for the brightest renewal of your sneakers, since their tight weaves makes them difficult to get totally clean). Remove any inserts you’re using, and make sure to pull back the tongue to ensure the free flow of water in and out. Do not wash shoes on their own in a machine; add a few towels or pants to the load to stabilize it and prevent the machine from banging your shoes around. Use a gentle liquid detergent, as you would when hand-washing. A little baking soda added to the load can help if you are concerned about foot odor (OxyClean is also okay, but do not add chlorine bleach, even with all white sneakers, as the chemicals are particularly rough on fabric). Wash your sneakers in cold water using the gentle cycle. Don’t use fabric softener, as it will leave a residue that attracts soil and discolors your sneakers. And never put your shoes in the dryer. The heat wears away the adhesives used in footwear construction. Instead, pull the tongue back to maximize airflow and let them air-dry naturally. This could take a couple days, but you want to make sure they’re completely dry before wearing them again.

Conclusion: Keeping Retro Sneakers Timeless

With proper care, you can keep your Superga fashion sneakers looking clean and stylish for years. Clean them regularly, and be gentle with them. Wash them by hand if at all possible, avoiding the washing machine, and never put them in the dryer. Consult our Care Instructions page for a cheat-sheet when you’re cleaning your shoes. Supergas are timeless dress sneakers men and women have been enjoying since 1911, and with the right love and care, yours will be lending their style to your outfit for a long time.