How to clean leather sneakers without ruining them

Leather is one of the best materials in sneakers, but it's also one of the least forgiving when you wash it wrong. Follow these steps to clean your leather shoes — like a Nike Air Force 1 or an Air Jordan 1 — without damaging them.

What you'll need

• A soft-bristle brush.
• A mild soap or a dedicated sneaker cleaner.
• Two microfiber cloths.
• Warm water (never hot).

Step 1: pull the laces and dust them off

Take out the laces so you can clean them separately, then dry-brush off any loose dust. Never scrub dry dirt hard — you can scratch the leather.

Step 2: clean with gentle motions

Dampen the brush or a cloth in warm water with a little mild soap and clean using gentle, circular motions. The leather shouldn't get soaked: work with controlled moisture.

Step 3: remove the soap

With the second microfiber cloth barely damp, wipe away any soap residue. Leftover soap can dry out and stain the leather.

Step 4: dry them the right way

Dry with a dry cloth and let them air out at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat cracks leather. Stuff the toe box with paper to help the shoes keep their shape.

Step 5: condition and protect

Apply a leather conditioner to keep it from drying out and, optionally, a water-repellent protector. That's how you extend the life of the pair.

Mistakes you need to avoid

• Throwing them in the washing machine: it warps and cracks the leather.
• Using bleach or harsh cleaners.
• Drying them in the sun or in a dryer.

Take good care of your leather pairs and sneakers like the ones in the full catalog will look brand new for years. Looking for a classic? Check out the Nike Air Force 1 '07 White.