How to clean leather sandals
Reading time: 4 minutes | Last updated: April 17, 2026
Long walks, sunny vacations, quick grocery runs… your leather sandals have seen some things. Exactly what they’re made for, of course, but even the best sandals deserve a little TLC now and then. Because when you take care of your sandals, they’ll keep taking care of you.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get your leather sandals looking fresh again.
TL;DR
- Shake off dirt and wipe sandals regularly with a damp cloth
- Use a mild cleaner for tougher dirt (no scrubbing!)
- Always let them air dry—skip heat and direct sunlight
- Condition the leather to keep it soft and prevent cracking
- Don’t forget to clean the footbed too
- A little care goes a long way in keeping your sandals comfortable and fresh
- And if they’re beyond saving… it might be time to step into a new pair of Wolky sandals
How to clean leather sandals: 6 easy steps
Step 1: Shake off the day
Start simple. Give your sandals a gentle shake or tap them together outside to remove loose dirt or sand.
Step 2: Wipe them down
Grab a damp cloth (not soaking wet!). Gently wipe the leather to remove surface dirt. For most days, this is already enough. High-quality leather doesn’t need aggressive cleaning to look good.
Step 3: Use a mild cleaner
If you’ve had a little too much fun with your leather sandals, use a mild leather cleaner or a tiny drop of gentle soap mixed with water.
Here’s how to use the cleaner:
- Apply with a soft cloth
- Rub lightly (no scrubbing!)
- Wipe off residue with a clean damp cloth
While leather is quite a strong material, it doesn’t need tough love! Be gentle while cleaning your leather sandals.
Step 4: Let them air dry
Resist the urge to speed things up with heat. No hairdryers, no radiators, no direct sunlight. Let your leather sandals air dry naturally at room temperature.
The leather will stay soft and flexible – exactly how it should be.
Step 5: Nourish the leather
Leather is a natural material. It benefits from a little hydration.
Use a leather conditioner or balm to keep it supple and hydrated. It also prevents cracking and extends the life of your sandals. If you’re asking us, anything that helps your favorite sandals last longer is a win!
Step 6: Don’t forget the footbed
Your footbed deserves attention too (maybe even the most attention!).
If your sandals have a removable footbed (many Wolky styles do – because we like to make life easier), take it out and wipe it with a slightly damp cloth. Let it dry completely before placing it back.
Here’s more on how to clean sandals’ footbed.
When it’s time for a new pair
If your leather sandals are past the point of saving then it might be time to treat yourself to a new pair. At Wolky, we’ve been designing comfortable, supportive shoes for over 40 years, so your feet are always in good hands. Everything is designed in-house for maximum comfort and support, and we only use the best of the best materials. Our leather sandals feel like walking on clouds from day one. Shop our sandals here.
The bottom line
Cleaning your sandals isn’t complicated. And, if you make a small habit out of it, it shouldn’t be a horrendous task to complete every once in a while.
We believe when your sandals feel (and look) good, you move more. And since moving more gets you in a better mood… we only see advantages!
So go ahead, clean them up, slip them on, and get back out there!
Looking for a guide on how to clean leather shoes? You’ll find it here.
Do you need online advice about shoe choice?
Contact us through the options below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
