FOOTWEAR CARE GUIDE

Behind every great pair of sneakers is careful attention to detail.
From subtle brushing to precise waterproofing, each material requires the right touch. SANVT shares the insider know-how on cleaning, drying, and protecting your sneakers so they age gracefully and maintain their unique character.

The foundation of good care

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Nubuck & Suede

Nubuck and Suede are both roughened leathers with an open, velvety surface and natural texture. The uncoated nubuck showcases the leather’s grain and develops a subtle patina, while our soft, finely sanded suede gains depth and tonal variations with wear. Both materials remain breathable, flexible, and durable, and though they react slightly differently to wear, their core care principles are the same.

Nubuck & Suede Care Tips

1. Clean Before Protection


Ensure your shoes are dry and free of dust or dirt. Use a soft nubuck or suede brush to gently remove surface debris.


2. Use the Right Product


Always choose a colourless waterproofing spray designed for nubuck or suede to protect the open-pored surface without darkening it.


3. Apply Evenly, Avoid Over-Wetting


Spray from 20–30 cm away in smooth, continuous motions. Apply a thin, light layer — never soak the leather.


4. Let Them Dry Naturally


Dry shoes overnight in open air. Avoid hairdryers, radiators, or direct sunlight, which can harden or discolor the leather.


5. Refresh the Nap and Colour


Once dry, gently brush the surface to lift the nap. For worn areas, a colourless suede spray can harmonize tonal variations without covering the natural look.


6. Maintain Regularly


Repeat waterproofing and light brushing every 3–6 weeks, or more often in wet conditions, to keep the shoes looking their best.

Removing Stains from Nubuck Sneakers

Treat stains carefully to preserve the leather’s texture and colour. Light marks are easiest to remove when the shoes are dry, using a soft brush or suede eraser. For water marks, lightly dampen the area and let it dry evenly. Tougher stains should be addressed only with products made specifically for nubuck or suede to maintain the material’s natural, matte finish.

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Textile Mesh

The upper of our textile sneakers is made from an engineered polyester mesh that combines lightness, stability, and breathability. Its open structure keeps airflow constant, preventing heat and moisture buildup, while the abrasion-resistant fibers retain their shape even with frequent use. Quick-drying, colour-stable, and low-maintenance, the mesh stays clean and comfortable over time without stretching or fraying.

Textile Mesh Care Tips

1. Remove Surface Dirt


Brush off dry dust and debris with a soft brush, especially around seams and structured areas.


2. Clean With a Mild Solution


Use lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of gentle liquid detergent. Avoid bleach or harsh powders to protect the fibers.


3. Treat Stains Gently


Dab stains with a soft cloth or sponge — never scrub. For persistent marks, use a cleaner made for synthetic textiles like polyester.


4. Limit Moisture & Dry Naturally


Apply only minimal water and never soak the shoes. Let them air-dry at room temperature, lightly stuffed with paper, and avoid heat or direct sunlight.


5. Maintain Freshness


Allow shoes to air out after use. A light antibacterial textile freshener can help, and removable insoles can be hand-washed separately and dried fully before reinserting.

What to Avoid on Our Runners’ Textile Mesh

To preserve the quality and longevity of your textile sneakers, never use a washing machine or dryer. Harsh detergents, bleach, and strong rubbing can damage the fibers and compromise the mesh’s structure. Likewise, avoid direct heat, prolonged soaking, or exposing the shoes to sunlight, as this can deform the material, affect its colour, and reduce overall performance.

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Smooth Leather

Smooth leather is a durable, high-quality material with a fine natural grain, a matte or subtly glossy finish, and a soft hand feel. The leather used in our SANVT models - including Skyline, Suerte, Full-Grain, and Aniline varieties - retains its natural structure without heavy coatings, allowing each pair to develop a refined appearance over time. With regular, gentle care, smooth leather stays supple, flexible, and beautifully durable for years.

Leather Care Tips

1. Clean the Surface


Remove dust and light dirt with a soft cloth. Ensure the leather is completely dry before applying any products.


2. Nourish the Leather


Apply a colourless leather cream sparingly to maintain softness and prevent drying. Matte leathers like Skyline and Suerte need minimal treatment to avoid shine, while open-pored aniline leathers absorb products quickly — use very lightly.


3. Waterproof Properly


Use a colourless smooth-leather waterproof spray. Hold 20–30 cm from the shoe and apply a thin, even layer. Let the leather air-dry overnight away from heat or sunlight, then gently polish with a soft cloth to restore smoothness.


4. Daily Maintenance


Brush off dust and light dirt regularly with a soft cloth to keep the leather clean and supple between deeper treatments.


5. Avoid Damage


To preserve your leather sneakers, never use aggressive cleaners, bleach, or alcohol-based products. Strongly pigmented creams should be avoided, as they can alter the colour or create unwanted shine. Excessive moisture, vigorous rubbing, and prolonged exposure to direct heat or sunlight can dry out, warp, or discolor the leather, so handle with care.

Help Your Smooth Leather Sneakers Age Gracefully

Smooth leather naturally develops light creases and subtle signs of wear over time, which is part of its unique character. Fine scratches can often be buffed out with a soft cloth and a small amount of colourless leather cream, restoring an even surface. Using shoe trees helps prevent deep creases by gently relaxing the leather after wear. A light leather treatment every 4–6 weeks keeps the leather supple, protects it from drying out, and encourages the gradual formation of a refined patina. Waterproofing can be refreshed on the same schedule, as consistent care is key to long-lasting, premium leather.

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