Step into spring: beat the mud with these shoe care tips

As the weather improves and Brits look to capitalise on the lighter evenings, the public will be looking to head out and about for springtime walks and activities. However, following a rain-soaked March and with April showers due, the following month is combining for a perfect storm to cover your shoes in mud. 

Last month’s Met Office statistics revealed that the 18 months leading to March 2024 ranked as the UK’s fourth wettest on record, and was the highest level for any 18-month period in England since 1836.

To prepare the British public for a soggy spring, shoezone have compiled their top tips to make sure your shoes stay box-fresh.

Bring your white shoes back to life with store cupboard items

White shoes and mud are a combination which usually ends in disaster. Whether it’s a country walk or a particularly rainy trip into town, your hopes of escaping the rain unscathed are slim.

To clean white shoes from mud, mix white vinegar and warm water in a bowl and dip a soft cloth into the solution. Wipe gently until the mud fades, then leave to dry.

However, white shoes can be particularly stubborn if stained by mud. Whatever you do, don’t assume you can throw a pair of dirty shoes in the washing machine – this may damage them depending on their material.

One of the best ways to remove mud and dirt is with laundry detergent. Follow this quick process:

1. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove clumps of dry mud and dirt.
2. Mix laundry detergent with water to dilute the solution.
3. Use a clean cloth to rub down the shoes using the solution.
4. If the stains fail to come off, repeat the process using bicarbonate of soda.

Let suede shoes dry before cleaning for best results

Suede shoes are a timeless wardrobe classic, but they can be a pain to clean. With spring weather being notoriously unpredictable, it can be a risk stepping out in suede even with the smallest chance of rain.

Suede’s fuzzy texture means they are highly susceptible to stains, moisture and dirt. And because you can’t just soak them in soapy water to get rid of the stains, dirty suede shoes are often assumed to be a lost cause.

When it comes to stains, it’s usually best to act quickly. However, when it comes to cleaning suede shoes, it’s best to let them dry naturally first. Trying to remove dirt and grime while your shoes are still damp can actually work stains deeper into the material, making them harder to remove.

Once dry, follow these simple steps to bring your suede back to life:

1. Brush away unwanted particles with a suede brush (or toothbrush) to gently buff away any excess mud.
2. Remove light stains with an eraser
3. Treat tough stains with white vinegar.
4. Brush the surface of the shoe again
5. Spray with suede protector

As well as regularly cleaning your shoes, how you store them is also important. Suede should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. It’s best to store them somewhere cool and dry, as the material can become mouldy in humid conditions.

Spend a little on shoe protector to prolong your shoe-life

For leather, apply shoe protector before you go out to prevent them from getting dirty or stained. Protector spray also works well for canvas, suede and synthetic leather shoes. Keeping your shoes topped up with protection can be a great way to avoid having to deep clean your shoes following a muddy walk.

Crucially, no shoe is beyond saving. Always do your best to bring them back to life with these tips before throwing them away. With this guide, you’ll be able to step into spring knowing that no mud can hold you back.