SHOE CARE & PROTECTION

PROTECT YOUR PKS IMAGE

Keeping your PKs looking fresh doesn't have to be hard. Whether you've just come back from a weekend adventure or simply want to protect your new pair from day one, here's everything you need to know.

PROTECT THEM FROM THE START

The best thing you can do for your PKs is protect them before they get dirty. Depending on the material, here are our recommended products:

KIWI BRAND SNEAKER PROTECTOR KIWI Sneaker Protector — A spray suitable for most materials, including synthetic leather and suede (vegan-friendly). Great as an all-rounder for everyday protection.
Kiwi Protector Extreme image KIWI Protector Extreme — A spray specially formulated to safeguard fabric shoes, canvas, mesh, and nylon, great for our printed cotton and fabric designs.
COLLONIL VEGAN ORGANIC CREAM COLLONIL Organic Cream — A nourishing cream for vegan leather. Rub it in regularly to keep the surface healthy and looking its best.
OAKWOOD LEATHER CREAM OAKWOOD Leather Cream — Designed for real leather styles, this cream helps protect and maintain that fresh, new-shoe look.
COLLONIL WATER STOP POLISH COLLONIL Waterstop Colours — A waterstop polish that's perfect for single-colour styles like our all-black leather range. Use a matching colour or the clear option to protect and refresh.

You don't need to use these exact brands — there are plenty of options out there that do the same job. Just make sure you read the product description carefully and confirm it's suitable for your shoe's material before applying.

CLEANING YOUR PKs

Quick Clean (Everyday Dirt)

For light mess between adventures, a simple spot clean is all you need:

  • Use a damp cloth or soft brush (an old toothbrush works a treat).
  • Gently scrub any dirty spots on the fabric or sole.
  • Wipe away any soap residue with a clean damp cloth.
  • Leave to air dry in the shade — no dryers, no direct heat.

Pro tip: Clingy mess like sand or mulch comes off much easier with a soft brush.

Hand Washing (Deeper Cleans)

For mud, puddles, or mystery spills, your PKs may need a gentle hand wash:

  1. Remove laces and insoles (if you have the black 5mm removable insoles).
  2. Mix warm water with a little laundry soap in a bucket. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently work away the mess. For thick mud, let it dry first and brush it off before washing.
  3. Wipe over with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
  4. Air dry naturally — away from heat sources.

⚠️ Never put your PKs in the washing machine or leave them soaking in water. This can compromise the glue around the sole and damage your shoes. Spot cleaning and hand washing only, please!

Drying Your PKs the Right Way

After any wash, help your shoes dry properly:

  • Stuff with scrunched paper or a small towel to absorb moisture and hold their shape.
  • Dry indoors or in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
  • Keep them away from heaters, dryers, and direct sunlight.

White sneakers worn with a pink skirt.

KEEPING THEM FRESH BETWEEN WEARS

A little ongoing love goes a long way:

  • Rotate your pairs so they can air out between wears.
  • Remove insoles (if you have them) when your feet get sweaty — let them dry separately.
  • Sprinkle bicarb soda inside overnight if they start to smell. Shake it out in the morning — sorted!

SOLE CARE & GRIP

Brand new PK soles are ultra-smooth straight out of the bag — that's completely normal and not a fault! As you wear your PKs in, the soles gradually develop tiny micro-abrasions from contact with surfaces like concrete and asphalt, and it's these that create grip. The more you wear them, the grippier they get!

Want to speed things up? Here are a few simple tricks:

  • Give them a gentle wash first — a wipe over with a cloth and some warm soapy water to remove any residue can help
  • Walk on abrasive surfaces like concrete, asphalt or gravel — gently scuffing or shuffling the soles across the surface helps wear down the factory finish and get those micro-abrasions happening faster

A walk or two on a concrete footpath or driveway is usually all it takes — most customers find their PKs feel noticeably grippier after just a short outing!

Need a bit more oomph? Gently rub medium-grit sandpaper across the soles in a criss-cross pattern until the surface dulls slightly.

⚠️ Please note: If you're still deciding whether to keep your PKs, hold off on scuffing or sanding the soles until you're sure — once the soles have been abraded, we're unable to accept them back for return or exchange. If you have any concerns about fit or sizing, get in touch with us first!

QUICK REMINDER: WHAT NOT TO DO

❌ No bleach or harsh chemicals
❌ No dryers or heaters
❌ No machine washing — ever!
❌ No skipping care altogether — a little regular maintenance = much longer lasting shoes

WANT THE FULL GUIDE?

For a deep dive into cleaning every type of PK, head to our Ultimate Guide to Cleaning & Caring for Your Barefoot Shoes.

Got a specific question about your pair? Get in touch, we're always happy to help 👣