How to Remove Shoe Scuff Marks: Cleaning Tips for Every Shoe Type

Scuff marks are the arch-nemesis of clean shoes 😩—whether from daily wear, accidental bumps, or dragging feet, they can instantly dull your footwear’s shine. But with the right tools and techniques, you can bring your shoes back to life 💪

Below you'll find scuff removal methods for every shoe material, featuring both a simple DIY approach and a pro-level method using our trusted Crep Hero Foam Cleaner & Kit 🧼

🐄 Leather Shoes

DIY Method 🧴

  • Dab a small amount of white toothpaste (non-gel) on a soft cloth

  • Rub the scuff gently in circular motions

  • Wipe clean with a damp cloth

  • Buff with a dry microfiber cloth

Pro Method 🧼

  • Apply Crep Hero Foam Cleaner directly onto a microfiber cloth

  • Firmly massage into the scuffed leather using circular motions

  • Wipe away residue with a clean section of the cloth

  • Finish with a leather conditioner or protective spray

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid using harsh scrubbing tools—leather likes a gentle but firm touch.

🦓 Suede Shoes

DIY Method 🧽

  • Use a suede eraser or pencil eraser to gently rub the scuff

  • Brush with a suede brush to raise the nap

  • Lightly steam over the area if needed for stubborn marks

Pro Method 💨

  1. Start with a dry suede eraser to lift surface scuffs

  2. Apply Crep Hero Foam Cleaner sparingly

  3. Use a soft-bristled brush, brushing in one direction

  4. Allow to dry and brush again to restore texture

💡 Pro Tip: Keep suede dry—never soak it. Spot cleaning is the safest way to go.

🧵 Canvas & Knit Shoes

DIY Method 🧼

  • Mix warm water with baking soda

  • Use a toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the scuff

  • Wipe with a damp cloth and let air dry

Pro Method 🌱

  • Apply Crep Hero Foam Cleaner directly to the scuffed area

  • Use a medium brush to gently work it into the knit or fabric

  • Wipe off foam with a microfiber cloth

  • Repeat if needed

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid oversaturating knit shoes—moisture can stretch or warp the weave.

🧽 Rubber & Synthetic Soles

DIY Method 🧼

  • Use a magic eraser to gently rub off the scuff

  • Wipe with a damp cloth

Pro Method 💧

  • Scrub the area using Crep Hero Foam Cleaner and a medium or hard brush

  • Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth

  • If scuff remains, finish with a light dab of 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth and rub gently

💡 Pro Tip: Use alcohol sparingly—just enough to lift the final layer of residue.

🔧 Let the Pros Handle It for You

For deep scuffs, delicate materials, or simply flawless results, our Professional Cleaning and Repair Service is your best option 🔥

With years of experience and thousands of pairs restored, we’ve earned a rep for results. Whether it’s deep cleans, repainting, re-gluing, de-creasing, or deoxidation—we do it all with precision and care 🛠️

📦 You’ll get pre-paid shipping labels with QR codes, making it super easy to send your sneakers straight to our facility—fast, efficient, and worry-free.

🛠️ Let us do it for you → Book your clean now

🧪 View Our Pro Kit List: Secret Tools & Chemicals Revealed

Want to clean like the pros? Check out our full Pro Kit List 🧰
We break down every tool and chemical we personally use, including little-known formulas and precision brushes the pros rely on—everything from foam to finish.

🎯 It’s everything you don’t see behind the camera, now revealed and available for you to master the clean game.

🚀 Explore the secret kit → See what’s inside