Caring For Sperry Boat Shoes: Maintenance Tips And Tricks

Sperry boat shoes are a highly fashionable brand of boat shoes that require routine maintenance. There are leather, canvas, and suede Sperrys, and each type requires a different cleaning approach. For best results, clean your shoes daily for minimal upkeep. If your Sperry shoes are excessively damaged, clean thoroughly to remove stains or scuffs.

To clean your leather Sperrys, start by scrubbing off any dirt or dust with a bristle brush. Then, make a solution out of water and dish soap, dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution, and rub your shoes in a circular motion to remove scuffs.

If you have canvas Sperrys, combine warm water and laundry detergent in a bucket, then dip a brush into the solution and scrub your shoes. After you've removed the dirt or stains, use a cloth to rinse your shoes in warm water.

For suede Sperrys, use a suede brush to gently brush the shoe and remove any dust or dirt accumulated on the surface. For scuffs, use a suede bar or eraser to rub over the scuffs.

Identify the type of leather

Sperry boat shoes are made from a variety of leather types, including full-grain leather, nubuck, and suede. Here are some tips to identify the type of leather used in your Sperry boat shoes:

Feel and Appearance: Full-grain leather has a smooth, soft, and supple feel to it. It often has a natural, unprocessed appearance with some imperfections and variations in colour. If your Sperrys feel sturdy and durable, they are likely made of full-grain leather. Nubuck leather has a similar appearance to full-grain leather but with a slightly buffed surface, giving it a softer and smoother feel. Suede leather, on the other hand, has a napped surface and a velvety texture, feeling softer and more pliable than full-grain or nubuck.

Durability: Full-grain leather is known for its durability and strength. It is less prone to stretching and wear and tear compared to other types of leather. Nubuck and suede are also durable, but to a lesser extent. They may show signs of wear and tear faster than full-grain leather.

Pricing: Full-grain leather is usually more expensive than other types of leather due to its superior quality and durability. If your Sperry boat shoes are priced at the higher end, they are likely made of full-grain leather.

Water Resistance: While all Sperry boat shoes can handle getting wet, full-grain leather is known for its natural water-resistant properties. Nubuck and suede are also water-friendly but may require more care and treatment to maintain their water resistance.

Breathability: Full-grain leather is highly breathable, making it comfortable for extended wear. Nubuck and suede also offer breathability but may not be as exceptional as full-grain leather.

To identify the type of leather used in your Sperry boat shoes, consider the feel, appearance, durability, pricing, water resistance, and breathability. By evaluating these factors, you can determine whether your Sperrys are made from full-grain leather, nubuck, or suede.

Clean suede Sperrys

Suede Sperrys need to be treated differently from leather Sperrys as they have a napped finish and are made from the underside of animal skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your suede Sperrys:

• Remove the shoelaces. Some cleaning methods can cause shoelaces to fray, so it is best to take them out. If the laces are very dirty, consider replacing them.
• Gently brush your shoes with a suede brush to remove dust or dirt. Always brush in the same direction in short strokes to avoid scuffing your shoes.
• For scuffs that are particularly matted, try rubbing the area with sandpaper to lift the nap.
• Use a suede bar, a piece of crepe rubber, or a pencil eraser for stubborn scuffs. Apply moderate pressure and increase it as you reach tougher areas.
• To remove water stains, dab a slightly damp sponge over the shoe's exterior. Then, remove any excess moisture with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Fill your shoes with balled-up newspaper to help them retain their shape while drying.
• For tough water stains, dampen your sponge with vinegar and rub it over the stain.
• If you have oil stains, sprinkle cornstarch over the stain and let it sit for ten minutes. Cornstarch absorbs oil and prevents it from soaking into the suede.
• Deodorize your shoes. Sprinkle the insides with an absorbent powder like baking soda and let it sit for several hours. This will absorb dirt, moisture, and odours. Then, dump the powder out and use a vacuum hose to remove any residue.

Clean canvas Sperrys

To clean your canvas Sperrys, start by mixing warm water and liquid detergent in a bucket or water basin. Liquid detergent works best, but if you only have powdered detergent, that will do. Swirl the solution until the detergent is dissolved and a lather forms.

Next, dip a bristle brush into the solution and scrub the shoes. Hold the shoe above the bucket and scrub the outside with a soft toothbrush or sponge. This will remove most dirt, debris, and stains. If there is caked-on dirt, gently dip the shoes into the water and continue scrubbing. Avoid submerging the shoes entirely, as they may mildew.

After you have finished removing stains, rinse your Sperrys with warm, clean water. Dip a soft cloth into warm water, wring it dry, and wipe your Sperrys down until no soap remains.

If your Sperrys still have stains, you can put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool water and half the normal amount of laundry detergent.

Finally, air-dry your Sperrys. Remove the insoles and allow them to dry separately to prevent moulding. Stuff your shoes with newspaper to preserve their shape as they dry. Do not put your Sperrys in the dryer, as the high heat can melt the shoe glue.

Wait until your Sperrys are completely dry before wearing them to avoid athlete's foot or other fungal diseases.

Clean leather Sperrys

Leather Sperrys are a comfortable and fashionable footwear choice. However, they require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean leather Sperrys:

Step 1: Remove Caked-on Dirt and Dust

Start by gently brushing away any dirt, dust, or debris from your leather Sperrys. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a leather brush and brush the shoes with soft strokes in the same direction. Avoid scrubbing the shoes in multiple directions, as this can leave scars on the leather. A rubber-bristled brush is generally better than a nylon-bristled brush, as it will be gentler on the leather.

Step 2: Use a Leather Cleaner

After removing the dirt and dust, it's time to use a leather cleaner to remove any remaining stains or scuffs. You can either use a specialised leather cleaner or a solution of mild dish soap and water. If using a leather cleaner, apply it to a soft cloth and wipe down the shoes. If using the dish soap solution, dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and rub the shoes in a circular motion. Ensure you don't get the leather too damp, as excessive moisture can damage the leather fibres.

Step 3: Dry Your Sperrys

Once you have cleaned the leather, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down your Sperrys. Continue wiping until they are completely dry. It is important to ensure that your shoes are thoroughly dried before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Leather Conditioner

Before polishing your Sperrys, you need to apply a leather conditioner. Using a soft cloth, apply a thin layer of conditioner to the leather. Let the conditioner absorb into the leather for 10-20 minutes, then remove any excess with a dry section of the cloth.

Step 5: Polish Your Sperrys

Now it's time to polish your Sperrys! Use a soft cloth to apply shoe polish in a clockwise motion around the shoe. Once you have polished the entire leather surface, use a separate cloth to remove the polish in a counter-clockwise motion. It is recommended to test the polish on a small area of the shoe first to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration. Cream polishes are best for retaining the shoe's colour, while wax polishes provide a shinier finish.

Step 6: Buff Your Sperrys

For an extra shine, apply a few drops of water to a soft microfiber cloth and buff your Sperrys. Buff the shoes in a circular motion by applying direct pressure. This will leave your leather Sperrys looking clean and shiny!

Additional Tips:

• Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Stuff your Sperrys with newspaper or a dry cloth while they air-dry to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.
• If your Sperrys have removable insoles, sprinkle baking soda on them to absorb odours and scrub them with a damp brush.
• Avoid using detergents or saddle soap on your leather Sperrys, as these can dry out and damage the leather.

Air-dry your Sperrys

Air-drying your Sperrys is a crucial step in the cleaning process. It is important to let them dry in a cool, dry area, away from direct heat or sunlight. This is to prevent the shoes from being exposed to excessive heat, which can cause the leather to become dry and damaged.

After cleaning your Sperrys, place them in a well-ventilated area and stuff them with newspaper. The newspaper will help absorb any remaining moisture and maintain the shape of the shoes as they dry. It is also recommended to remove the insoles and let them dry separately. This will ensure that they dry faster and prevent the formation of mould.

Allow your Sperrys to air-dry for at least 24 hours. This will ensure that they are completely dry before wearing them again. Wearing damp shoes can lead to the development of athlete's foot or other fungal infections.

If your Sperrys are made of canvas, you can also put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool water and a small amount of laundry detergent. However, it is crucial to remove the insoles before doing so and to avoid putting the shoes in the dryer, as the high heat can cause the glue to melt and the shoes to fall apart.

Overall, air-drying your Sperrys is a simple yet essential step in keeping them in good condition. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Sperrys last for years to come.

Frequently asked questions