How to clean the inside of shoes

Knowing how to clean the inside of shoes is as important as caring for the outside. Although not always visible, the interior is the part that suffers the most from daily use: sweat, moisture, bacteria and unpleasant odours accumulate over time and can affect both the comfort and durability of footwear. 

Clean shoe interiors not only make the shoe more pleasant to wear, but they also help to preserve its materials, prevent persistent odours and improve foot hygiene. 

That’s why, at Panama Jack, we explain step by step how to clean the insole of your shoes, which methods work best according to the material, and the simple habits you can adopt to keep them in perfect condition.

Why it’s important to clean the inside of shoes

We often focus on cleaning the leather or outer sole and forget about the interior. However, that’s where most bacteria and fungi accumulate, particularly if you wear the same pair for several hours or days in a row.

Cleaning the interior of footwear helps to: 

• Reduce unpleasant odours and the feeling of dampness

• Prolong the lifespan of the insole and lining

• Maintain a more comfortable and healthier step

• Prevent sweat from damaging the internal materials

Taking regular care of your footwear helps to keep your shoes in better condition and makes them more pleasant to wear, even after long days. 

Before you get started: basic preparation steps

Before cleaning the interior, there are a few key steps that will make all the difference.

First, ventilate the shoes thoroughly. Take them out of the wardrobe and leave them open for a few hours, ideally in a dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps to remove some of the accumulated moisture. 

If the shoe has a removable insole, remove it. This will make cleaning easier and allow all the parts to dry properly afterwards. 

Lastly, before applying any cleaning product, gently shake the inside or use a dry brush to remove dust, sand or loose debris. 

How to clean the inside of shoes depending on the material

Leather interior

Many quality shoes have a leather lining. This natural material requires specific care.

To clean leather, lightly dampen a clean cloth with lukewarm water and add a drop neutral soap or leather soap. Gently wipe the inside without soaking it, paying extra attention to the areas of most contact. 

Then, remove any excess moisture with a dry cloth and let the shoes dry out completely.  

Textile or synthetic interior

If the interior is made of fabric or microfibre, the process is similar, but a little easier.  Mix warm water with a small amount of neutral soap and clean using a cloth or soft bristle brush. 

Avoid wetting the interior too much. The goal is to clean, not to soak. After cleaning, leave the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated area, always away from sources of heat. 

How to clean the insoles of shoes

The inner sole or insole is the part that has most contact with the foot and where the most sweat builds up, so cleaning it regularly is essential. 

If the insole is removable, wash it by hand using lukewarm water and a neutral soap. Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Then let it air-dry fully before putting it back in the shoe. 

If the insole cannot be removed, dampen a cloth with water and a mild soap and carefully clean the surface. Dry well by pressing with a dry cloth and allow the shoe to air for several hours. 

Common mistakes when cleaning the inside of shoes

When cleaning the inside of shoes, it’s worth avoiding some common mistakes that can damage your footwear. 

One of the most common mistakes is soaking the interior with water. The excess moisture can damage adhesives and can cause persistent odours or deform the shoe. 

Another mistake is to use harsh products like alcohol or multi-purpose cleaners which can dry out the leather or damage the lining. It’s always best to use neutral soap or products specifically designed for footwear. 

It’s also advisable not to dry your shoes using hair dryers, radiators or in direct sunlight. Excessive heat hardens materials and shortens their useful life.

The importance of quality in a shoe interior

Not all shoe interiors respond to cleaning in the same way. A well-made shoe that uses breathable, high-quality materials is easier to maintain and to preserve better hygiene. 

Natural leather linings and well-designed insoles absorb moisture evenly and adapt better to the foot. This reduces odours and makes regular cleaning easier without causing damage to the shoe interior.

By investing in quality footwear you also invest in long-term comfort, hygiene and durability.