How to Clean Sandals & Summer Footwear Canada: Complete Care Guide

Summer in Canada runs hot, active, and outdoors — and your sandals, flip flops, and open-toe shoes bear the brunt of all of it. From patio days in Vancouver to beach walks in PEI, summer footwear accumulates sweat, sunscreen residue, dirt, and odour faster than any other shoe type.

The problem is most people either ignore cleaning their sandals entirely or clean them the wrong way — soaking leather sandals in water, using dish soap on suede footbeds, or tossing rubber sandals in the washing machine and wondering why they fall apart after one season.

This guide breaks down exactly how to clean every type of summer footwear — leather sandals, rubber flip flops, fabric espadrilles, and cork-footbed sandals — with the right products and techniques to keep them looking great and lasting through multiple Canadian summers.

Why Summer Footwear Gets Dirty So Fast

Sandals and summer shoes face a unique combination of factors that accelerate soiling compared to closed-toe footwear:

·        Direct skin contact — footbeds absorb sweat, natural oils, and dead skin cells constantly

·        No sock barrier — bacteria transfer directly from foot to material, causing odour to build up quickly

·        Open design — dust, dirt, grass, and sand get between the foot and footbed with every step

·        Sunscreen and insect repellent — these products chemically degrade leather, rubber, and straps over time

·        Water exposure — pool water, lake water, and rain all leave mineral deposits and salt residue

·        UV exposure — Canadian summer sun fades colour, dries out leather, and breaks down rubber

The good news? Summer footwear is also relatively quick to clean when you do it right — and the payoff in comfort, appearance, and longevity is significant.

Know Your Sandal Material Before You Clean

The single most important step before cleaning any sandal is identifying the material. The wrong product on the wrong material causes irreversible damage.

Leather Sandals:

Includes footbeds, straps, and soles made from genuine or synthetic leather. Common in quality brands like Birkenstock leather styles, Ecco, and most dress sandals. Leather needs conditioning after cleaning to stay supple.

Rubber and EVA Sandals:

Classic flip flops, Crocs, pool slides, and sport sandals. These are the most durable and easiest to clean — most can handle mild soap and water. However, heat and harsh chemicals still degrade rubber faster than expected.

Suede and Nubuck Sandals:

Delicate and beautiful — but water is their enemy. Suede sandals require dry cleaning methods and specific suede cleaners. Getting them soaking wet often causes permanent watermarks.

Fabric and Canvas Sandals / Espadrilles:

Jute soles and canvas uppers need gentle, targeted cleaning. Never submerge espadrilles — the jute sole absorbs water and takes days to dry, often warping and moulding in the process.

Cork Footbed Sandals:

Cork is porous and absorbs oils and moisture from the foot. Over time, the cork darkens and can crack if not maintained. A gentle cleaner and conditioning are essential.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, test any cleaner on a small, hidden area of the sandal first and wait 5 minutes before proceeding. Walter's products are formulated to be safe on a wide range of materials — but testing is always smart with unfamiliar footwear.

How to Clean Leather Sandals

Leather sandals are an investment — and with the right care, a quality pair can last 5-10 years through Canadian summers. Here's the process:

What You Need:

- Walter's Clean Wipes  (for quick cleaning of straps and footbed)

- Walter's Suede & Nubuck Foam Cleaner (safe on leather)

- Walter's Leather Conditioner  (post-clean treatment)

- Soft brush and clean microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step:

·        Step 1: Brush off loose dirt and dust from all surfaces using a soft dry brush

·        Step 2: Use a Walter's Clean Wipe to remove surface dirt, sweat residue, and sunscreen from straps and edges

·        Step 3: For the footbed (the darkened area where your foot sits), apply a small amount of Walter's Foam Cleaner on a cloth and work in gentle circles — this is where the most bacteria and odour accumulates

·        Step 4: Wipe away cleaner residue with a clean damp cloth

·        Step 5: Allow to air dry completely at room temperature — avoid direct sunlight which fades and cracks leather

·        Step 6: Once dry, apply Walter's Leather Conditioner to all leather surfaces using a soft cloth — this restores oils, prevents cracking, and keeps the leather supple

·        Step 7: Allow conditioner to absorb for 10-15 minutes, then buff with a clean cloth

Pro Tip: The dark imprint of your foot on a leather footbed is normal and impossible to fully remove — it's caused by natural oils transferring over time. Conditioning regularly slows this darkening significantly.

Shop Now: Restore and protect leather sandals: Walter's Leather Care Collection ->

How to Clean Rubber and Flip Flop Sandals

Rubber and EVA foam sandals are the workhorses of Canadian summers — worn to the beach, pool, backyard, and cottage. They're the most forgiving to clean, but still benefit from proper maintenance.

Quick Clean Method:

·        Rinse under warm running water to remove loose dirt

·        Use Walter's Clean Wipes or the Sneaker Scrub with Walter's gel cleaner for any stubborn stains

·        Scrub the footbed with a brush to remove the dark buildup of skin oils and dirt

·        Rinse thoroughly and air dry in the shade — not in direct sunlight which degrades rubber

Deep Clean Method:

·        Fill a bucket with warm water and apply Walter's Sneaker Cleaning Kit gel

·        Use the included brush to scrub all surfaces — footbed, straps, and sole

·        Rinse well and stand upright to dry in a ventilated area

·        Once dry, spray Walter's Shoe Freshener inside to neutralize any remaining odour

Pro Tip: Never put rubber sandals in the dishwasher — the high heat warps the shape and degrades the foam cushioning. Warm water and a good cleaner always gives better results.

Shop Now: Quick clean for all summer footwear: Walter's Sneaker Cleaning Kit ->

How to Clean Suede Sandals

Suede sandals are among the most stylish summer footwear options — and also the most fragile when it comes to cleaning. The golden rule: keep water away from suede.

Dry Method (recommended for routine cleaning):

·        Allow any wet dirt to dry completely before attempting to clean

·        Use the suede brush from Walter's Suede Shoe Cleaner Kit in short, firm strokes in one direction to lift surface dirt

·        Use the suede eraser (included in the kit) for scuffs and stubborn marks — rub gently back and forth

·        Finish by brushing in one direction to restore the texture (nap)

·        Apply Walter's Eco Protect Spray after cleaning to protect from future moisture and staining

Wet Stain Treatment:

·        For liquid stains on suede, blot immediately — never rub, which spreads the stain

·        Allow to dry, then use the suede brush to restore the nap

·        If a watermark remains, lightly dampen the entire surface uniformly and allow to dry evenly — this often makes the watermark disappear as it dries

Pro Tip: The best protection for suede sandals is waterproofing before you ever wear them. Apply Walter's Eco Protect Spray to new suede sandals before the first wear, and reapply every 4-6 weeks throughout summer.

Shop Now: Protect delicate suede all summer long: Walter's Suede Shoe Cleaner Kit ->

How to Clean Cork Footbed Sandals (Birkenstocks and Similar)

Cork footbed sandals are incredibly popular in Canada — and they require specific care to keep the cork from drying out and cracking while keeping the footbed hygienic.

Cleaning the Footbed:

·        Use a slightly damp cloth — not wet — with a small amount of Walter's Foam Cleaner

·        Gently scrub the cork footbed in small circles to remove oils and dirt

·        Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove all cleaner

·        Allow to dry completely before wearing — never rush dry with heat

Cleaning the Straps (Leather or Synthetic):

·        Leather straps: Use Walter's Clean Wipes followed by a light application of Leather Conditioner

·        Synthetic straps: Wipe down with Walter's Clean Wipes or a damp cloth and mild cleaner

·        Metallic buckles: Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent tarnishing

Pro Tip: Cork needs moisture to stay flexible and crack-resistant. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of Walter's Leather Conditioner to the cork surface to keep it supple. This is the step most Birkenstock owners skip — and why their cork cracks prematurely.

Tackling Sandal Odour: The Summer Problem Every Canadian Knows

Nothing kills summer footwear faster than odour. The combination of bare feet, warm temperatures, and open-toe design creates perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive — and that familiar smell develops faster in sandals than in any other shoe type.

Why Sandals Smell:

·        Foot bacteria transfer directly to the footbed with no sock barrier

·        Warm temperatures accelerate bacterial growth

·        Porous materials (cork, leather, fabric) absorb and retain odour-causing compounds

·        Damp footbeds from sweating never fully dry between wears in humid summer weather

How to Eliminate Sandal Odour:

The most effective solution is Walter's Shoe Freshener — spray directly onto the dry footbed after cleaning and allow to dry completely. Unlike perfumed sprays that just mask odour, Walter's Shoe Freshener contains active deodorizing agents that break down the bacteria causing the smell at the source.

·        Spray Walter's Shoe Freshener onto the clean, dry footbed after every 2-3 wears

·        Store sandals in a ventilated area — not in a plastic bag or enclosed box — so any residual moisture evaporates

·        Allow sandals to fully dry between wears — don't put them back on while the footbed is still damp

·        Rotate between two pairs of sandals during peak summer if possible

Shop Now: Eliminate sandal odour at the source: Walter's Shoe Freshener ->

How to Protect Summer Footwear Before You Wear It

The best sandal care starts before you ever step into them. Applying protection to new sandals prevents the most common summer damage before it starts.

For Leather Sandals:

Apply Walter's Protect Spray to new leather sandals before first wear. This creates an invisible barrier that repels water, sunscreen, and dirt — meaning the footbed and straps stay cleaner longer and are easier to wipe down after use.

For Suede Sandals:

Apply Walter's Eco Protect Waterproof Spray before first wear. Reapply every 4-6 weeks or after cleaning. This is the single most important thing you can do for suede sandals — without protection, even light rain leaves permanent watermarks.

For Canvas and Fabric Sandals:

Walter's Protect Spray works on fabric too, creating a water-repellent surface that prevents summer stains from setting in. Ideal for espadrilles and canvas slides.

Pro Tip: Re-apply waterproofing spray every 4-6 weeks during active summer use, or after every cleaning session. It takes 30 seconds and extends the life and appearance of your sandals significantly.

Summer Sandal Cleaning Schedule for Canadians

Sandal Type	Clean How Often?	Condition?	Re-protect?
Leather sandals	After every 3-4 wears	Monthly	Every 4-6 weeks
Rubber / flip flops	Weekly or as needed	Not needed	Not needed
Suede sandals	Dry brush after each wear	Not needed	Every 4 weeks
Cork footbed sandals	Bi-weekly footbed clean	Cork monthly	Every 6 weeks
Canvas / espadrilles	When visibly dirty	Not needed	Monthly

 

Storing Summer Sandals at Season's End

When September arrives and sandal season winds down in Canada, proper storage keeps your summer footwear in excellent condition for next year.

·        Clean thoroughly before storage — dirt left on footbeds over winter breeds bacteria and causes permanent staining

·        Condition all leather surfaces before storing — leather dries significantly in dry indoor winter air

·        Re-apply protection spray before storing — it stays active and your sandals are ready to wear in spring

·        Spray Walter's Shoe Freshener inside to keep footbeds fresh over winter storage

·        Store in a breathable cloth bag or original box — never in plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mould

·        Keep in a cool, dry location away from extreme temperature swings

·        Stuff leather sandals lightly with tissue paper to help them maintain their shape

The Walter's Summer Footwear Care Kit

Everything you need for every type of summer sandal — all from Canada's most trusted shoe care brand since 1893:

Walter's Clean Wipes : Clean Wipes — Quick everyday cleaning of straps and footbeds (15 natural wipes, travel-friendly)

Walter's Sneaker Cleaning Kit: Sneaker Cleaning Kit — Full gel cleaner, brush & cloth kit for rubber, canvas, and synthetic sandals

Walter's Suede Shoe Cleaner Kit: Suede Shoe Cleaner Kit — Complete kit for suede and nubuck sandals

Walter's Leather Conditioner: Leather Conditioner — Keeps leather sandals supple, nourished, and crack-free all season

Walter's Protect Spray: Protect Spray — Waterproof barrier for leather and fabric sandals

Walter's Eco Protect Spray: Eco Protect Waterproof Spray — Suede-safe waterproofing and stain protection

Walter's Shoe Freshener: Shoe Freshener — Eliminates sandal odour at the source

Walter's Comfort Insoles: Comfort Insoles & Heel Cushions — Add cushioning to sandals that lack support

Shop Now: Shop all summer footwear care — free shipping in Canada over $45: Walter's Best Sellers ->

Frequently Asked Questions: Summer Sandal Care Canada

Can I put my sandals in the washing machine?

Rubber and synthetic sandals can sometimes handle a cold, gentle machine wash — but leather, suede, cork, and espadrilles should never go in the washing machine. The agitation, heat, and water saturation cause warping, cracking, and sole separation. Hand cleaning with the right products is always safer and more effective.

How do I get the black foot imprint off my sandal footbed?

The dark imprint is caused by natural skin oils transferring to leather or cork over time. You can lighten it significantly using Walter's Foam Cleaner with a brush, but you may not fully remove it — it's normal wear. Regular cleaning prevents it from getting worse and keeps the footbed hygienic.

My leather sandals got wet. What should I do?

Pat dry immediately with a clean cloth — don't rub. Stuff loosely with newspaper and allow to air dry at room temperature. Once dry, apply Walter's Leather Conditioner to restore the oils removed by water. Never use a hair dryer or heater to speed up drying.

How do I get the smell out of my sandals permanently?

Walter's Shoe Freshener sprayed directly onto the clean, dry footbed is the most effective solution. Unlike masking sprays, it works on the bacteria causing the odour. For cork and leather footbeds, regular cleaning with Walter's Foam Cleaner combined with the Shoe Freshener gives the best results. Explore the full Walter's Shoe Care Collection for odour and hygiene solutions.

Final Thoughts

Summer footwear takes more abuse per wear than almost any other shoe type — but it's also the most neglected when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. A quick wipe down after every few wears, a deep clean every few weeks, and a spray of Walter's Shoe Freshener after each session will keep your sandals looking great and lasting through multiple Canadian summers.

The key is knowing your material, using the right product, and never rushing the drying process. Whether you're protecting a pair of suede sandals from a rainy July afternoon or deep cleaning a cork-footbed pair after a full season of wear, Walter's has the right product for the job.

Trusted by Canadians since 1893, Walter's Shoe Care delivers professional-quality results for everyday footwear. Explore our complete summer shoe care collection — with free shipping on all orders over $45 across Canada.