Care Guide

Stay box fresh
Good materials last as long as the care they get. Below is the full ETQ routine: how to clean suede, nubuck, nappa and full grain leather, how often to do it, and what to do when shoes get wet.

How to clean suede and nubuck sneakers

• Keep water away from the upper. Suede and nubuck do not respond well to moisture. Spot-clean with our brush only, gently and in one direction, to lift dirt and revive the nap.
• Stubborn stains: apply the SneakerLAB x ETQ sneaker cleaner locally and lightly. Work it in with the brush, then blot with a microfiber cloth to absorb the moisture.
• The outsole can take more: scrub it clean with the sneaker cleaner in circular motions, without touching the upper.
• Protect before first wear. Apply a water-and-stain protector before you wear a new pair, and again after each deep clean.
• Odors: use the odor protector inside the shoe and let it air dry for at least 2 hours.

How to clean nappa and full grain leather sneakers

• On arrival, lightly coat new shoes with the SneakerLAB x ETQ leather care. Test on a small area first.
• To clean: dampen the brush with water and sneaker cleaner, scrub gently in circular motions, then wipe off the excess with a microfiber cloth.
• Condition every 4 to 6 months with a generous layer of leather care. It keeps the leather supple, maintains its natural sheen and prevents cracking. Let it dry fully.
• Odors: odor protector inside the shoe, then air dry for at least 2 hours.

What if my shoes get wet?

Let them dry naturally at room temperature, never on a heater or in direct sun. Heat dries leather out and cracks it. Once suede or nubuck is dry, brush the nap back up. Stuff wet shoes loosely with paper to hold their shape while drying.

Refresh the inside

Every ETQ shoe has a removable insole. After heavy wear, swap in fresh memory foam insoles and a set of new laces: it resets the shoe. Take the laces out before any deep clean.

The ETQ wardrobe routine

Most ETQ garments are machine washable and keep their shape. Wash cold on a gentle cycle, wash less often than you think, and always check the care label first. Merino mostly needs airing out between wears; cotton silk knit prefers a hand wash. The exact instructions are on each product page under material info.