They’re in your closet: both your canvas Vans and leather Jordans. You wear them both, so they both deserve care. But… they’re different materials, which means they require different care routines. What works for canvas can damage leather, and vice versa. In this blog, we explain the proper routine for each material.
Why it’s important to differentiate between materials
Every material has its own set of rules. It’s crucial to know what material you’re dealing with before starting your sneaker care routine. Here, we focus on leather and canvas.
Canvas properties:
- Woven textile
- Absorbs water like a sponge
- Can withstand more wear than many other materials
- Dries slowly
- Stains penetrate deeply
Leather properties:
- Natural material
- Naturally water-resistant
- Prone to drying out
- Can crack with improper care
- Stains rarely penetrate immediately
Care routine for your canvas sneakers
Unprotected canvas absorbs everything. Once a stain hits your sneakers, it’s tough to remove. Follow this routine to give your canvas sneakers the care they deserve.
Before wearing:
- Clean new sneakers with REINS Sneaker Cleaner. Even new shoes can have factory dirt.
- Protect your sneakers with REINS Protection. The protective layer lasts six months, and you can wear them immediately. Tip: avoid walking in the rain for the first 72 hours.
Daily care:
- Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth after each wear.
- Remove all loose dirt and dust.
- Check for any new stains on the canvas.
Weekly care:
- Remove laces from your most-worn pairs.
- Clean sneakers in circular motions with REINS Sneaker Cleaner.
- Wipe off with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Dry properly before storing or wearing again.
Care routine for your leather sneakers
Leather is a completely different material. It already has a natural protective layer of oils, so improper care can damage this protection.
Before wearing:
- Clean new sneakers with REINS Sneaker Cleaner.
- Protect with REINS Protection. Layer lasts six months; sneakers can be worn immediately. Avoid rain for the first 72 hours.
Daily care:
- Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth after every wear.
- Remove loose dirt and dust.
- Check for cracks or damage in the leather.
- Insert shoe trees to prevent creasing and cracking.
Weekly care:
- Clean your most-worn pairs with REINS Sneaker Cleaner in circular motions. Apply the cleaner to a cloth, not directly on the shoes.
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
Key differences
| Aspect | Canvas | Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Absorbs everything | Naturally repels water |
| Protection | 2 layers REINS Protection w/ sprayer | 2 layers REINS Protection w/ sprayer |
| Cleaning | Can be wet, brushing ok | Damp, gentle |
| Drying | Can wear immediately, avoid rain | Can wear immediately, avoid rain |
| Extra care | None | Conditioning essential |
| Machine wash | Possible (30°C, risky) – not ideal | Never |
Common mistakes with canvas and leather
Mistakes happen, but after reading this, you’ll know how to avoid them.
Canvas mistakes:
- Washing too hot in the machine → canvas shrinks. Use cold if absolutely necessary.
- Not rinsing enough → residue can cause stains.
- Drying too quickly → sneakers can warp.
Leather mistakes:
- Over-wetting → causes water spots.
- No conditioning → leather cracks.
- Using heat → damages leather.
Seasonal tips
-
Canvas: best for spring and summer when the weather is dry. Avoid winter—rain, mud, and salt can damage canvas.
-
Leather: suitable for fall and winter; can withstand rain. In summer, leather can feel warm.
Know your material, know your routine
Canvas is tough, leather needs attention. Canvas absorbs, leather protects itself (with help). Know the difference, use the right products, follow the right routine.
Canvas or leather? You can have both. Explore our material-specific care products and give every pair the care it deserves. ✨
