How to Care for Shearling and Leather Insoles
By Handcrafted Leather Shoes & Boots, Made in Tuscany | Buttero | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Learn simple steps to clean and maintain shearling, leather, and cork insoles—keep them fresh, odor-free, and long-lasting without damaging the materials.
Quick Answer
To keep shearling and leather insoles in top shape, clean them gently by hand, air-dry them away from heat, and condition leather regularly. Avoid soaking or machine washing, which can ruin the materials.
Why Insoles Need Special Care
Insoles take the brunt of daily wear—sweat, friction, and odor. While they're designed to be durable, improper care can flatten the cushioning, crack the leather, or mat the shearling. A little routine maintenance goes a long way in keeping them comfortable and extending their lifespan.
Know Your Material
Leather insoles, like the Buttero Leather Insoles, are breathable and mold to your foot over time, but they need conditioning to stay supple. Shearling insoles add warmth and softness, but they require gentler cleaning to preserve the wool. Cork insoles, such as the Ortholite Cork Insoles, offer firm support and natural moisture-wicking, but they should never be soaked—cork can warp.
Each material has its own quirks, so always check the care label or manufacturer guidance before cleaning.
Step-by-Step Insole Care
- Remove and air out: Take the insoles out of your shoes after each wear and let them air out in a dry, well-ventilated area. This helps reduce moisture and odor buildup. Never leave insoles in closed shoes overnight—trapped moisture is the main cause of odor and material breakdown.
- Brush off loose dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush (like a horsehair brush) to gently remove dust and debris from the surface. For shearling, brush in the direction of the wool to avoid matting. Brushing regularly prevents dirt from embedding deep into the fibers, making deep cleaning easier.
- Clean with a damp cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild soap (like saddle soap for leather or baby shampoo for shearling). Wipe the surface gently, avoiding soaking the insole. Never submerge insoles in water—excess moisture can damage the foam underside and cause leather to lose shape.
- Spot-treat stubborn stains: For leather, apply a small amount of leather cleaner with a cotton swab and rub in circles. For shearling, use a mixture of water and white vinegar (1:1) on a cloth and dab the stain—test on an inconspicuous area first. Always test any cleaner on a small area before applying it broadly to avoid discoloration.
- Air-dry completely: Place the insoles flat on a towel in a dry room, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Let them dry naturally for at least 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or radiator—heat can shrink shearling, crack cork, and make leather stiff.
- Condition leather insoles: Once dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to leather insoles. Rub it in with a soft cloth and let it absorb for a few hours. Conditioning keeps leather supple and prevents cracks, but don't overdo it—too much can make the insole slippery.
- Deodorize naturally: Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the insoles and let it sit overnight, then brush it off. This helps neutralize odors without harsh chemicals. For a quick refresh, you can also place them in a sealed bag with a dryer sheet overnight, but baking soda is more effective for deep odor removal.
Insoles That Fit Your Care Routine
- Leather Insoles: This leather insole has a foam underside for extra cushioning and is made in Italy. The foam layer adds comfort, but it also means you should avoid soaking the insole, as excess moisture can break down the foam over time.
Leather Insoles - Ortholite Cork Insoles: This insole pairs cork with Ortholite technology and has a foam underside for cushioning. Cork provides firm support but can crack if dried too quickly, so always air-dry these insoles slowly at room temperature.
Ortholite Cork Insoles - Shearling Insoles: This shearling insole is made with a foam underside for cushioning and is made in Italy. Shearling needs gentle handling—use a soft brush and mild cleaner to keep the wool fluffy without matting it.
