Respekt Every Surface

Velour leather is a soft, coarse-textured suede variety with a rough and uncoated surface. Velour leather is very robust and breathable.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of velour leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for velour leather

Cleaning coloured velour leather requires a good deal of care. Contact with water can cause cheap models to stain or fade. For this reason, all care and cleaning products should be tested first on an inconspicuous area before use on heavily coloured velour leather. It’s important to go over the leather with a suede brush after treatment to restore the rough effect, to ensure that the fibres do not stick together.

→ Well-known models: Puma Suede, Nike Blazer, Adidas Gazelle

Nubuck leather (calf skin or cowhide, buffed leather) is reminiscent of velour leather, but has a more refined and high-grade impact with a very soft, silky surface.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of nubuck leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for nubuck leather

Cleaning coloured nubuck leather requires a great deal of care. Contact with water can cause cheap models to stain or fade. For this reason, all care and cleaning products should be tested first on an inconspicuous area before use on heavily coloured nubuck leather.

→ Well-known models: Timberland 6-Inch, Nike Air Force 1 ’07, Converse One Star Midutility

Coated leather is leather with a synthetic coating, e.g. patent leather. This plastic film is often made of PU (polyurethane).

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are suitable for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of coated leather. However, there are a few things to consider.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. Especially in the case of coated leather, to ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for coated leather

When treating such surfaces with EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, there are a few points to consider. Such surfaces are usually already water-repellent due to the PU layer. If an impregnator is used anyway, the solvent in the Dirt Blocker might attack the PU layer and cause stains (lighter areas). To ensure that impregnating does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first.

→ Well-known models: Dr. Martens 8/3 Loch, Vans MTE range (diverse)

Brush leather is smooth leather with a special sheen produced by polishing.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of brush leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: Nike Air Force 1, Adidas Samba, Adidas Stan Smith

Nappa leather is a soft and elastic type of smooth leather, usually made from cowhide or goat skin.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of nappa leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: KangaROOS Made in Germany

Box leather is a very durable leather made from adult bulls and cows.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of box leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: Mephisto Mamouth

Box leather is a very durable leather made from adult bulls and cows.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of box leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: Mephisto Mamouth

Mesh is an air-permeable textile net fabric that is primarily suitable for textiles in the sports arena due to its high breathability and durability. In the sneaker world it’s mainly used as a material for shoe uppers and adapts well to the shape of the wearer’s foot.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of mesh fabric.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for mesh fabric

Sneakers that are mainly made from mesh fabric could, in principle, be washed in the washing machine. However, you run the risk of the adhesive, that holds the shoes together, becoming weaker. It’s better to simply apply EMPIRE Clean Keeper sneaker cleaning foam directly. When impregnating mesh it’s important to remember that even if you impregnate the upper material, you may find water collecting in the hollow depending on the “hole size”, despite the good water-resistance. To ensure that impregnating does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first.

→ Well-known models: Nike Internationalist, Nike Presto, Adidas originals Deerupt RunnerCanvas is a stiff and firm fabric that was originally made from hemp, linen and cotton. Nowadays synthetic fibres such as polyester are sometimes added. Due to a special weaving technique, canvas is extremely robust whilst also being breathable, which is really important in sneaker manufacture.

Canvas is a stiff and firm fabric that was originally made from hemp, linen and cotton. Nowadays synthetic fibres such as polyester are sometimes added. Due to a special weaving technique, canvas is extremely robust whilst also being breathable, which is really important in sneaker manufacture.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of canvas.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for canvas

Canvas shoes should ideally be impregnated directly before they are worn for the first time. This protects the shoes from dirt and moisture from day one, making it much easier to clean them later on. To ensure that impregnating does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Light stains should be regularly removed with a cloth or brush. Heavier soiling is best tackled using EMPIRE Clean Keeper cleaning foam. This cleans the shoe whilst being gentle on the material. Canvas shoes should not be washed in the washing machine because this causes them to quickly lose their shape and colour.

→ Well-known models: Vans Authentic, Palladium Pallaphoenix, Vans Oldskool, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star

In general, faux leather (e.g. imitation leather) is the most commonly used shoe material. It is cost-effective and as a rule is not susceptible to dirt, nor is it breathable. Unlike leather, however, it can be dyed any colour.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of faux leather.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Rubber’s high elasticity, durability, water-proofing and resistance to dirt make it an ideal material for manufacturing sneaker soles.

Cleaning and impregnating

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker and Clean Keeper are ideal for impregnating and cleaningshoes made of rubber.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first.

Tips for caring for rubber

When cleaning rubber, apply EMPIRE Clean Keeper foam liberally and leave. Then simply use a brush and sponge to clean the surface. With the EMPIRE Clean Keeper dirty rubber soles will never be a problem again!

EVA is short for ethylene-vinyl-acetate and is a lightweight material that is found mainly for cushioning and shock absorption in the midsole of sneakers.

Cleaning and impregnating

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker and Clean Keeper are ideal for impregnating and cleaning EVA materials.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first.

Phylite is very similar to EVA and is primarily used on sneakers and running shoes where lightness of the shoe is particularly important.

Cleaning and impregnating

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker and Clean Keeper are ideal for impregnating and cleaning phylite.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first.

The lightweight Flyknit material enables a sock-like fit. Years of research have produced a durable and structurally sound material that is intended to guarantee hold, flexibility and breathability. It is also extremely light and almost seamless.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of Nike Flyknit.

To ensure that impregnating does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a s

small, unnoticeable area first.

Tips for caring for Flyknit

Nike Flyknit is a very sensitive material, which can be damaged easily if cleaned incorrectly. To be on the safe side, it is best to use the EMPIRE Clean Keeper. The wrong care products might damage the material and possibly even ruin the colour. Do not use a hard brush for cleaning. Instead, use a soft brush or microfibre cloth. Gently apply a little pressure when cleaning the material. Never put Flyknit materials in the tumble dryer.

→ Well-known models: Nike Flyknit Mariah, Nike Roshe Flyknit, Nike Dunk Flyknit

Waxed cotton is a unique, robust material that has been impregnated with a paraffin or a natural beeswax. The main disadvantage of waxed cotton is its lack of breathability.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of waxed cotton.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for waxed cotton

Do not dry clean, not suitable for washing machines or tumble dryers, do not use soap or other detergents, do not use aggressive solvents or bleach, do not expose to direct sunlight for extended periods. Cleaned shoes need at least a day in the fresh air to dry. After cleaning, the shoe should be impregnated again.

→ Well-known models: Boxfresh Sparko

Pinatex is a natural and sustainable non-woven textile developed from pineapple leaves.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of Pinatex.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for Pinatex

To ensure that the Pinatex material keeps its shape, it should be maintained regularly with a natural wax. It is better to app y a small quantity of wax regularly. Light dirt can be easily removed with the Empire Clean Keeper.

In contrast to conventional shoes made from leather or synthetic materials, Adidas Primeknit shoes are made from a “knitted surface”. The individual fibres of the Adidas Primeknit shoes are woven to enable the material to take a lot of strain. The Adidas Primeknit fibres are also extremely robust.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of Primeknit.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for Primknit

Primeknit should be regularly cared for to enable long-lasting enjoyment. Use EMPIRE Clean Keeper and a soft brush to clean the material. Then protect the shoe with the Dirt Blocker.

→ Well-known models: Adidas Primeknit NMD_R1, Adidas Pharell Williams Primeknit, Adidas Ultraboost, Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2, Adidas Yeezy Boost 350

Hyperfuse is an extraordinarily robust material with excellent breathability. The base layer is a supporting base made from a synthetic material. Mesh is deployed in the mid-part of the shoe to enable better breathability. The top layer is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for outstanding durability.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of Hyperfuse.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: Nike Air Max 1 Hyperfuse, Nike Zoom Hyperfuse, Nike Roshe One Hyperfuse

Neoprene is a rubber-like material that is completely waterproof, flexible and elastic

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of neoprene.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for Neoprene

Do not wash in the washing machine. Do not use standard commercial washing powders/liquids and do not dry in a tumble dryer.

→ Well-known models: Asics Gel-Lyte, Nike Huarache

Ripstop refers to fabrics that are woven using a special technique to make them particularly tear-resistant. As a rule, Ripstop features thicker threads integrated into the thinner weave at intervals of 5 to 8 millimetres.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of Ripstop.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: Nike Air Force 1 Winterboot, Puma Smash, Adidas Originals ZX Flux Riptstop

Sweatshirt fabric is an elastic material with a napped rear side. This material is primarily used for sweatshirts and jogging suits. As the material is not only comfortable but also breathable, it is used in many sneaker models.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes with sweatshirt fabric sections.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: New Balance 574 Sweatshirt, Converse Chuck (Sweatshirt model).

Suede refers to the different suede leather varieties.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of suede.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for suede

Cleaning coloured suede requires a good deal of care. Contact with water can cause cheap models to stain or fade. For this reason, all care and cleaning products should be tested first on an inconspicuous area before use on heavily coloured suede. It’s important to go over the suede with a suede brush after cleaning to restore the rough effect. It’s better to play it safe and use the EMPIRE Clean Keeper to clean your suede shoes without damaging them.

→ Well-known models: New Balance 574 Classic, Nike Blazer Vintage, Puma Suede, Puma Clyde, Ugg Boots

Nylon is a synthetic fibre made from polyamide. Nylon is particularly easy-care, durable, doesn’t crease and dries quickly. Which makes it perfect for use as a sneaker material.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes with nylon sections.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

→ Well-known models: Nike Classic Cortez, Reebok Classic Nylon

The qualities of rayon are supposed to be identical to those produced by the silkworm, but at the same time also be waterproof, which in turn offers new design potential for robust and attractive clothing. This material is also used in many sneaker models, as it not only gives the shoe a stylish look, but also makes it more tear-resistant.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes with rayon sections.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for rayon

Use a soft and absorbent cloth for cleaning. Never use a hard brush, as this would damage the material, and stains should be dabbed rather than rubbed.

Functional fibres refer to clothing and household fabrics made from fibres, yarns, weaves and knits or textiles with a functional benefit (membrane, etc.). This material is increasingly used in work shoes, which often have a sneaker-like design.

Cleaning, impregnating and refreshing

EMPIRE Dirt Blocker, Clean Keeper and Fresh Express are ideal for impregnating, cleaning, and refreshing shoes made of functional fibres.

Only ever use the impregnator and cleaner on the outside of the shoes. To ensure that impregnating and cleaning does not cause the colour to change, always test the product on a small, unnoticeable area first. Only use shoe deodorant on the inside of the shoe.

Tips for caring for functional fibres

Select cleaning agents with great care. Follow the care instructions. Because the Clean Keeper cleaning foam is free from fillers and bleach, it is suitable for cleaning functional fabrics on sneakers without clogging up the membranes or affecting breathability.

→ Well-known models: Nike Free Run Flyknit, Asics Gel Kayano, Puma Ignite Flash Evoknit

Compared to velour or plush, velvet has the shortest nap. As a consequence, the material feels soft, but also relatively tough and heavy. Depending on the nap direction, velvet not only looks different, but also feels different.

Tips for caring for velvet

Velvet is a very sensitive material that should not be washed in the washing machine. It’s usually best to take velvet textiles straight to the dry cleaners. If you do wash velvet by hand, make sure you do not rub it or wring it out. Simply wrap it in a towel and carefully squeeze the water out. Velvet should never be put in the tumble drier to dry, but rather slowly dried on the clothes line.

Examples: Puma Suede Samt, Tamaris Sneaker, Esprit Sneaker

Fur, pearls and studs are only a few of the accessories that can be attached to sneaker surfaces. As with other materials, you should take a little care when cleaning.

Fur: Treat fur with a mild shampoo and rinse well with water.

Studs: Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Pearls: Gently wipe with a dry cloth and moisten slightly depending on the level of soiling.

Examples: Usually designer sneakers, various special editions of Converse Chucks, etc.