How to Remove Scuffs From Dress Shoes

If you’re like most people, you probably have a pair or two of dress shoes that you love. But over time, dress shoes can start to look scuffed and worn. Whether you’re walking on a gravel path or your shoes just rub the wrong way against a hard surface, scuffs are inevitable.

Thankfully most scuff marks are not permanent.

I will show you how to remove scuffs from your dress shoes using stuff in your kitchen.

So let’s make your shoes look shiny and new.

Precautions

1. Do not use a harsh cleaner or abrasive material on dress shoes.
2. Identify your shoe’s material and choose the appropriate scuff removal method.
3. Make sure the shoe polish matches the color of your shoes.
4. Test the shoe polish at the back of the shoe before applying it to the scuffed areas.
5. Use a soft, clean, and lint-free cloth to avoid scratching the shoe.
6. Do not scrub the shoes vigorously. Vigorous scrubbing can damage the material of your shoes.

Preparation

1. Remove loose dirt and grime from your dress shoes by brushing them with a soft-bristled brush.
2. Wipe the shoes with a clean cloth.
3. Make sure your dress shoes are dry before proceeding to remove the scuffs.

Removing Scuffs From Suede Dress Shoes

Materials Required

1. Suede eraser
2. Suede brush 
3. Suede protectant spray 
4. White vinegar
5. A soft microfiber cloth

Process for Removing Deep Scuffs

1. Dab the corner of the soft microfiber cloth in white vinegar.
2. Gently scrub the scuffed spots using the cloth in a back-and-forth motion.
3. Make sure to apply a small amount of vinegar at a time. Excess white vinegar can discolor suede.
4. After removing the scuffs, let the shoe air dry in a shaded area. The suede will regain its original color after drying.
5. Once your shoes are completely dry, apply the suede protectant spray.

Process for Removing Light Scuffs

1. Rub the scuffed area of your shoes in a circular motion using the suede eraser. Apply gentle pressure on the shoes to avoid damaging the material. Rub the shoes in the direction of the nap to avoid damaging the suede.
2. After rubbing the scuff mark, brush off the eraser residue with a suede brush.
3. If the scuff is still visible, repeat the process.
4. After the cleaning process, spray your shoes with a suede protectant spray. KIWI and Bickmore are two good options for suede protectant spray.

Make sure your suede dress shoes are dry while removing scuffs.

Removing Scuffs From Leather Dress Shoes

Materials Required

1. White toothpaste 
2. A toothbrush
3. A cloth
4. Shoe polish 

Process for Removing Deep Scuffs

1. Apply a small amount of shoe polish to the scuffed area of your leather shoes. 
2. Gently rub the polish into the leather with a soft cloth.
3. Wipe off any excess polish with a damp cloth. 
4. Let the shoes sit for 10 minutes. 
5. Buff the area with a dry cloth.

Process for Removing Light Scuffs

1. Apply a small amount of white toothpaste onto the scuffed area. Do not use gel toothpaste. Gel toothpaste can stain the leather.
2. Gently rub the toothpaste into the leather using a brush (or your thumb).
3. You can add a little water to the toothpaste to foam it up.
4. Wipe off excess toothpaste with a damp cloth. 

Applying a leather conditioner after removing scuffs. Leather conditioner will protect the leather from drying out.

You can also apply protectant spray to protect leather shoes from scuffs.

The methods mentioned above can also remove scuffs from patent leather dress shoes.

Removing Scuffs From Canvas and Fabric Dress Shoes

Materials Required

1. Baking soda
2. Water
3. A soft cloth
4. Dish detergent
5. A shoe protectant spray

Process for Removing Deep Scuffs

1. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of warm water in a bowl. Stir the mixture to form a paste-like consistency.
2. Apply the cleaning paste to the scuffed area of your shoes with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Gently rub the paste into the material with the cloth.
4. Wipe off excess paste with a damp cloth. Make sure no residue is left on the surface of the shoes.
5. Once the scuffs are removed, let the shoe air dry completely.
6. Finally, apply a protectant spray to protect them from scuffs and stains. Crep Protect and Clout Guard are two good options for shoe protectant spray.

Process for Removing Light Scuffs

1. Add 2-3 drops of dish detergent to a bowl of warm water. Mix the solution well.
2. Soak a clean, dry cloth into the solution and wring out the excess. The cloth should be slightly wet but not soaking wet.
3. Gently scrub the scuffed area of your fabric or canvas dress shoes with that soapy damp cloth.
4. After scrubbing the scuffs, dry your shoes with a clean damp cloth.
5. Let the shoe air dry completely.

The methods mentioned above can remove scuffs from both white and colored shoes.

Removing Scuffs From Nubuck Dress Shoes

Materials Required

1. Fine-grain sandpaper
2. Stiff brush
3. Nubuck protectant spray
4. Nubuck brush 
5. Suede/Nubuck eraser
6. A soft cloth

Process for Removing Deep Scuffs

1. Nubuck is a type of leather where the top grain is buffed and sanded until it feels like velvet. Therefore, you can use sandpaper to remove deep scuffs from your nubuck shoes.
2. Gently rub the deeply scuffed area of your nubuck dress shoes using sandpaper.
3. After buffing the scuff mark, brush off the residue using a nubuck brush.
4. Brush the nubuck in the direction of the nap. This will restore the nap.
5. Once the scuff is removed, protect your nubuck dress shoes with a nubuck protectant spray. KIWI and Collonil are two good options for nubuck protectant spray.

Process for Removing Light Scuffs

1. Rub the shoes with the suede or nubuck eraser in a circular motion until the scuffs disappear.
2. Brush off the residue of the eraser with the nubuck brush.
3. After removing the scuff, brush your nubuck shoes in one direction to restore the nap of nubuck. 

You can also use a nail file to remove scuffs from nubuck dress shoes. However, be careful while using the nail file. The material can also be damaged if you rub it too hard on your shoes.

Caring and Storing tips

1. Brush your shoes regularly to remove dirt, dust, and grime from your shoes.
2. Spray your shoes with a protectant spray to repel water and dirt. The protectant spray will also prevent scuffs and stains.
3. Condition your leather dress shoes with a leather conditioner. This will keep the leather supple and soft. Wipe your shoes with a damp cloth after every wear. This will remove any salt or dirt that can damage your shoes.
4. Store your dress shoes in a cool, dry place. Do not expose them to direct sunlight as it can damage the material.
5. Insert shoe trees in your shoes when you’re not wearing them. This will help to retain the shape of your shoes and prevent creases.
6. Always have a pair of additional shoes handy
7. Having an extra pair of shoes on hand is always a good idea, especially if you’re wearing dress shoes. This way, you can change into a different pair of shoes if your shoes get scuffed.

FAQ

Can scuffed dress shoes be repaired?

Yes, scuffed dress shoes can be repaired. Different methods can be used to remove scuffs, depending on the material of your dress shoes and how scuffed the shoes are.

You can buff out the scuffs from suede and nubuck dress shoes with sandpaper or a suede eraser. You can use shoe polish to remove scuffs from leather shoes.

If the scuffs are very deep, you may need to take your shoes to a cobbler for repairs. They will restore your shoes by sanding, buffing, or redying the shoes.

How do I prevent scuffs on my dress shoes?

The best way to prevent scuffs on your dress shoes is to spray them with a protectant spray. This will create a barrier between your shoes and the ground, preventing scuffs and stains. You should also brush your shoes regularly to remove dirt and grime.

How do you get scuff marks off Army dress shoes?

Apply a small amount of cream polish to the scuffed area of army dress shoes and rub it with a cloth. Wait for 10 minutes, then wipe the polish with a cloth. Finally, buff your army shoes with a clean cloth.

Conclusion

There you have it, methods for removing scuffs from different types of dress shoes. Remember to protect your shoes with a protectant spray and brush them regularly to prevent scuffs. Also, follow our caring tips to extend the life of your shoes.

Do you want to remove scuff marks from other types of shoes? Read our in-depth guides on:

• How to Fix Scuffed Metallic Shoes
• How to Remove Foot Marks From Sandals
• How To Protect Leather Shoes From Scuffs
• How to Remove Scuff Marks from Rubber Shoes

Do you have any suggestions for removing scuffs? Share them in the comments below.