Look at the details
Remove loose dirt gently before considering a cleaning product. Test an appropriate treatment on a discreet area and follow the shoe maker’s care instructions. Suede, smooth leather, mesh and knit have different needs; aggressive heat or a single all-purpose routine can damage a finish.
Keep a useful record
For a collection, save the exact item name, identifying details and condition notes alongside your own photographs. For daily use, keep the care or setup instructions somewhere easy to find. A clear description is more useful than a broad category name when you return to a piece later.