What to do
- Most soles pair with the “other materials” diamond (rubber, EVA, PU) — wipe or brush clean with mild soap.
- Leather soles are the exception: keep them away from soaking water and consider rubber half-soles for rain.
- Never machine-wash shoes to clean soles — the heat and tumbling break sole adhesives.
What happens if you ignore it
Sole damage is structural, not cosmetic. Soaking leather soles warps them; heat-drying any sole weakens the glue line — and a separated sole usually means the shoe is done.
Where you'll see it
The bottom row of the label's material grid, on the tongue label or box.
Common questions
Why is the sole measured by volume instead of surface?
Soles are thick, layered constructions — a thin rubber outsole over a foam midsole. Volume captures what the sole actually is, not just its skin.
What's the best everyday sole care?
Knock off dry dirt, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, air dry away from heat. For leather soles, add a sole conditioner a couple of times a year.
Related symbols
- Upper — this marks the upper
- Other Materials — the part is made of “other materials”
- Leather — the marked part is genuine leather
Or just scan the tongue tag
CareLabl scans shoe labels too. Point your camera at the tongue tag and get the upper, lining, and sole materials plus a care routine — then scan the outside for cleaning steps matched to the condition you're actually looking at. Try Pro free for 3 days, no credit card needed.