Leather shoes become stained from outside elements such as salt from sidewalks in the winter and dirty puddles in the springtime. Leather is a porous material that absorbs outside elements that create stains on the exterior of shoes. Simply wiping leather shoes with a cloth may not remove stains that have been embedded into the surface of the leather. Removing stains from leather shoes is simple once you understand how to do so properly.
Mix one part water and one part white vinegar into a bowl. Dip one corner of a lint-free cloth into the vinegar solution, then rub onto the stain on the leather shoe. Wipe the stain away with the vinegar wash. Clean the vinegar solution away with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean cloth.