The bottom of my practice shoes are very dirty and the suede is matted. I have tried giving them a good brushing, but it's just not working. Does anyone know how I can get the back to being like new shoes. Someone told me that there is a cleaner the you can use, but I am having trouble finding it. Thanks and keep dancing!!

Dance suppliers sell suede brushes for cleaning and roughening the soles of dance shoes. You need a much more severe brush than is used for normal every-day suede shoes.

You can clean the bottoms like you would any leather product - with soap and water.

Carefully, so as not to get it 'soaked', use a semi-wet sponge with soap (or 'saddle soap') and wipe the bottoms, until the sponge does not get up the dirt (you'll be surprised at how much comes off). Then, 'scuff' it with a shoe brush (sold for this purpose). Let it dry and then scuff it again.

Are you a social dancer? If so, you might 'need' it to be cleaned - but serious dancers who do 'smooth' or 'standard' WISH for smooth soles. You might consider that your technique might need a step up or so, to utilize these smoother soles. Ask your teacher...