If you know a sneakerhead, you may have just found the best gift for them. The Brolan ClearX from the Shenzhen-based company is now running a Kickstarter campaign, is a dedicated machine for cleaning, sanitizing, and drying your precious kicks.
The machine uses micro-nano bubble spray and a pressure-sensing robotic arm with ultra-soft velvet sleeves to clean your shoes. It then dries them at a temperature below 50°C. It aims to clean them without harsh scrubbing, using about a litre of water and no plumbing.
The automated home appliance cleans a single pair of shoes at a time. Insert the shoes, select a mode from the machine itself or the Brolan app, including Auto, Quick Clean, Deep Clean, or Drying Mode. Thee machine confirms the door is closed, tanks are installed, and measures shoe length, then does its thing.
Each shoe is held on its own rotating support, while micro-nano bubble spray reaches into fibres, seams, and textured surfaces to loosen dirt. An intelligent robotic arm uses multiple sensors to adapt to different shoe shapes and maintain even, controlled pressure across different areas. The ultra-soft velvet sleeves gently wipe the surface, removing loosened dirt without harsh scrubbing or aggressive friction. There’s no tumbling that can cause deformation or damage, and the controlled low temperature heat helps limit exposure to shoe materials and adhesives and the built-in ozone module helps reduce bacteria, fungi, and odours inside the shoes.
A full cycle from wash to dry takes approximately 90 minutes in Auto Mode, without manual scrubbing. Quick Clain is half an hour and Deep Clean for extra soiled shoes is about two hours. So, you can set your shoes to clean in the morning, and they’ll be ready by the time you’re heading out the door. A light and sound signals when the clean and dry process is done. If you just want to dry and sanitize a pair after a sweaty gym session, that’s an hour. A regular clean and dry session runs at under 56dB, about the sound of a regular conversation or air conditioning unit.
The machine has separate clean and dirty water tanks at 3.3 and 3 litres, respectively, with filtration and recirculation. There’s no water inlet or drain connection required. Wipe the machine down once done and it rinses key internal parts and the velvet sleeves automatically: you don’t need to remove and wash them manually.
ClearX has its own display and physical controls, so you can choose to use the app, available for both Android and iOS, or not. the app is optional. If you decide to use the app for remote control, you can start a cycle, select a mode, and check progress and status. The app also includes Shoe Wall where you can add and organize your shoe collection with photos and basic details.
The Brolan ClearX is compatible with any water-washable footwear, including mesh knit and canvas sneakers, synthetic leather and fabric, cotton and linen shoes, sports shoes, kids’ shoes, and others labeled as “washable” or “machine washable.” The only shoes you can’t clean in this machine are suede, nubuck, patent leather, wool felt, heavy flocking, and embellished fashion shoes. High heels, tall boots, certain high-tops, slippers, and irregularly shaped shoes may not fit as well. The machine can hold shoes up to about men’s US size 12.
The machine measures 18.1 x 17 x 24.8 inches and weighs about 50 lbs., so it’s not small by any means. But anyone who would buy this likely has a shoe section in their closet, perhaps even a shoe display and this machine would become part of it. It comes in metallic light gray or metallic blue and comes with all the accessories you’d need, including two men’s and two women’s shoe support attachments. Children’s shoe support attachments are available separately.
The velvet sleeves and cleaning solution are consumables: sleeves are expected to last about three to six months, and the solution about one to three months. ClearX cleans with water alone for everyday use, and the optional cleaning solution, with a plant-based formula in development, is intended for heavier stains.
The Kickstarter campaign launched today, and early backers can reserve the machine at a Super Early Bird price, with estimated delivery in May 2027.