Downtrodden shoe cleaner (7)

I believe the answer is:

doormat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'shoe cleaner' is the definition.
(you might clean your shoes on a doormat)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for doormat that I've seen before include "Coarse rug for wiping shoes at entrance" , "Lackey" , "Badly treated but uncomplaining person" , "Mad root (anag.)" , "Habitually humiliated person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.