How to Care for Suede Shoes and Boots

Caring for suede shoes and boots is different from caring for smooth leather -- the right brush, a protective spray applied before first wear, and a consistent cleaning routine will keep suede looking sharp for years.

 

Suede has emerged in recent years as a popular substitute for traditional leather in dress shoes and boots. The soft texture and stylish look have a distinctly modern appeal and match well with outfits ranging from casual dress to black tie.

Suede undergoes a unique production and cleaning process and requires special care and protection against extreme weather. Here is our complete guide to caring for suede shoes and boots.

 

What Is Suede?

 

Suede is leather material with a fuzzy finish on one side to make a velvety nap. Tanneries make suede by separating the top and bottom layers of the animal hide and rubbing one side to create a soft finish.

 

What is the difference between suede and leather? Suede is typically thinner, more flexible, and less shiny. It features a matte-like finish rather than the smooth and sleek look of traditional leather. Despite the difference in thickness, high-quality suede is durable and able to withstand the elements.

 

 

Caring for Suede Shoes and Boots

Those who have only owned traditional dress shoes almost always have the same question: how hard is it to take care of suede shoes?

 

If you know the proper steps, it isn’t any more difficult than maintaining traditional dress shoes. Here are four tips to help keep your suede fresh and clean.

 

 

 

#1. Regularly Brush Out Dirt and Stains

Suede may attract dust and dirt, which can mute the colors and form stains. Avoid washing suede shoes with water, as it can ruin the soft texture. Instead, use a stiff, dry brush and a suede-cleaning solution to freshen your shoes when they start to look dirty.

 

#2. Use Shoe Trees

Wooden shoe trees help footwear maintain shape and wick away moisture to prevent odor. Without snug fillings to support form, suede shoes may become wrinkled or creased. 

 

#3. Properly Store Your Shoes

When you aren’t wearing your shoes, keep them in a covered box, shoe rack, or bag to prevent dust buildup. If you store shoes on the floor, keep them away from high-traffic areas where they might be stepped on and damaged.

 

Other potential storage risks include areas with direct sunlight or next to a heater. Extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to excessive sunlight may cause fading or loss of flexibility and softness.

 

#4. Protect Suede Against Wet Conditions

 

When suede gets wet and then dries, the leather nap may become stiff and brittle. Snow, rain, dew, and other damp conditions can cause irreparable damage, so most experts recommend wearing suede only in dry weather.

 

At Amberjack, we don’t see the point of purchasing footwear that can’t take you where you want to go in any conditions. That’s why we designed our shoes with water-repellant Italian suede that stays fresh in rain or shine. We sustainably source our suede from one of the finest tanneries in the world, so you know it will help you look and feel good no matter where you go.

 

Shop Suede Dress Shoes from Amberjack

At Amberjack, we believe the most critical step in caring for suede boots and shoes is finding high-quality footwear durable enough to withstand the wear of everyday use. 

 

From the sustainably sourced water-repellant Italian suede to the thermo-moldable insole, our shoes are the most technologically advanced suede shoes ever. When you wear Amberjacks, you feel and look different. That’s what happens when you put the highest quality materials in the hands of world-class master craftsmen.

 

We took the stress out of caring for suede shoes by designing shoes that can take you anywhere without falling apart or losing support. We also offer free shipping and returns, unbeatable prices, and a one-year warranty on any purchase. 

Find suede shoes that care for you as much as you care for them at Amberjack.

 

How do you care for suede shoes?

Caring for suede shoes involves four steps: brushing with a suede brush after every wear to lift the nap and remove surface dust, using a suede eraser on any dry scuffs or marks, applying a suede protector spray before the first wear and monthly thereafter to repel water, and storing with cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture. Unlike smooth leather, suede should not be conditioned with oil-based products -- stick to suede-specific tools.

 

Can suede shoes be worn in the rain?

Suede is more vulnerable to water damage than smooth leather, but a suede protector spray significantly reduces the risk. A well-applied protector spray creates a water-resistant barrier that allows light rain and splashes to bead off the surface rather than soaking in. If suede does get wet, let it dry naturally away from direct heat, then brush with a suede brush once dry to restore the nap. Avoid wearing suede in heavy rain or through puddles even with a protector spray.

 

How do you remove stains from suede boots?

For dry stains and scuffs on suede, a suede eraser is the first tool to reach for -- gently rub the eraser over the mark in a light back-and-forth motion. For dried mud, let it dry completely first, then brush off with a stiff suede brush before using the eraser. For liquid stains, blot immediately with a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible before it sets, then let the suede dry fully before brushing. For stubborn stains, a suede cleaning solution applied with a soft cloth can help, but test on an inconspicuous area first.