So, you’ve just bought a pair of suede shoes and want to know how to look after them? Look no further; our handy guide will help you understand your brand-new shoes, including all of the features and properties of suede and, most importantly, how to keep your suede shoes in the best condition possible.
Here, we answer all of your suede shoe-related questions, including the best methods for cleaning and some top tips on storing and looking after your shoes.
Suede is a type of leather used to create garments, often jackets and shoes, and has softer and thinner properties than typical leather. Usually crafted from the underside of animal skin, suede typically comes from lambskin but can also be made from other animals, such as pigs, goats and deer. It is made up of small, raised and sanded fibres, creating a fuzzy surface that feels soft to the touch.
Three different types of suede are used in the construction of shoes. Each has specific properties that will affect the suede’s longevity and how you should care for the material. Most of these properties centre on a suede’s thickness and nap, which is the texture of the suede’s surface.
Deemed the softest type of suede available, sheepskin suede is, as the name suggests, made from sheep and lambs. Sheepskin suede is often delicate but has a smooth nap and is lighter in weight than other suede forms. Velvet to the touch, sheepskin suede is soft but may need more attention regarding upkeep.
Cowhide suede is one of the rougher forms of suede, and typically the older the animal, the thicker and rougher the nap will feel. Also referred to as rawhide, split cowhide and calfskin, you will find that cowhide suede has tougher properties and can withstand more wear and tear.
Pigskin suede is another type of suede that has thick qualities. Often heavy and very durable, pigskin suede is thinner than cow leather. It has thick fibres and, despite being very thick, still feels soft to the touch. Pigskin suede is often used in interiors or as a main component of sneakers or gloves.
Several products can help you keep your suede shoes in good condition. From full kits that provide specific suede brushes to repel sprays, finding the right product for your suede doesn’t have to be difficult.
Check out our range of shoe care products; you will find brand-specific cleaning products to ensure you apply the right type of formula for your footwear alongside general shoe care products, including suede protectors, brushes that can help remove stains, and even travel kits you can bring on the go.
Suede protector can help keep your shoes in the best possible condition and ensure your shoes last. Within this section of our suede shoe care guide, you will find information on applying suede protector, where to apply it and if it is worth purchasing.
The first step in caring for suede shoes is protecting them from damage caused by water, dirt, and corrosive elements, such as salt, that might be used on streets or pavements.
Suede protectors are formulated to repel water from the surface of suede, which will protect its nap and colour. If you worry about damaging your shoes, investing in a suede protector can help alleviate any stress so that you can step out of the house with confidence.
Suede protectors should be applied before a pair of suede shoes has been worn for the first time. This ensures the suede is protected from the weather and accidental spills. Since the protector wears off, users should plan to apply a suede protector every two weeks to maximise its benefits.
After the suede has dried, the surface of the suede should be buffed to restore the texture of the suede’s nap. This can be accomplished with a soft brush or a dry towel. Lightly buff the surface of the suede using a circular motion until the nap has been lifted from the suede’s surface. When finished, lightly brush the suede in a uniform direction according to the natural grain of the nap to achieve the most consistent look to the suede’s surface.
No matter how careful a wearer might be, it is inevitable that suede shoes will get wet or dirty. Water is a problem for suede because it can easily cause marks to form on the suede’s porous surface, while dirt can get into the suede’s nap and cause discolouration.
Suede is difficult to clean because the pigmentation used to dye suede is only on the suede’s surface. Chemical detergents that can be used on other types of shoes may remove the dye from the suede. For suede shoes that have become significantly stained or dirty, the best advice is to take the shoes to a professional cleaner. For small amounts of dirt or water damage, a number of methods can be used.
Suede erasers and brushes can be used to clean the surface of suede and should be used on dry suede. Suede erasers are blocks made from art gum that can lift dirt from the surface of suede.
There are times when stubborn stains can mark your suede shoes and ruin the look of your outfit. Whether you have stepped into some chewing gum on the street or some oil has splashed onto your fresh new suede shoes, fear not – there are ways to get rid of those pesky stubborn stains.
Since suede shoes might need to be put away for a season or two due to inclement weather, wearers should take some precautions to guarantee that their suede shoes will be in top condition when they can be worn again.
Suede should be stored in a cool, dry place to minimise the chance of mildew formation. Store your shoes in cotton bags or pillowcases to protect them from dust, allowing the suede to breathe while remaining protected. Never store suede in plastic or vinyl bags because vinyl or plastic bags can promote mould formation and mildew.
At Stuarts, we often get asked a range of questions about suede shoes and their properties. Here are some of the most common questions regarding suede shoes, their properties and other general information to ensure you get the most out of your fresh suede kicks.
No, suede shoes are not waterproof. Suede can be ruined by water and cause stains on the shoe's surface, which can be irreparable. We advise you to pop on another pair of shoes if it is raining outside – even if they look great with your outfit, the damage isn’t worth it.
You can apply water-resistant finishes to your suede shoes; however, covering the surface of the suede can diminish some of the textures of the raised fibres.
No, you cannot put suede shoes in the washing machine. Water can damage the fibres of the suede and cause damage that cannot be repaired. We recommend following the cleaning tips mentioned above if you have a stubborn stain or simply want to give your suede shoes a fresh look.
If your new suede shoes are slightly tight in terms of fit, you may want to try and stretch them to ensure you don’t get blisters. As suede is a form of leather, it will naturally stretch over time, but if your suede shoes feel uncomfortable, we have a few recommendations on how to stretch them.
When stretching your suede shoes, make sure that you don’t overstretch the material, as this can cause damage to the suede that you might not be able to repair.
Suede is a popular material choice for footwear, and you will find a whole range of suede shoes at Stuarts that fit with your outfit choice, whether you opt for a smart or casual fit.
You will find suede shoes with a formal edge; one particular stand-out style is the Chukka boot that can be worn in both casual and formal settings. You will also find suede trainers ideal for weekend wear or dressed-down days when you still want to show off your taste for the finer things.
Suede shoes have been a winter wear staple for years and are not going anywhere anytime soon. Suede shoes can look great with an autumnal or winter outfit, and the warm tones of the material often elevate an ensemble. That said, you should be careful of weather conditions, such as snow or rain when wearing suede shoes. Water can damage your suede shoes, but if you coat your shoes with a protective seal – you should be fine to wear your suede boots or shoes when the weather turns cold.
