The unique feel and look of suede have made the material a fashion staple, and slipping on a fresh pair of suede shoes or boots can elevate any outfit. However, it's exactly these qualities that make suede very high-maintenance. Diligent care is needed when cleaning and looking after suede footwear, as the reward of style comes with the risk of easy scuffs, scratches and water damage.
At Rieker, we’re experts in all things footwear. Our knowledge and experience have allowed us to create this cleaning guide for your gorgeous suede shoes. Follow this blog, and you'll be strutting your stuff again with one of the world's finest materials in no time.
Table of contents
- What is suede?
- How to clean suede shoes
- How to clean mud from suede shoes
- How to fix scratches and scuffs
- How to prevent damaging suede shoes
What is suede?
Suede is a soft type of leather captured from the underside of an animal, where the fibres are delicately sanded down to provide a smoother form of leather. This velvety surface is truly one of a kind – hence its immense popularity.
Vegan suede, or eco-suede, has also become popular as people look to more environmentally sustainable alternatives in the fashion industry. This kind of suede is often made of recycled materials or polyester microfibers that have been brushed and textured.
Is suede waterproof?
Unlike other forms of leather, suede is susceptible to irreparable damages when caught in the rain, so it’s best practice to avoid wearing suede in these conditions. Some waterproof sprays deter water from seeping in, but it is worth knowing that these chemical solutions can wear down suede.
Vegan suede has a slightly better resistance to water damage. This is because the materials are synthetic and non-porous, reducing the risk of water seeping into your shoe. Despite this, a stain-resistant coating is often used to protect the material further.
How to clean suede shoes
Genuine suede is intolerant to water, which begs the question, 'What is the right way to clean suede shoes?' First, let’s go through the absolute wrong way. Never put suede footwear or clothing into the washing machine. The amount of water at a constant cycle will cause irreparable damage to the material.
The sensitivity of suede means that general daily upkeep is recommended to get the most out of your material. Take a suede brush and get to work clearing away any dirt picked up throughout the day using straight motions in different directions to prevent pushing the muck deeper into the fibres.
How to clean suede shoes without a suede brush
A damp, lint-free cloth is a great alternative for those who don’t own a suede brush. Simply rubbing the damp cloth alongside the suede should remove any dirt. Finding the balance between firm and gentle is really important here. After all, the last thing you want to do is create any scratches.
As mentioned above, suede is not waterproof, but a damp cloth will only temporarily darken it. Once left alone to air dry, you’ll be all good to go. If there is still dirt remaining, investing in some suede leather cleaner is another option for those who have tried everything above.
Applying suede conditioner is a must for that extra layer of protection and a subtle finishing touch. This not only enhances the look of your suede shoes but also provides a shield against future stains or dirt, giving you peace of mind.
Still not clean? Your last option is to take your ever-loved suede shoes over to a professional leather cleaner.
How to clean mud from suede shoes
Much like rain, mud isn't suede's best friend. Mud can be very hard to remove from suede, and even when cleaned, the material may not shine the way it previously did. We strongly recommend allowing the mud to sit until bone dry to prevent any damage from cleaning.
Grab the trusted suede brush and gently brush at the shoe's surface to eliminate excess layers of dried mud.
Once the bulk of the mud has been removed, you can proceed to the next step. Use a damp cloth to gently blot the remaining mud stains. If this method doesn't work, you can try using a steamer to loosen the stain. After steaming, blot the area with tissue paper to absorb the remaining stain.
How to fix scratches and scuffs
Unless you’re as careful as you can possibly be, the odd scratch or scuff on your suede shoes is inevitable. Plenty panic when they notice their first scratch on their fresh pair of suedes; it almost feels sacrilegious. But, depending on the size and depth of the scratch, fixing these marks can be easy!
For those subtle scratches that may cause initial panic, remember that they can be easily removed. Simply buff them out by smudging with your fingers – it’s a straightforward process that you can handle with confidence. For slightly deeper scratches, rely on the trusty suede brush, using the same straight motions on the fibres as you do when cleaning.
If the scratch is exceptionally deep and ghoulish, use a leather filler kit or take your shoes to an expert who can bring your kicks back to life.
How to prevent damaging suede shoes
Investing in premium-quality suede conditioner helps prevent future build-up or damage while adding a fresh finish after giving your shoes the daily spruce. Likewise, you can invest in protective shoe sprays, but you do need to make sure these are suede-friendly, as standard solutions can alter the feel of your leather. Now that you're fully prepared to tackle any stains or scratches, Rieker offers an extensive range of premium-quality suede shoes. Our practical suede shoes are perfect for those looking for affordable leather options without sacrificing unique designs, lavish styles, and an immense level of comfort.
