15 Essential Tips on How to Care for Suede Shoes for Long-Lasting Footwear
It is a common myth that suede shoes are notoriously difficult to keep looking their best. Nevertheless, don’t be put off, as this really isn’t the case. Whether it’s mud, rain damage or scuff marks, suede shoes can be susceptible to damage just like any other raw material. But knowing how to care for suede leather shoes is essential to keeping them in good condition; it simply requires the right tools, knowledge and routine.
If you’ve just purchased a beautiful, pristine pair of suede Cheaney shoes, we understand it can be overwhelming to know where to begin, which is where we come in. We’ve broken down the essential steps into an easy-to-follow list of suede shoe care tips to help you in your shoe care endeavours.
Whether you are looking for basic tips for shoe care for suede or need to rejuvenate an old favourite, we’ve created this definitive suede shoe care guide. This guide will equip you with the best methods to master suede leather shoe care, ensuring your handcrafted footwear remains in excellent condition for many more years of wear.
How to take care of suede shoes: The definitive checklist
When it comes to taking care of suede shoes, the process can be divided into three distinct phases: cleaning, protection, and storage. Let us guide you through the finest practices for each.
How to clean suede shoes
1. Invest in a Quality Suede Brush and Practice Directional Brushing
2. Utilise a Suede Eraser for Spot Treatment
3. Apply a Dedicated Suede Cleaner
The Art of Cleaning: Elevating the Nap
Knowing exactly how to take care of suede leather shoes when they get dirty is essential to keeping them in pristine condition.
Tip #1: Invest in a Quality Suede Brush and Practice Directional Brushing
Investing in a high-quality suede brush is one of the most important tools for caring for suede shoes. It is excellent for brushing off dried stains such as mud and revitalising the texture.
How to use:
Once your shoes are completely dry, use your suede brush to remove dirt and grime with small, gentle, light strokes. Always brush in a single direction to align the fibres and ensure a uniform, rich appearance. Only use a vigorous back-and-forth motion when actively dislodging dried mud or stubborn dirt. If necessary, brush against the nap of the suede, but always finish brushing in the direction of the natural grain to maintain its smooth finish.
Tip #2: Utilise a Suede Eraser for Spot Treatment
A suede eraser is a specialised rubber block designed for delicate hides. For hard-to-tackle stains such as watermarks, oil, and grease, a suede eraser can be a highly effective spot-cleaning tool.
How to use: Simply rub the eraser, as you would a standard pencil eraser, over any marks, using only moderate pressure to avoid damaging the nap.
Tip #3: Apply a Dedicated Suede Cleaner
Suede cleaner is a liquid shampoo specifically formulated to clean and care for suede shoes. If brushing and spot-cleaning haven’t worked, a dedicated cleaner can lift out deep-seated, tough stains.
How to use:
After brushing your shoes down to remove any dirt or dust, sponge them with a slightly damp cloth, then pour the required amount of Omni’Nettoyant into a container and dilute it with water. Use a bristle brush to gently rub the product into your shoes. Rinse the bristles with water, brush the leather surface again, and wipe with a cloth. Leave to dry for six hours. When dry, brush them with the Crepe Brush with the grain to revitalise the original surface texture and patina.
Note: Always test on a small, hidden area of the material first.
Tip #4: Employ The Steam Treatment
Should the nap of your suede become flattened or tired-looking over time, you can rejuvenate it with gentle water vapour. The steam effortlessly lifts the fibres, restoring the suede’s original plush texture.
How to implement: Hold the shoe briefly over a gentle source of steam (such as a boiling kettle). Follow this immediately with a gentle brushing.
Tip #5: Remember to Blot, Never Rub
Blotting is the proper technique for handling sudden liquid spills and for the best care of suede shoes. Rubbing forces the liquid and potential stain deeper into the porous leather hide.
Instead: In the unfortunate event of a sudden spill, immediately blot the area with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to absorb the moisture.
Tip #6: Rejuvenate with a Suede Renovator Spray
Suede renovator spray is a pigmented conditioning spray. Over the years, exposure to the elements can cause colours to dull. A high-quality, pigmented suede renovator will elegantly restore the depth of colour while conditioning the leather.
How to use: Spray evenly from a distance in a well-ventilated area, allow it to dry, and follow up with a light brushing.
Protection & Preservation: Beyond the Elements
Once you know the best suede shoe care tips, preventing future damage is your next priority. Proper suede leather shoe care goes beyond merely shielding them from the unpredictable British weather: here are our top tips for protecting suede shoes.
Tip #7: Shield with a Suede Protector
The number one way to protect suede and care for your shoes is to prevent daily wear and tear and cover the uppers with a high-quality protector. It acts as a waterproofing barrier spray against rain, splashes from puddles, and mud, helping to prevent colour fading and reduce the risk of staining.
How to use: As soon as you invest in a new pair, treat them with a waterproof protective spray before wearing them outside.
Note: Always test on a small area first.
Tip #8: Avoid Wet Weather Whenever Possible
Although suede pairs beautifully with autumn and winter attire, the easiest way to protect them from stains is to avoid wearing them on days when you are likely to encounter heavy rain or snow.
We recommend: Always check the weather forecast before selecting your footwear for the day.
Tip #9: Insert Unvarnished Cedar Wood Shoe Trees
If you’re wondering, “How do you take care of suede shoes?” shape preservation is key. Unvarnished Cedar wooden shoe trees naturally wick away the moisture your feet leave behind, help eliminate odour, and maintain the elegant last shape of the shoe as it dries.
How to use:
Insert them immediately after taking off the shoes, while the leather is still warm, and ensure they sit snugly inside to prevent wrinkling.
Find out more about the brilliance of shoe trees in our complete guide: What is the purpose of a shoe tree and what are the benefits?
Tip #10: Practice Proper Footwear Rotation
A gentleman or lady never wears the same pair of fine footwear on consecutive days. While this tip can help you avoid a fashion faux pas, it also gives your shoes a break between wears, helping them last longer.
We recommend: Suede requires at least 24 hours to breathe and fully expel absorbed moisture, so rotate between at least two pairs of everyday shoes to drastically extend their lifespan.
Tip #11: Utilise the Essential Shoehorn
While not strictly a suede-specific tip, using a shoehorn to put on your suede shoes helps preserve the heel counter’s structural integrity, preventing the soft suede from wrinkling or collapsing at the back.
We recommend:
Always keep a shoehorn near your doorway and use it whenever you put on your footwear.
For more information on shoehorns, read our dedicated guide: What is the point of a shoe horn, and why do you need one in your life?
Storage: A Sanctuary for Your Footwear
Finally, the last of our suede shoe care instructions will help preserve their longevity: knowing how to store them. Preserving suede shoes and learning how to care for them when not on your feet is just as vital.
Tip #12: Avoid Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to harsh UV rays will cause the rich dyes in the suede to fade prematurely.
We recommend: Storing your footwear in a shaded environment. For example, keep your shoe racks or storage boxes in a cool, shaded area of your home.
Tip #13: Keep Away from Artificial Heat
Remember, whatever cleaning method you use or if your suede shoes do get wet, never use heat to dry them. Artificial heat will aggressively dry out the leather’s natural oils, causing it to shrink, stiffen, and crack.
We recommend: Avoid radiators, fireplaces, and heated floors and store your shoes in a temperate, climate-controlled room once they’re dry.
Tip #14: Natural Air Drying
Rushing the drying process ruins the hide. You must let your suede shoes dry at their own pace.
We recommend:
If you are caught in a sudden downpour, stuff the damp shoes with newspaper to absorb as much water as possible. Once the shoes are only slightly damp, replace the paper with cedar shoe trees and allow them to air-dry naturally. Once dry, brush the suede down to keep it looking smooth.
Tip #15: Use Breathable Cotton Shoe Bags
Enclosing shoes in protective fabric when in storage keeps dust off the nap while still allowing the natural hide to breathe.
We recommend:
Store them in quality, breathable cotton or flannel shoe bags when not in use. Never store luxury leather in plastic bags.
How do you care for suede shoes: Frequently Asked Questions
How to care for black suede shoes?
Black suede can fade noticeably over time due to dust, water damage or sunlight. To maintain that deep, midnight hue, follow all the standard cleaning steps above, but substitute a neutral renovator spray for a black-pigmented suede renovator spray. Using this will simultaneously condition the leather and restore the rich black colour.
Are suede shoes hard to take care of?
This query is a common misconception! Suede shoes are not inherently hard to take care of; they simply require a different approach than smooth calf leather. With a routine consisting of regular directional brushing, applying a protective spray, and using cedar shoe trees, maintaining suede becomes a quick, satisfying habit rather than a difficult chore.
Elevate your suede shoe care routine with Cheaney
Follow the care steps above to ensure your suede shoes stay in the best possible condition, whatever the weather.
We proudly offer some of the best suede shoe care products available, specifically curated to complement our handcrafted footwear. Whether you require a delicate suede cleaner or a highly effective shoe tree, exploring our range of accessories will ensure your footwear receives the very best suede care. Shop the collection today to safeguard your investment.
Now that you know how easy it is to take care of suede shoes, you can feel confident that these are the right pair for you. Whether you want to invest in a magnificent pair of British handcrafted suede shoes or want to replace an old and tired set, browse our range of men’s and women’s suede shoes to expand your luxury shoe collection.
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