If you’ve bought a pair of suede shoes, it’s important to know how to care for them. While suede shoes are a menswear staple and undeniably look great, they can also be pretty fussy.

In this article, we’ll be going over how to care for suede shoes, and how to keep them from getting damaged. 

So, whether you’ve got a high-end pair of loafers or a simple set of sneakers, let’s find out how to care for your suede shoes. 

Is Suede Waterproof? 

First, it needs to be said – suede is NOT waterproof. 

Getting water on suede shoes can lead to stains which you may not be able to get out. If you want to preserve your suede shoes for as long as possible, don’t wear them in the rain. 

If you want to make your suede more weather-resistant, consider waterproofer spray. This may be ideal if you have suede sneakers you want to use as everyday shoes. 

It’s worth noting that some people prefer to keep their suede unsprayed. This is meant to maintain the character of the material with no waterproofing. However, spraying is a great way to avoid any unnecessary damage. Just keep in mind that it may change the appearance of your shoes. 

Overall, it’s unlikely to make a major difference, and will likely preserve your shoes for longer, so it’s up to you!

How to Care for Suede

Now that you know not to get your suede shoes wet, how do you care for them when it comes to grit and grime? Your best bet here is to invest in a high-quality suede brush and eraser. If these don’t work to clean your suede, consider buying some suede cleaner as well. 

suede brush next to suede shoes

Essentially, a brush is meant for clearing off any lighter surface-level stains. Brush lightly along the grain to avoid any scratches or damage. For best results, brush your shoes every couple of wears, or whenever you notice a bit of dirt. 

While a brush should take care of most light stains, an eraser will help them fully disappear. These are made of rubber, similar to an actual eraser. They’re great for getting into the suede and clearing out any deeper stains. Many suede brushes will include an eraser. 

Finally, for more intense stains, you may need a dedicated suede cleaner. This is a spray you can apply to your shoes for a deeper clean. We always recommend brushing your shoes before and after using a cleaner. However, follow the instructions on the package for best results. 

By properly using these three tools, you should be able to preserve your suede for a long time!

Conclusion

When wearing suede shoes, remember that they’re not waterproof. Keeping your shoes dry should help you avoid most irreversible damage. For other stains like dirt and grime, a combination of a brush, eraser, and suede cleaner should get the job done. Hopefully, this guide can help you enjoy your suede shoes for years to come!