How to Take Care of Suede Shoes
Learn how to properly clean, care for, and protect suede shoes. This guide covers waterproofing, cleaning, and storage to help the material last longer and maintain its texture. With regular maintenance, it becomes easier to keep suede shoes clean, fresh, and in good condition over time.
Complete Guide to Cleaning and Maintenance
Text: Elena Dagman Sjögren / Published 2026-05-11 / Guides
Suede is a soft material with a brushed surface made from the underside of leather. It gives shoes a matte and slightly more relaxed look compared to regular leather. Nubuck is similar to suede, but it is made from the outer side of the leather, making the material denser and more durable.
Because suede has open fibers, the material easily absorbs dirt, dust, and moisture. That’s why it’s important to regularly take care of suede shoes to help the material stay in good condition for longer.
Start with Proper Cleaning
When cleaning suede shoes, it’s important to be careful with water. Start by removing dirt and dust using a suede brush. Marks and stains can often be treated with a cleaning block or another cleaner designed for suede. If the shoes are heavily soiled, you can use a foam cleaner and gently work it into the material using circular motions.
Let the shoes dry properly before brushing the surface again. Regularly cleaning suede shoes makes a noticeable difference in both appearance and durability.
How to Care for Suede
To care for suede shoes, you can use a suede lotion or another conditioning treatment that helps restore the material’s surface and color. Apply a thin layer and allow the shoes to dry thoroughly afterward.
When the suede starts to look flat or dry, you can gently brush the fibers again to restore the texture. This helps freshen up suede shoes and gives the material a more even appearance.
Protect Suede Shoes from Dirt and Moisture
An important part of protecting suede shoes is applying waterproofing spray regularly. When waterproofing suede shoes, spray an even layer over the surface to help make the material more resistant to water and dirt.
Allow the shoes to dry properly after treatment, preferably with shoe trees inserted. This also helps the shoes maintain their shape over time.
Think About Usage and Storage
Proper suede shoe usage also affects how long the material stays looking good. Suede works well for everyday wear, but it’s best to avoid heavy rain and very wet conditions for extended periods.
To continue taking care of suede shoes in the best possible
way, store them in a dry place and preferably use shoe trees between wears. This helps both the shape and the material last longer.
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