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Is suede hard to care for?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 06, 2026

As previously alluded to, suede isn't as delicate as you may think. Scratches can be buffed away, and a little bit of water or dirt isn't going to permanently ruin your shoes. But, it does need to be cared for and maintained, just as your other leathers do, albeit with a different process and set of products.

How do you maintain suede?

How to store suede shoes

  1. Always keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
  2. Keep them away from heat such as radiators.
  3. Allow them to air dry if they get wet and insert shoe trees to maintain their shape.
  4. Store them away in quality shoe bags when out of use.

Is suede hard to maintain?

Because of the soft grain of suede, a special brush is the best way to keep it clean. And it's also the best way to maintain the finish so that your shoes don't look worn out. To clean off any dust, dirt, or minor stains, simply brush the shoes while dry.

Does suede get ruined easily?

Generally speaking, yes, suede will not ruin if it gets wet. But for this to be true, some conditions must be met. The same applies to nubuck, which is a similar type of leather. You don't have to put back your suede shoes because it is raining or snowing outside.

Will suede be ruined if it gets wet?

Know that water will not ruin your suede shoes if you take your time letting them dry. Do not wipe, rub, or scrub your suede vigorously. When the soft, delicate hairs get wet they will tense up and become brittle, making them easy to rip off.

43 related questions found

Does snow ruin suede?

But keeping your suede in good shape? That's where things get complicated, especially in the winter and spring. Wintry elements like rain, sleet, and snow aren't particularly kind to suede items, and April showers just make things worse.

Are suede shoes seasonal?

Would you mind clearing the air on when and when not to wear these shoes and what to wear them with? Suede does have a sort of autumnal feeling to it, but there's no reason you can't wear suede shoes in any season. The only season during which suede is inadvisable is the rainy season.

Is suede OK in rain?

Can Suede Get Wet? Yes, suede shoes can get wet and still be wearable, but in order to prevent damage, you need to to treat them quickly afterward, which can be time consuming. If you know it's going to rain, or you know you'll be at a place where your shoes may get wet, it's best to avoid wearing suede shoes entirely.

Can I wear a suede jacket in the rain?

Suede is a porous material and is easily marked by water, therefore you should avoid wearing a suede jacket in rainy conditions. Water marks can be removed, and the jacket restored to its original condition, but drenching a suede jacket will wash out all the natural oils and leave the jacket stiff and shiny.

Is suede waterproof?

Suede is not a waterproof material. However, you can waterproof your suede so it can withstand a little winter and a little rain. Still, you should avoid walking in heavy rain or cleaning the material with a lot of water.

Is suede harder to clean than leather?

It's because it has a textured and fuzzy surface that makes the surface rough and porous, making the dust and debris prone to being stuck on the surface. That's why it's crucial to understand how to care for suede. Suede is prone to get dirty easily, and is harder to clean than leather.

Are suede shoes hard to clean?

While it's not really difficult to clean and care for suede, it does take more attention than many other types of leather, which is why we decided to lay out the proper way to care for your suede shoes, clothing, or household décor.

Does suede need to be conditioned?

As nubuck and suede don't generally need to be conditioned, they will practically care for themselves, and take little effort to look absolutely fabulous.

Are vans made of suede?

In order to make the Vans shoe durable, it is made from canvas and suede material.

Can you use a toothbrush instead of a suede brush?

If you don't own a suede brush, don't panic. You can still keep your shoes looking fresh and fabulous. To remove dirt, try using a spare toothbrush instead. The toothbrush will work similarly to a suede brush to loosen the soil without damaging the material.

Should I spray my suede shoes?

“I strongly recommend waterproofing all suede items before wearing them,” Polychronakis says. “This prevents stains from setting in if something is spilled and makes suede easier to clean. I recommend spraying the items 1–2 a year with Moneysworth&Best Pro-Tex Water + Stain Protector.

Are suede jackets worth it?

Suede jackets are prized for their lightness, softness and the luxuriance of their texture. Although they are considerably more durable than fabric they are not as durable as a leather jacket.

How long do suede jackets last?

A quality suede jacket, if properly taken care of, can easily last a lifetime. Even slightly cheaper suede jackets can last for 4-5 years if worn occasionally, provided that the jacket is made from real suede and not something like faux suede.

Is suede still in style?

Please welcome new 2018 trend called suede. This fabric is not just another material for designing clothing, it's already a history that connects cowboys with 1970's disco and boho looks together.

How can you tell good quality suede?

The texture of suede is usually soft and smooth when it comes from lighter leathers, like those of younger animals. The nap of the fabric, which are the tiny, raised hairs on the surface of suede, can be tougher if the hide comes from older animals or animals with thicker hides, like cows and deer.

Can you put suede shoes in the washer?

Do not put fabrics like leather or suede in the washing machine, ever. Do not use warm or hot water cycles – this can warp the shoes, damage the fabric, and cause colors to run. Do not use a powder detergent – these can get caught in your shoes and not dissolve properly.

Can you wear suede in the summer?

When you wear suede, especially as a shoe, bag, or jacket, it can be chic and seasonal in the summer. The trick is to focus on lighter colors, such as nude, pastel, and sherbert colors. Another trick is to focus on more skin-baring pieces, like sandals, sleeveless, and shorts.

Can you wear suede shoes in the snow?

Suede boots cannot be worn in snow. As a fabric, suede does not react well with water. And snow is just solid water. Using a waterproofing spray on the boots can help, but it is better to avoid wearing suede in general when it's snowing outside.

Do suede shoes stretch over time?

"Leather and suede stretch very well," he says. "Patent leather does not. Not nothing, it will give a little bit." But by a little bit, he means maybe a quarter of a shoe size — a matter of millimeters.

Can you wear suede clogs in the summer?

Suede isn't only for the fall and winter seasons. The luxurious material adds a warm richness to summer shoes like sandals and slides. We love a great suede mule and you can't beat a pair of velvety two strap heels in beautiful black suede.