How to clean suede shoes

What is suede leather?

Suede is the flesh side of a hide, or the soft, rough inside of leather. It has the same foundation as smooth leather, but its velvety surface makes it feel and look completely different. It is this unique texture that makes suede shoes popular, but also more susceptible to dirt, stains, moisture and wear. However, if handled properly, you can keep your shoes in top condition.

Protect suede shoes with sprays

Prevention is better than cure, and this is especially true for suede leather shoes. A good protective spray is essential to make your shoes dirt- and moisture-resistant.

• Colourless sprays:ideal for all types of suede and nubuck leathers. These sprays offer protection without affecting the colour of the suede. Floris van Bommel recommends Carbon Pro by Collonil, a colourless spray that makes shoes dirt- and moisture-resistant in no time.


• Coloured Sprays: For dark suede shoes, such as black or dark brown, there are sprays that refresh and intensify the colour. They give the shoes a deep, rich colour and restore any faded spots.

Always spray your shoes before wearing them for the first time and repeat regularly, especially after cleaning.

Cleaning suede shoes

Even with a protective spray, your suede shoes can get dirty. Especially light or white suede shoes you want to clean properly, as this is where dirt or stains are most easily visible. Fortunately, there are several ways how to clean suede shoes with stains, depending on the type of dirt.

1. Remove superficial dirt: For superficial dirt, such as dust or dried mud, use a hard brush to clean suede shoes. At home, you can gently brush the dirt out along with the nap of the suede to avoid damage.


2. Treat stains with suede blocks: For light stains, you can use a natural rubber suede block or eraser to clean your suede shoes. Rub the block over the stain as if you were erasing something. This is a simple and effective way to remove superficial stains.


3. Special cleaners for persistent stains: For more stubborn stains, there are special suede cleaners like foam, gel or shampoos. Some suede shoe cleaners even claim to be able to remove grease stains. While this may not always work, it may be worth a try. Follow the instructions on the packaging and test the product on an inconspicuous area first.

Maintain the beautiful nap of suede

The nap of suede – its soft, velvety texture – can become flat or uneven after suede shoes cleaning. Use a special suede brush with copper bristles to refresh the nap. Work carefully and brush in one direction for even results. This will restore that luxurious look of your shoes.

Care and cleaning of suede shoes

Suede shoes benefit not only from cleaning, but also from regular care. Like smooth leather, suede can dry out, becoming dull and even cracking. Use special suede care products and cleaning kits to maintain your suede shoes and keep the material supple. This will help your shoes last longer.

Since suede is basically leather, it is important to store shoes properly. A wooden shoe tree helps maintain the shape of your shoes and prevents unwanted creases. Moreover, a wooden shoe tree absorbs moisture, which prevents mould and unpleasant odours.