Suede shoes represent a different kind of leather—one that captivates with its distinctive velvety feel—that you are purchasing. Made from the inner layer of animal hide, this one-of-a-kind textile transforms average shoes into remarkable ones. Still, the fibers are fragile and therefore need cautious maintenance to keep their typical texture.

What is Suede Fabric

Suede is a type of leather with a soft, velvety texture, made from the underside of animal hide, typically from cows, goats, or lambs. Known for its smooth feel, suede is commonly used in fashion, including shoes, jackets, bags, and accessories, adding elegance and a delicate touch to the products.

Suede Maintenance

Suede's need for special care starts with its composition. Whereas traditional leather is smooth, the raised fibers of suede give it a three-dimensional surface that traps light and air, hence creating its characteristic sheen. This same structure, though, makes it sensitive to surroundings. Every fiber behaves like a small sensor, reacting to humidity, oil, and abrasion in ways that may improve or degrade their look.

Basic Daily Care for Suede Shoes

Make a simple plan for taking care of suede. Knowing how to condition suede will keep the material soft and its velvety appeal maintained. Begin every one of your wears with gentle strokes from a suede brush. Don't worry so much about scrubbing the fibers; think more of waking them up. Move the brush with care, as though you are carefully shaping the texture to restore its natural texture and appearance.

How to Clean Suede Shoes

Knowing how to clean suede shoes will prevent you from causing long-term damage and will keep it soft. Time is your ally when suede meets water. Immediacy of use can help to stop water from becoming an unpleasantly permanent inhabitant of the fiber structure. Blot; never rub; natural air circulation helps to finish the drying. Suede shoes can be cleaned with special equipment and techniques; otherwise, it might just get destroyed.

Here is  a step-by-step guide how to clean suede shoes:

1. Brush Off Surface Dirt

• Use a suede brush or a soft toothbrush to gently remove dirt and dust.
• Brush in one direction to lift the nap and maintain the suede’s texture.

2. Remove Scuffs & Marks

• Use a suede eraser or a clean rubber eraser to rub away scuffs and minor stains.
• Apply light pressure to avoid damaging the material.

3. Treat Stains

• Water Stains: Lightly dampen the entire shoe with a damp cloth to prevent watermarks and let it dry naturally.
• Dirt & Mud: Let the mud dry completely, then brush it off gently.
• Oil/Grease Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil, then brush it off.

4. Restore the Nap

• After cleaning, brush the suede again to bring back its soft, velvety look.

How to Store Suede Shoes

To properly store suede shoes, start by cleaning them with a suede brush to remove any dirt or dust and make sure they are completely dry before storage. Use shoe trees to maintain their shape. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and mold. Instead of plastic bags, use breathable fabric dust bags or pillowcases to protect them from dust while allowing air circulation. If storing them in a shoebox, wrap them in tissue paper for extra care. Applying a suede protector spray before long-term storage helps repel dust and moisture. Lastly, avoid stacking other shoes on top to prevent scuffs and misshaping.

As Stated Above

Learning how to care for suede, previously considered daunting, transforms it into an interesting daily activity. Respect and reacting properly to the properties and special traits of this material helps to keep your shoe unique and a much desirable part of your wardrobe.

Suede shoes keep their distinctive quality and really develop a patina with age and normal maintenance, becoming more elegant after every wear. This is the keeping of character that makes suede perennial in shoes, not only upkeep. For smart, long-lasting, handcrafted shoes, look ARMOS for an excellent line of men's shoes.