Suede shoe care

[Cuvier]

I searched the forums but couldn't find an answer to this.
I just bought a pair of Blue Suede Loafers.
I've never had suede shoes.
Any tips on caring for them?

Do I treat them like a regular suede jacket? I've got a short bristle copper wire brush I can use to keep the knapp. Anything else I should know?

 

[Fifty150]

You can wash suede with water and a mild soap. You can brush it out with special suede care brushes. You can also oil and condition suede. Some people heat and melt wax into the suede.

I'm still trying to get BBQ sauce out of a pair of suede boots, and my suede loafers have built up grime which I don't think will ever brush out.

The biggest difference between tanned smooth leather and suede is that you don't want to smear shoe polish all over it and then try to shine it.

 

[Cuvier]

You can wash suede with water and a mild soap. You can brush it out with special suede care brushes. You can also oil and condition suede. Some people heat and melt wax into the suede.

I'm still trying to get BBQ sauce out of a pair of suede boots, and my suede loafers have built up grime which I don't think will ever brush out.

The biggest difference between tanned smooth leather and suede is that you don't want to smear shoe polish all over it and then try to shine it.

Thank you Fifty

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

Lexol Leather Conditioner...the spray kind...works well on suede. You can find it anywhere, too. I've only ever owned a single pair of suede shoes. Dark blue Converse sneakers. Sharp shoes, but they bled their entire life. Every pair of socks I owned was blue. Vans skateboard sneakers have sections that are rough out, and in the early days, they didn't line them. They also bled, but nothing like those Converse.

 

[Cuvier]

Can suede shoes be treated with a waterproofing like NeverWet?
I'm not planning on wearing them in the rain but you never know what may happen.

 

[Fifty150]

Leather jacket stores sell silicone spray. I would imagine you can spray silicone, 3M Scotchgard, Nikwax, and most waterproofing sprays. The leather may not "breathe" as well with spray coatings. You can oil suede. Oil and water do not mix. Water will not be able to penetrate a leather which is oiled. Some people do add wax to their suede.

 

[Oswald]

anyone have any suggestions for a waterproofing agent that wont darken the suede; reviews of several products Ive looked at suggest this happen so Im in a quandary as to what to buy (Im in the UK if anyone has a recommendation)

 

[LukeST]

Hey @Oswald - you should use Saphir Invulner spray.

https://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/...3nEHUAlMS3Mv2QYoZMFF_pWG1KsBqpIxoC1lEQAvD_BwE

I've used it for years and it's fantastic. It may make the suede look darker immediately after you be applied it, it's a liquid after all, but this is not a permanent effect.

 

[Cuvier]

Hey @Oswald - you should use Saphir Invulner spray.

https://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/products/saphir-super-invulner?currency=GBP&variant=338219022&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=e68a0df5da88&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=sayhello&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17339060635&gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKNtwRonKWzGhu38PsA1hhq3nEHUAlMS3Mv2QYoZMFF_pWG1KsBqpIxoC1lEQAvD_BwE

I've used it for years and it's fantastic. It may make the suede look darker immediately after you be applied it, it's a liquid after all, but this is not a permanent effect.

I found that on Amazon. https://a.co/d/8sTdUZ9

 

[LukeST]

I found that on Amazon. https://a.co/d/8sTdUZ9

Not sure it ships to UK addresses off amazon UK, but if it is available now great.

'A fine pair of shoes' have the rights to sell in the UK for sure and maybe one or two other places.

 

[Fifty150]

a waterproofing agent that wont darken the suede

If it's silicone or some other synthetic water repellent, it should not darken suede. It won't soak in like oil. There are a lot of commercial products. None are a "permanent" solution, as the directions are to reapply as needed. You could wax it. That requires heating up the suede and the wax. Even that isn't permanent, as the wax needs to be reapplied. And waxed suede will look different. I'm not so much concerned about the shade of color. I oil my suede.


I have used NikWax. It works. I have used silicone. It works.


You could try these. They are widely available. Get some suede cleaner and a metal brush while you're at it.

 

[Oswald]

Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Below is a link were I outlined how I enjoy and care for suede shoes.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/show-us-your-shoes.4300/post-2841934

Enjoy your suede. Cheers, Eric -

 

[Fifty150]

You can oil suede.

These are nubuck. I oiled them.

 

[rosesbummin]

Yeah, pretty much treat them like any other suede, but shoes will take more of a beating than a jacket. The copper brush is fine for stubborn spots, but for regular upkeep you’ll want a softer suede brush or a crepe brush so you don’t scratch them up.

First thing I’d do is hit them with a suede protector spray before wearing them – two or three light coats, let each one dry. That’ll make a big difference in keeping stains and water spots away.

When they get dusty or a bit matted, brush them gently in one direction to lift the nap. If you get a mark or scuff, work it out with the brush or a suede eraser. For anything wet, blot (don’t rub) and let it dry before brushing.


Keep cedar shoe trees in them when you’re not wearing them, and try not to wear them on rainy days, blue suede and water don’t mix well. Store them somewhere cool and out of the sun so the colour doesn’t fade.