How to properly care for suede shoes?

Suede looks soft, vibrant, and high-quality. However, shoes made of suede, velour leather, or nubuck leather require different treatment than smooth leather to maintain their pristine appearance. Crucial aspects include gentle cleaning, proper protection against moisture, and care products that do not clump the fine nap. With the right suede care, the velvety character of the leather will be preserved.

What is the difference between suede, velour leather, and nubuck leather?

In everyday language, "suede" is often used when "rough leather" is actually meant. This primarily includes velour leather and nubuck leather. Both types of leather have a more open, slightly roughened surface. This provides the soft feel and the typical velvety appearance.

Velour leather usually has a slightly longer, visible nap. Nubuck leather is more finely sanded and often appears particularly velvety and elegant. Both leather types are supple, fashionable, and frequently used for colored shoes. However, precisely this open fiber structure makes them more sensitive to moisture, dust, and stains.

Further basics on general care can also be found under [Schuhpflege] (shoe care).

Why does suede require special care?

Unlike smooth leather, suede does not have a closed, smooth surface. The open fibers can absorb moisture and dirt more easily. Especially with light-colored or colored shoes, water stains, dust, and dirt become visible more quickly.

At the same time, it is precisely this structure that makes velour leather and nubuck leather so appealing. The leather appears soft, fine, and vibrant. To maintain this effect, suede should be regularly cared for – not just when visible stains appear.

Shoe trees are also useful for rough leather shoes. They help maintain the shape, absorb moisture inside, and support the leather in regenerating after wear. You can learn more about this under [Shoe trees].

How to clean suede properly?

The best way to clean suede is to dry clean it. Coarse dust, street dirt, and light impurities can be removed with a special suede or velour leather brush. Work with calm, even movements and without strong pressure.

For localized stains, a nubuck or velour leather eraser can help. High-quality variants made of natural crepe are good for gently loosening dry dirt. It is important not to rub too vigorously so that the surface does not become roughened or uneven.

A slightly dampened cloth can be used to assist in individual cases. However, you should never completely soak suede. Too much water can leave stains and alter the leather structure.

Which brush is suitable for velour leather and nubuck leather?

For velour leather care, special rough leather brushes are suitable. Many models have two sides: a firmer brush side for clinging dirt and a softer rubber or crepe side, which is used to raise the nap again.

For velour leather, the brush can work a bit more vigorously, as long as it is suitable for rough leather. Nubuck leather is often finer and should be treated with particular care. A softer brush or a special nubuck eraser is recommended here.

After cleaning, you can gently raise the nap with the brush again. This makes the surface appear more even, fresher, and restores its typical velvety character.

Why is impregnation so important for suede?

Impregnation is particularly important for suede, velour leather, and nubuck leather because the open surface can absorb moisture more easily than smooth leather. A suitable impregnating agent can help protect the leather from wetness and dirt.

Use an impregnating spray or a special care product with a sponge applicator that is explicitly suitable for rough leather. A sponge applicator has the advantage that the agent can be applied precisely and gently worked into the material. With sprays, sufficient distance should be maintained so that the agent spreads evenly.

It is best to impregnate your shoes outdoors, on the balcony, or in a well-ventilated room. Place newspaper or cardboard underneath to protect floor surfaces. You can find more on this topic under [Impregnating shoes].

Which care products are suitable for velour leather?

For velour leather and nubuck leather, you should only use products that are explicitly suitable for rough leather. These include special brushes, crepe erasers, colorless rough leather care, and appropriate impregnating agents.

Colorless care products are often the safe choice. Velour leather is frequently processed in vibrant colors. If the exact matching shade is not achieved with colored care products, the shoe may appear uneven or altered after treatment.

High-quality leathers, as used by Sioux, are generally processed in such a way that no strong color retouching is necessary. Therefore, less important is recoloring, but rather regular, gentle care.

Can you treat suede with shoe polish?

No, classic shoe polish for smooth leather does not belong on suede, velour leather, or nubuck leather. It can clump the fine fibers, make the surface appear smooth and greasy, and permanently alter the velvety character.

Wax or leather grease are also unsuitable for rough leather. They settle on the open surface, impair the nap, and can reduce the breathability of the leather.

If you are unsure, choose a colorless specialty product for rough leather. This way you avoid material damage and preserve the natural look of the shoe. Further tips on caring for other types of leather can be found under [Caring for leather shoes properly] and [Shoe polish].

How often should suede and nubuck leather shoes be cared for?

How often suede should be cared for depends on how often you wear the shoes and what conditions they are exposed to. With regular use, a quick dry cleaning after several days of wear is recommended. This prevents dust and dirt from permanently settling in the surface.

The impregnation should also be renewed regularly. Due to movement, creases, and abrasion, the protective effect diminishes over time. In autumn and winter, when wetness, road dirt, and de-icing salt are more burdensome, monthly care is advisable. In dry summer months, for occasional wear, an interval of about two to three months is often sufficient.

After each wear, rough leather shoes should be allowed to air out and rest sufficiently. Those who wear several pairs of shoes alternately protect the material and extend their lifespan. Suitable models can be found, for example, under [comfortable women's shoes] or [men's shoes in comfort width].

What should absolutely be avoided with suede?

Suede does not like strong wetness, heat, or unsuitable care products. If shoes made of velour leather or nubuck leather get wet, they should dry slowly at room temperature. Direct heating or a hairdryer can dry out and deform the leather.

Salt stains are also problematic. They are difficult to completely remove from rough leather and can leave visible marks. In snow, de-icing salt, or heavy rain, smooth, well-protected leather shoes are often the better choice.

You should also avoid putting on rough leather shoes without a shoehorn or storing them without shoe trees. Both unnecessarily stress the heel, shape, and leather.

How to keep suede shoes beautiful for a long time?

Suede care does not have to be complex. The most important thing is to regularly perform small care steps, rather than waiting until there is heavy soiling: brush off dry, carefully treat stains if necessary, impregnate appropriately, let dry, and raise the nap again.

This way, suede, velour leather, and nubuck leather shoes remain well-maintained companions for many seasons. Especially with high-quality Sioux shoes, this careful care is worthwhile, as it helps the leather retain its special appearance, comfort, and shape for a long time.