Why Suede Needs Special Attention

Suede is one of the most beautiful boot materials — soft, textured, and luxurious — but it's also one of the most vulnerable. Unlike smooth leather, suede's napped surface readily absorbs water, oils, and dirt, and it can't simply be wiped clean. The good news: with the right tools and a consistent routine, suede boots can stay looking excellent for many years.

What You'll Need

  • Suede brush (brass or nylon bristles)
  • Suede eraser (also called a crepe eraser)
  • Suede cleaner spray or foam
  • Suede protector/waterproofing spray
  • Clean, dry cloth or sponge
  • Boot trees or crumpled tissue paper (for storage)

Routine Care: After Every Wear

The single best thing you can do for suede boots is brush them gently after each wear — before dirt has a chance to set.

  1. Allow boots to dry completely if they've been exposed to moisture. Never brush wet suede.
  2. Using a suede brush, brush in one direction along the nap to remove surface dust and dirt.
  3. For any areas where the nap looks flat or shiny, brush back and forth gently to raise the texture.

Removing Dry Dirt and Scuffs

For dried mud or scuff marks, follow these steps:

  1. Let any mud dry completely — never try to remove wet mud, as you'll push it deeper into the fibres.
  2. Gently break up the dried mud with your fingers, then brush away with the suede brush.
  3. For stubborn scuffs, use a suede eraser in small, gentle circular motions, then brush to restore the nap.

Removing Stains

Water Stains

Counterintuitively, the best fix for a water stain on suede is more water. Dampen the entire surface of the boot evenly with a clean sponge, then stuff with tissue and allow to dry naturally away from direct heat. This prevents tide marks forming.

Oil and Grease Stains

Blot (don't rub) the stain immediately with a clean cloth. Apply a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil, leave overnight, then brush away. For set-in grease stains, a specialist suede cleaner is your best option.

Ink and Dye Stains

These are the trickiest. A suede eraser can help with fresh marks. For set stains, a dedicated suede cleaner applied with a clean cloth, worked gently into the stain, is the best approach. Accept that very dark or large ink stains may be permanent.

Waterproofing: Your Best Defence

Prevention is far easier than cure with suede. Apply a good quality suede protector spray before the first wear, and reapply every few weeks during active use or after cleaning.

  1. Ensure the boot is clean and completely dry.
  2. Hold the spray 15–20 cm from the boot and apply an even coat.
  3. Allow to dry fully (usually 30–60 minutes).
  4. Apply a second coat for maximum protection.

Note: Waterproofing sprays can slightly darken some lighter-coloured suedes. Always test on a small hidden area first.

Long-Term Storage

  • Clean and condition before storing away for the season.
  • Stuff boots with boot trees or crumpled acid-free tissue paper to maintain their shape.
  • Store in a breathable dust bag — never in plastic, which traps moisture.
  • Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade suede.

What Not to Do

  • Never use water liberally to spot-clean — it will cause tide marks.
  • Never dry wet suede near a radiator or with a hairdryer — heat stiffens and damages the fibres.
  • Never use regular shoe polish on suede — it will mat the nap permanently.
  • Never rub stains vigorously — always blot or use gentle circular motions.