The changing of the seasons necessitates changing out of footwear, and the arrival of summer necessitates breaking out your nicest suede leather shoes. However, maintaining this classic can be perplexing, so we enlisted the help of footwear specialists to learn the ins and outs of cleaning handmade leather shoes that will endure for seasons. Our experts discuss how to keep suede boots looking as good as new, from choosing the best suede boots to the best suede pretreatments to prevent water damage and salt stains.
A SUEDE BRUSH
When it comes to cleaning suede leather boots for men efficiently, investing in a top-quality suede brush is one of the most crucial tools since it is fantastic for brushing out crusted stains like dirt. Using the suede brush, gently brush away the dirt and grime in small motions with a soft hand once your shoes are completely dry. Brush against the nap of the suede if necessary, but always finish brushing in the direction of the natural grain to keep the suede smooth.
SUEDE ERASER
A suede eraser can be an efficient spot-cleaning tool for difficult-to-remove stains, including watermarks, oil, and grease. First, rub the eraser over any marks like a regular one, using only moderate pressure.
SUEDE CLEANER
Apply a suede cleaner next if brushing and spot-cleaning your suede shoes hasn't worked.
Suede cleanser acts as a shampoo, removing even the toughest stains. After brushing your shoes down, softly dampen them with a cloth before spraying your suede cleaner from at least 20cm away. After that, carefully rub the substance into your shoes with your suede brush before wiping them down with a cloth. Finally, brush your shoes in the direction of the grain once they've dried to smooth out the nap.
SUEDE PROTECTOR
Preventing daily wear and tear on suede shoes by covering the uppers with a high-quality suede protector is the best approach to protect them. In addition, treat your new suede shoes with a waterproof protection spray before wearing them outside as soon as possible. This will function as a barrier against rain, puddle splashes, and mud and help prevent color fading and discoloration.
USE SHOE TREES.
Place shoetrees snugly inside your shoes as soon as you remove them to help keep their form and prevent the suede from wrinkling. Wooden shoe trees made of cedar will also absorb any residual moisture in the suede and reduce the scent from perspiration.
HOW TO STORE SUEDE SHOES
Finally, knowing how to store your suede shoes is an important part of caring for them, and there are a few golden tips to follow:
- To avoid fading, keep them away from direct sunlight.
- Keep children away from radiators and other sources of heat.
- If they get wet, let them air dry and use shoe trees to keep their form.
- When not in use, store them in good shoe bags.
In terms of style, well-made wingtips suede leather boots can be dressed up with tailoring and tailored legwear, but it also looks great with denim jeans and chinos. Visit Barker London flagship stores and stockists worldwide to see the full selection of Barker Goodyear welted brogues online and in-store.
