Suede shoes have a distinctive soft and velvety texture, but this also makes them more sensitive to dust, moisture and everyday wear. Over time, the colour may fade and the suede can start to look dry, worn or uneven.
The good news is that this does not necessarily mean your shoes need replacing. With proper cleaning and the right restoration product, suede and nubuck can regain a much fresher appearance.
Why Does Suede Fade?
With regular wear, dust and dirt accumulate on the surface, while friction and moisture gradually affect the appearance of the material. This is particularly noticeable on black, dark blue, brown and other deeply coloured shoes.
Before using a colour-restoring product, make sure the shoes are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Properly
Start with a dry brush designed specifically for suede and nubuck. Gently remove dust and surface dirt while lifting the fibres of the material.
For heavier dirt, use a specialised suede and nubuck cleaner. Avoid creams and waxes intended for smooth leather, as they can flatten the fibres and alter the characteristic appearance of suede.
Allow the shoes to dry naturally, away from radiators or other direct sources of heat.
How to Restore Faded Suede
When cleaning alone is no longer enough, you can use a product designed to refresh and restore the colour.
Coccinè Nano Ravvivant is specially developed for suede and nubuck. It refreshes and evens out the colour while helping to restore the natural, vivid appearance and characteristic fluffy texture of the material.
The product does not block the natural migration of moisture through the leather and is also suitable for footwear with TEX membranes.
How to Use Coccinè Nano Ravvivant
- Clean the shoes thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.
- Shake the bottle before use.
- Test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Apply evenly over the surface from approximately 15–20 cm away.
- Allow the shoes to dry naturally.
- Once dry, gently brush the suede to lift and restore its characteristic texture.
When using a coloured version, choose a shade that is as close as possible to the original colour of your shoes.
You can explore the available Coccinè Nano Ravvivant colours here.
Cleaning, Colour Restoration and Waterproofing Are Not the Same
This is one of the most common mistakes when caring for suede footwear.
Cleaning removes dirt and residue from the material.
Coccinè Nano Ravvivant refreshes and restores the colour and appearance of suede and nubuck.
Waterproofing is an additional step used afterwards to protect the material against moisture and dirt.
For complete suede care, follow this order:
Cleaning → Colour restoration → Waterproofing.
How Often Should You Use It?
There is no need to apply Nano Ravvivant after every wear. Use it when you notice that the colour has lost its intensity or certain areas of the shoes have started to look faded.
For regular maintenance, gentle brushing and suitable protection against moisture are often enough.
Can Old Suede Shoes Look Good Again?
In many cases, yes. If the material itself is not seriously damaged, a combination of thorough cleaning, colour restoration and subsequent protection can noticeably refresh the appearance of your shoes.
The key is to use products specifically designed for suede and nubuck rather than treating these materials in the same way as smooth leather.
With proper and regular care, your favourite suede shoes can retain their rich colour, soft texture and attractive appearance for much longer.
