How to Keep Your Suede Boots Looking Like New

Date: 05 Oct 2025

Suede is one of the most elegant and beautiful materials for shoes. Soft, warm and luxurious in appearance, it adds a touch of sophistication and femininity to every outfit. However, as lovely as it is, suede also requires special care. A little rain, some dust or a careless step can leave marks that are not easy to remove.

The good news is that with just a bit of attention and the right care, your suede boots and booties can look new for years. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean, protect and store them properly throughout the season.

1. Understand the Material

Suede is a type of natural leather made from the inner layer of the hide. That’s what gives it its signature soft, matte and slightly fuzzy surface.

Unlike smooth leather, suede is breathable and flexible, which makes it very comfortable to wear. However, it is also porous, meaning it can absorb moisture and stains more easily. That’s why it needs proper protection and gentle cleaning.

2. How to Clean Suede Boots and Booties

Suede should always be cleaned gently and without water. Moisture can leave stains and ruin its texture. Here’s how to take care of it the right way:

Remove dust and light dirt

Use a suede brush with soft rubber or crepe bristles to remove surface dust and restore the nap.
Always brush in one direction to avoid damaging the fibers.
If you don’t have a suede brush, a soft toothbrush can work in a pinch.

Water stains

Let the boots dry naturally, away from heaters or direct sunlight.
Once completely dry, brush them gently – the nap usually evens out on its own.

Salt or mud stains

If you’ve walked through slush or salty streets, wipe your boots gently with a dry cloth as soon as you get home.
When they’re dry, brush them again to soften the surface.
For stubborn stains, use a suede eraser or cleaning block to remove marks safely.

Grease stains

Sprinkle the spot with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil.
Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Brush the powder off gently afterward.

3. How to Protect Them from Rain and Snow

Prevention is the best way to keep suede looking new.

Use a waterproofing spray for suede. It creates an invisible barrier that repels water and dirt.
Spray on clean, dry shoes from about 20 centimeters away.
Let them dry fully before wearing them.
Reapply the spray every two weeks during rainy or snowy weather.

Important: never use leather cream or polish on suede - it will darken and stiffen the material.

4. How to Restore Their Original Look

Even with good care, suede can lose its softness over time. Here are a few tricks to bring it back to life:

Steam - hold the shoe above steam for a few seconds (not too close) and then brush it. The steam softens the fibers and restores the nap.
Suede eraser or block - perfect for removing shiny spots or uneven color.
Suede recoloring spray - if the color has faded, use a special spray to refresh it evenly.

5. How to Store Suede Shoes

Proper storage is essential once the season is over.

Clean your boots thoroughly and let them dry completely.
Stuff them with plain paper (not newspaper) to keep their shape.
Store them in a fabric bag or their original box, away from sunlight and humidity.
For tall boots, use boot shapers or rolled-up paper tubes to keep them upright.

6. Quick Fixes for Emergencies

If you get caught in the rain, blot the moisture gently with a paper towel, without rubbing.
Stuff the boots with paper and let them dry naturally, away from heat.
For white salt marks, wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth, then dry and brush again.

7. Color and Styling Tips

Suede absorbs color beautifully, which gives it a soft, velvety look that feels luxurious.

Classic colors: beige, brown, gray and black - easy to match with everything.
Seasonal shades: burgundy, olive green and navy - rich tones that add depth to your outfits.
Best combinations:
- With jeans and a wool coat for an urban look.
- With a skirt and knitted sweater for a feminine touch.
- With leather trousers for a modern contrast.

Tip: neutral suede booties are incredibly versatile and work with almost any outfit, whether you dress up or down.

8. Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning suede with water or wet wipes.
Drying shoes near a heater.
Applying oily creams or wax polish.
Storing shoes while they’re still damp.

Even the best suede can be ruined by heat or moisture, so a little care goes a long way.

Conclusion

Suede boots and booties are timeless - soft, elegant and comfortable. But to keep them beautiful, they need gentle care. With regular cleaning and proper protection, they’ll stay in perfect shape for years.

Remember these three golden rules: