Most of our pairs are made from Italian suede: the Booted Goat, the SDT, the Sneakpeak, the Mule. Suede needs a little care. Done regularly, it takes little time and the pair keeps its look.
This guide goes from the first day to storage, material by material.
What you need
A suede brush. A suede eraser. A suede protector spray. Old paper or shoe trees. A soft cloth for leather. That is all.
Before the first wear
Spray a suede protector over the whole shoe from about twenty centimetres, and let it dry completely before going out. Repeat every few weeks, more often in winter, in rain or snow.
Step by step
Let it dry
If your pair gets wet, stuff it with paper and let it dry naturally at room temperature. Never on a radiator or with a hair dryer.
Brush
Once dry, use a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dust. Brush gently, always in the same direction.
Remove marks
For a stain or a shiny spot, rub gently with a suede eraser, then brush again.
Protect again
Finish with a light coat of suede protector and let it dry.
Store
Keep your pairs away from direct sunlight, ideally in their box, with shoe trees or paper inside.
By material
Short-hair suede (Booted Goat, SDT, Sneakpeak, Mule): brush in one direction, eraser on marks.
Long-hair suede (Healy, Ibex): brush softly in the direction of the hair, without pressing, to lift the nap without flattening it.
Smooth leather (SDT Pure Love) and patent leather (Daytona): a soft damp cloth is enough. No brush on patent.
Hand-dyed leather (Cor-V Faded): a damp cloth, gently. Do not scrub the dyed areas.
What not to do
No washing machine. No radiator or hair dryer. No soap or household products on suede. No brushing while the suede is still wet: wait until it is completely dry.
The pairs in this guide
- Booted Goat Black · Booted Goat Black, short-hair Italian suede.
- Sneakers SDT Black Tar · SDT Black Tar, cream and black Italian suede.
- Booted Goat Healy Black · Booted Goat Healy Black, long-hair Italian suede.
- Sneakers SDT 101 Crystal · SDT 101 Crystal, full white Italian suede.
Questions
Can I put suede shoes in the washing machine?
No. Water and heat damage suede. Clean it dry, with a brush and an eraser.
What if my suede gets soaked?
Stuff it with paper, let it dry naturally, then brush it to lift the nap.
How often should I protect suede?
Before the first wear, then every few weeks, more often in rain and snow.
Can I wear suede in the rain?
Yes, if it is protected. Let it dry naturally afterwards and brush it.
How do I clean white suede?
Brush it dry and use a suede eraser on marks. Protect it before the first wear so dirt stays on the surface.
