Shoe stores often offer suede shoes, but buyers are hesitant and afraid to buy them, as they consider suede to be an impractical material that is not suitable for our modern weather conditions. In fact, boots and shoes made of suede are durable and of good quality, they look original and stylish on the foot. The main thing is to know how to care for suede shoes, and they will serve you faithfully.
Animal skin is subjected to special treatment; fish, seal or bone fat, and vegetable oils are used as tanning agents. The result is a soft, velvety on both sides and very durable material - suede, from which shoes, clothes, bags and accessories are sewn. Things made from it look original, stylish and expensive.
Suede happens:
- natural. For its production, only high-quality expensive raw materials are used: elk, deer, and roe deer leather. The process of dressing and processing is long and complex, so such products are high in price;
- artificial. Only a professional can distinguish it from the natural one by appearance. This is a special fleecy fabric treated with various impregnations for strength, water resistance and color retention. But it does not have durability and allows water to pass through, which is quite cold in winter.
What to look for when purchasing
How to distinguish natural suede from artificial one? Use a few rules.
- Natural suede has a pleasant leather smell, while its substitute will smell like glue, chemicals, or paint.
- Suede, by definition, cannot be cheap.
- The shoes may get wet on top, but moisture will never penetrate inside; the surface swells and becomes impenetrable.
- If you run your finger over the suede, the color changes, the fibers tilt at a certain angle and refract the light.
- The leather is velvety on both sides, a fabric base is unacceptable.
- The edges of the finished products are not folded, and the cut can be used to identify genuine leather; the edges of artificial suede are processed so that they do not fray.
- Suede never has an even and smooth surface; its structure is porous, has scratches and small defects. The coloring is heterogeneous.
- Things made from natural suede are very warm and at the same time “breathe”, allowing air to circulate freely without collecting condensation.
- Place your hand on the surface, the natural material will immediately warm up.
To make your shoes look like they came straight from the store, remember a few tips on how to care for suede and get special products.
Primary processing
Suede easily absorbs water, so as soon as you bring a box of new shoes home, immediately treat the suede surface with a special product to protect it from water, snow, dirt, and salt. After drying, a transparent invisible layer is formed, which will give boots and boots invulnerability in bad weather.
For the best effect, the procedure should be carried out twice, or even three times, with a break for drying.
Shoe cleaning
After each use, regardless of the weather, shoes must be cleaned of dust and dirt. First of all, you need to dry it in natural conditions, otherwise you will only rub dirt stains deeper when cleaning. Drying on a radiator is strictly prohibited, otherwise the skin will become rough.
For minor stains, use special suede brushes. For severe contamination, you can use a soap solution with the addition of ammonia in a ratio of 5 to 1. The product is applied with a brush, washed off with a clean sponge and wiped dry with a napkin.
Shiny stains can be removed with a cotton swab soaked in ammonia.
Velvety is the highlight of suede shoes and, at the same time, its weak point. Due to the increased “shaggyness”, dust and dirt get clogged between the fibers, so they need regular cleaning.
To make a suede product look velvety, the pile should be lifted with a special rubber brush or an ordinary school eraser.
If the pile is caked, then arrange a water bath - hold the shoes over the steam and wipe with flannel. This is a very effective remedy.
Color restoration
Restorative spray paint will help refresh the color. It should be applied to suede and wait until it dries completely. It not only helps restore color, but also has additional protective functions. When purchasing a restorer, be sure to choose a shade that is as close as possible to the “native” one, otherwise the paint may go on unevenly.
And if there are no problems with black, then choosing the right shade for a brown pair can be difficult, and sometimes almost impossible for a colored pair. Try staining a piece of suede from the inside first to make sure the result is positive, and only then proceed with restoration.
There are many folk remedies for restoring color, but they should be used carefully so as not to cause harm. For brown shoes, you can use coffee grounds, which are lightly rubbed in and brushed off with a brush after drying.
White suede can be wiped with baby talcum powder; it also perfectly removes greasy stains. Black shoes can be refreshed with a marker, especially in the area of scuffs.
To care for suede shoes, be sure to purchase protective and auxiliary products.
- Water repellent spray. Protects from water, dirt, salt, deformation. Convenient to use, but has too strong a smell.
- Impregnation. Has the same protective functions as the spray. For suede, impregnation based on fluorocarbon resin is best suited, but silicate ones can also be used.
- Foam cleaner. Serves for soft and gentle cleaning. It is applied to shoes by spraying and removed with a sponge.
- Restorative paint. In addition to protecting against dirt and moisture, it hides scratches and minor defects. Renews and refreshes color.
- Stretcher. New. After application, you need to walk around with your shoes on a little, the skin will soften and the shoes will “sit” on your feet and stretch to fit.
When caring for suede shoes at home, it is very important to use various brushes:
- hard brush. Allows you to remove dust and dirt. Use gently to avoid leaving scratches;
- an eraser will remove greasy stains from suede;
- The crepe brush returns the velvety feel.
It is advisable to purchase a universal brush that combines several functions.
How to store suede shoes
In order for suede products to last a long time, they must be stored correctly. Shoes should be thoroughly dried, cleaned, and special plastic shoes or crumpled newspaper should be inserted into them. It is advisable to choose a dark, cool place for storage.
Do not store suede products in plastic bags to avoid the appearance of fungus or mold; use shoe boxes or a special shoe cabinet. Place moth repellent nearby.
High tops should not be folded or wrinkled, otherwise “creases” and stripes will remain.
Be sure to study all the tips on how to care for suede shoes, because they are expensive, and incorrect actions can significantly shorten the life of your favorite boots or boots.
- Try to wear suede shoes in dry weather, they do not like adverse weather conditions: snow, rain, mud.
- Do not use products designed to care for smooth skin.
- Carry out all manipulations with suede only after it has completely dried. To speed up drying, stuff the inside of the shoes with crumpled newspaper and dry only in natural conditions.
- Avoid sunlight, shoes will fade and lose color.
- If you don’t have a special brush for suede at home, then use folk methods: remove dirt with a crust of rye bread, and for a velvety feel, hold your shoes over hot steam and brush them with a regular clothes brush.
- Do not make circular movements with the brush, this will damage the material. Cleaning should be done using movements in one direction.
- Glycerin perfectly removes salt stains.
- For white shoes, you can use regular toothpaste. It will perfectly remove stains from suede. Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide will help restore the snow-white appearance: add a spoonful to a glass of water and treat the surface.
- At least once a week, apply a protective water-repellent spray to your shoes.
- Under no circumstances should you wash off the dirt with water; it will make the suede dull and the stains will still not disappear.
Should you buy suede shoes?
Despite some troublesome care, suede products are very popular. They are very comfortable to wear, durable and indicate that their owner is not devoid of refined taste.
If you properly care for suede boots, sneakers, boots, they will look great and last for more than one season. Arm yourself with brushes and protective equipment, do not be lazy to clean the suede from dust, dirt, whitish stains of salt and reagents. If you are not ready to do this yourself, then any dry cleaner will get your boots in order.
Shoes made of suede or nubuck always look elegant and stylish. In addition, wearing shoes, boots, boots made of these materials is truly comfortable, since both suede and nubuck are very elastic and soft. However, many consider such shoes to be impractical. And in vain!
If you take proper care of suede, it doesn’t matter whether it’s fashionable women’s boots or children’s winter boots, it will serve you for a long time and will please both your feet and your eyes, as they say. The methods of care are simple, you just need to apply them systematically, and not occasionally.
Water - away! Protecting suede shoes from water
So, you bought suede shoes. The first thing you absolutely need to do is protect it from water. Treat your new item with a protective water-repellent agent. It is better to do this three times, each time allowing the product to absorb and the shoes to dry. During wear, water-repellent prophylaxis should be done at least once every three weeks, and if there is dirt and slush outside, then more often - weekly. This will help suede and nubuck not only not get wet, but also not absorb salt and get dirty.
Dry - don't rush. If your suede shoes are wet
If suede shoes are wet, then do not rush to clean and soak them. First of all, dry it. Ideally, wet shoes, shoes or boots should be put on special lasts so that the suede straightens out and the shoes take their shape. But if there are no such pads, ordinary newsprint will do. Stuff your shoes with old newspapers and, if they are very wet, change them periodically. The paper will easily absorb excess moisture, allowing the shoes to dry. The only caveat is that do not try to speed up the process by attaching shoes to radiators or heaters. It will dry quickly, but suede or nubuck will become stiff and lose their elasticity. After such intense drying, they can simply crack and even tear.
And an eraser will do. Cleaning dirt from suede shoes
You need to clean suede shoes from dirt without waiting for them to become scabby. For high-quality cleaning, it is better to stock up on additional accessories such as a hard porous sponge brush and a brush with rubberized teeth. If you don’t have them, you can take an ordinary eraser. The top layer of the material can be easily “invigorated”, returning the velvety feel to the suede, using a crepe brush. A special foam cleaner will help remove street dirt. But let us remind you that you only need to apply it to dry shoes! What you absolutely cannot do with suede shoes is wash them; it is better to immediately throw them in the trash.
No chemistry
It is strictly not recommended to use any solvents or bleaches to clean suede products. If the shoes are very dirty, prepare an ordinary soap solution based on baby soap or any delicate laundry powder. Add a little ammonia to it (proportion 1:5) and wipe your shoes with this liquid. After such a “bath,” rinse the suede with water acidified with vinegar at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water.
Suede Tricks
A few tricks for caring for suede shoes. If the material becomes shiny, clean these places with ordinary table salt or rub with the side of a new matchbox.
To keep the suede pile looking neat, run a dry brush over it in one direction.
If the suede pile is long and curls, treat it with steam by holding the suede over a container of boiling water and scrubbing it with a wire brush.
A surefire way to restore the color of brown suede is coffee. Apply coffee grounds to discolored and worn areas, let them dry, and then brush with a dry brush. Another way to “rejuvenate” suede is to smoke it over a candle flame.
It is better to take care of suede shoes in the evening, rather than putting it off until the morning, before you need to put on your shoes, boots or shoes. Overnight, the suede will recover and will again have an attractive, stylish appearance.
Olga Nikitina
Reading time: 9 minutes
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In the autumn and winter season, wet shoes become a real disaster. After a walk, your feet always end up wet, your shoes quickly lose their original appearance, and there’s no need to talk about the unpleasant smell from wet boots.
What to do if your boots get wet, and how to prepare your shoes for winter?
Why do shoes get wet in winter, and how to properly prepare them for this time of year?
Everyone knows that wet feet are a reason to come down with a fever and runny nose. Therefore, it is important that shoes remain dry during the snowy or rainy season.
Why do boots get wet in winter?
- The sole has come off. Most often, such a “wet matter” is associated precisely with damage to the sole or its poor-quality “adhesion” to the boot itself.
- Poorly made shoes. Cheap boots “2 pairs for the price of 1” are always of poor quality. Manufacturers use low-quality materials, and the production process leaves much to be desired. Considering that suede and leather themselves do not allow moisture to pass through, we can confidently talk about poor-quality seams or the presence of holes and cracks.
- Chemical reagents. They are used to sprinkle roads in the winter, and it’s no secret that such products can “kill” even the strongest boots in one winter.
- No special impregnation on shoes (note – the task of the manufacturer).
- Synthetic materials. Frost causes artificial leather and other synthetic materials to crack, as a result of which shoes also lose their “moisture resistance.”
So that when winter begins you don’t have to urgently shell out for a second pair of shoes, buy it in advance.
Prepare your first pair for winter with the help of simple tips and specialists from a shoe workshop:
- We evaluate the integrity of the sole, seams, leather and accessories.
- We wash and clean the surface.
- We change heels (if necessary) and strengthen the heels.
- We sew (strengthen) the seams.
- Reinforce (if necessary) the sole. This preventive measure will help compact the sole, protect it from rapid abrasion and provide anti-slip properties. It is important to ensure that the master uses only high-quality material that will be resistant to reagents and frost. For example, wear-resistant rubber or polyurethane. Such a budget option as resit (note – and microporous rubber) should be abandoned.
You can also...
- Impregnate poor-quality seams with a special agent with water-repellent properties. True, this manipulation will have to be repeated periodically.
- Dry the cracks and holes (note - sand the surface, and then apply drying oil and wait for it to dry).
- Install outsoles (rolling) on top of your sole if you do not want to change it completely.
- Buy fat-containing (nutrient) products for leather shoes. They will restore elasticity to the boots and prevent cracking.
- Buy creams/aerosols based on beeswax for patent leather shoes.
- Find special products for shoes with breathable membranes. Such products will enhance the water-repellent effect and support pore breathing.
7 best folk recipes that will make shoes waterproof at home!
It’s not only in winter that you have to think about water-repellent agents for shoes. They won’t interfere with summer shoes either (who likes squishy shoes).
For your attention - folk and store-bought remedies for protecting shoes from moisture.
Strengthening the water-repellent properties of leather shoes: 7 best “folk” recipes
- Lamb lard (about 50 g) + flax oil (about 50 g) + regular turpentine (10 g). Mix the ingredients, having previously melted the lard, and apply the still warm mixture to the boots using a soft cloth.
- Wax + flax oil. Melt 30 g of wax (you can use paraffin) over low heat and mix with pre-purchased linseed oil (10 g is enough). Apply the warm mixture to the boots and gently rub in with a woolen cloth.
- Castor oil. As a rule, every girl has it. But it is recommended to use it exclusively for rough skin (note: it will ruin thin skin). Simply rub the oil into the leather surface and polish.
- Beeswax (about 20 g) + regular turpentine (about 10-15 g) + crushed rosin (no more than 50 g). Mix all ingredients and apply to boots with a soft cloth. Wait for absorption.
- Glycerin (about 20 g) + liquid fish oil (40 g) + turpentine (about 30 g) + beeswax (about 10 g). Mix everything, melt over low heat and mix with glycerin. Next, apply the mixture to the shoes.
- Castor oil + any animal fat. We take these components in equal proportions, after melting the fat. Next, mix them and apply the mixture to the shoes and their seams.
- Wax or paraffin. Rub the boots with a candle until the surface is completely covered. Next, we heat this wax coating evenly using a hairdryer. An ingenious recipe that reliably saves shoes from getting wet.
Important!
You cannot use paraffin, wax and organic creams for suede shoes - they require a more subtle approach.
For suede, suitable aerosols and emulsions are widely available in stores. 
7 best store-bought products for protecting boots from getting wet
- Salamander Universal SMS. This spray is suitable for leather, textiles and suede. Reliably protects shoes from dirt and moisture, and also improves their appearance. The disadvantage is the strong smell (it is better to use the spray outside or on the balcony). The average price is about 350 rubles.
- Ecco. A unique effective spray that protects against moisture and dirt and does not disturb the air exchange of the material. It dries instantly and is economical to use. The average price is about 500 rubles.
- Collonil Nanopro. A revolutionary spray based on fluorocarbonate compounds is a real find for leather, textiles, nubuck, velor, etc. Creates the thinnest and most invisible, absolutely impenetrable and deep film on shoes. One of the advantages is high efficiency. The disadvantage is the price. The spray will cost an average of 600-800 rubles.
- KiwiAquaStop. This spray is suitable for leather and nubuck, as well as suede, textiles and artificial leather. Reliably protects shoes (dirt, moisture and reagents), dries quickly, restores appearance, and easily fits in a bag. Costs about 200 rubles.
- Salamander cream. Fat nourishing skin cream. Powerful water-repellent properties, restore shine, cover up scuffs, cost-effective, natural wax in the composition, no strong chemical odor. The average price is about 160 rubles.
- Grangers G-Wax. A very effective impregnation cream for rough skin. Purpose – cleaning and protection from moisture and salt. Created on the basis of beeswax. The average price is about 350 rubles.
- SMS Olvist. High-quality Swedish impregnation for 100% protection against moisture and dirt. Designed for textile leather. Fully approved by customers. The average cost is about 300 rubles.
Of course, just buying the perfect product for your shoes is not enough.
It is also important to apply it correctly!
- Method of 3rd application of impregnation. Apply the product to shoes three times with an interval of 1 day between procedures. Only after such a procedure can you be sure of the reliability of your shoes.
- Using a spray, spray it with more than one spray , and until the product stops being absorbed into the structure of the shoe.
- When using impregnation on old shoes, be sure to thoroughly clean the surface first. shoes, then wash and dry thoroughly. And only then can you apply the product.
- Choosing the right product! For example, oily water-repellent creams are only suitable for rough leather, while for other materials it is better to use sprays and emulsions. It is also worth noting that leatherette is not able to absorb oils and sprays.
Video recipes for all occasions, how to make shoes waterproof
Video: The secret to protecting shoes from moisture!
Video: How to extend the life of leather shoes to 20-30 years
Important!
If you bought expensive shoes for the winter, and they got wet in the first week of winter, you have every right contact the seller and request a refund or an equivalent exchange.
If the seller refuses, according to the law, you can insist on an independent examination procedure and sue, demanding reimbursement of all your costs, the amount spent on shoes, as well as payment for moral damages.
The site site thanks you for your attention to the article! We will be very pleased if you share your recipes for making boots or shoes waterproof!
Anyone who loves suede products should know how to protect suede shoes from getting wet. For several seasons now, shoes made from this material have been at the peak of popularity. It looks beautiful, is soft, pleasant to the touch and has a presentable appearance. However, it is worth understanding that in our climate in the off-season and in winter, when there is precipitation and thaw, suede shoes can quickly lose their appearance. That is why it is necessary to ensure complete protection.
AquaBron shoe spray is perfect for caring for suede shoes. These are natural preparations that do not contain hazardous substances, are easy to use and guarantee long-term protection for suede shoes for up to 3 months. Spray "AquaBron" is easy to apply, does not leave stains, has no specific odor and does not cause an allergic reaction, which allows it to be used when caring for children's things.
Complex protection for suede shoes
- Moisture protection
Protection against getting wet consists of using water-repellent agents. Aerosols are applied to the surface of the shoes. To achieve a high-quality effect, the treatment must be carried out three times. After each spraying, it is necessary to dry the shoes naturally. Do not use batteries or electric dryers. Properly treated suede from getting wet is then easy to clean and serves for a long time.
- Proper cleaning
Suede is a capricious material that requires careful care. It is best to wear suede products in winter when it is frosty. To remove dirt, use a special brush with metal bristles or rubber bristles. If the product is not new, then it is best to choose a brush with metal bristles, which lifts the suede. To care for new shoes, a softer brush is required.
- Material Update
Even those who wear their shoes carefully cannot be immune from unsightly whitish spots that appear due to the accumulation of dirt. It is quite difficult to get rid of such contaminants, so timely updating of shoes using special coloring sprays is required. The shoes are first cleaned and dried, after which paint is applied to them. This update helps refresh the color of the suede and protect it from getting wet.
- Deep cleaning
Heavily soiled shoes should not be washed under the tap. There are special foams for cleaning suede. They are applied to the surface of the material and help remove even heavy dirt. Among folk remedies, it is worth noting cleaning suede with ammonia, which is diluted with soap solution in a ratio of 5:1 and is used to treat a contaminated product.
After the season ends, suede shoes must be cleaned, treated with sprays and put in a box, since suede products do not like plastic bags.
Will suede winter boots get wet in slush and snow? and got the best answer
Answer from Galina Pustovalova[guru]
I myself love and wear suede shoes. She needs to be looked after properly. Water-repellent paint for suede is sold in aerosol packaging. Take only good paint - do not buy cheap paint from unfamiliar companies. Dry your shoes (not near heating devices), clean the suede with a brush, and then paint it. The shoes will be like new.
Tanya
Sage
(16249)
first wear?!
Answer from Nastuha[active]
who told you such nonsense:???
Answer from Lyuba Romanova[master]
yes, they get wet. I suffered myself
Answer from Zheka***[guru]
not if you put galoshes on them....
Answer from Enya[expert]
In the snow - no, but in the slush - they will
Answer from BLEZ[guru]
They will get wet if they walk through puddles! But this is not about us.... THERE IS NO SNOW IN MOSCOW!
Answer from Toki Wartooth[expert]
and even then the suede will become rougher and tougher
Answer from Sweet Cherry*[guru]
I buy platform boots, geisha, with high soles for this weather!
Then nothing will get wet.
Suede gets wet just like leather.
Answer from Unknown[guru]
not necessarily, but they will (((((And the appearance of the suede will immediately be lost the first time it gets wet....
Answer from Pelagia[guru]
The good ones shouldn't. But it’s almost impossible to put it back in order after getting into the mud.
Answer from Verochka[active]
Treat with special impregnation, sold, it’s better not to wear it right away
Answer from Jatka[expert]
Of course they will get wet! Tested from my own experience. It is better to buy stylish boots made of good leather.
Answer from Irina Pidunova[guru]
After some time, if you walk on water and even with reagents, they may leak. It is better to wear them in snow and frost.
Answer from ЍлLeN[active]
yes they will get wet, your mom is right! But there is a way to prevent them from getting wet: you need to buy a water-repellent spray, spray your suede boots with it, and in a day you can easily put them in a puddle! I know myself, I have 2 pairs of them and ours is already 2 years old and has never gotten wet!
Answer from Anna Dorofeeva[guru]
My suede boots don’t get wet, don’t worry, if the suede is natural, then nothing will happen to it either
Answer from Diana G.[newbie]
There are special socks that I want to buy for myself, to go with my suede boots! They are not waterproof and cannot be worn for a long time, but in wet weather you can get to work! Sold in specialty stores. clothes!
Answer from Marisha[active]
they will get wet... and become smacky....
Answer from Fantasy[guru]
If the boots are on a platform, you have to walk carefully, then no, but low ones, unfortunately, get wet, it’s a pity, you need to buy a special impregnation, an aerosol, but it doesn’t help for a long time)) But you can try))
Answer from Irina Shinkaryuk[newbie]
I myself adore suede shoes and wear them with pleasure. Therefore, I can say for sure that they will get wet and the appearance will deteriorate, you can and should buy all sorts of spray brushes and paints, but it’s still better not to wear them in rain and slush, for such weather it’s better to buy leather ones and wear suede ones in dry weather.
