We all love a good pair of suede shoes and boots, or a suede jacket. But keeping your suede in good shape? That’s where things get complicated, especially in the winter and spring. Wintry elements like rain, sleet, and snow aren’t particularly kind to suede items, and April showers just make things worse. But, with a little bit of planning—and knowing exactly how to take care of suede—you can not only wear them year-round, but also keep them in mint condition.
Follow these tips to make sure your suede shoes and boots look as good as new.
Seal Your Suede]
You wouldn’t hit the beach without sunscreen, and, similarly, you shouldn’t hit the streets in suede without properly protecting them first. Everywhere from drugstores to shoe repair stores carry protective sprays, and we’re big fans of Gear Aid ReviveX Nubuck Suede & Fabric Water Repellent, in particular. A thin application of a suede sealant will last for several months (that’s right, you do have to treat suede every couple months) and will help repel dirt and stop stains before they start. A tip to keep in mind before actually spraying: We strongly recommend brushing with a suede brush before and after you spray it.