Suede
Suede is made from the underside of the hide - the reverse of what you see on smooth leather. Rather than the tight, sealed grain surface, suede exposes the fibrous inner layer of the skin, which is buffed to produce its characteristic soft, velvety nap. It is one of the most tactile and visually rich materials in footwear, and it ages with a quiet, lived-in elegance that smooth leathers cannot replicate. Suede is more porous than finished leather, which makes it more sensitive to water, oil, and dirt - but also means it responds exceptionally well to proper protection applied early and consistently. The key with suede is always prevention over cure: once a stain sets or the nap is damaged, it is difficult to fully reverse.
Do
- Apply suede protection spray before the very first wear
- Reapply protection spray every 4-6 weeks
- Use a suede brush to raise the nap after each wear
- Remove dry mud with a suede eraser once fully dry - never wet
- Use a suede brush in one direction to restore the nap after brushing
- Store in the cotton dust bag to protect from dust and light
Don't
- Use regular leather balm or polish - it mats and darkens the nap permanently
- Rub wet suede - let it dry fully before any treatment
- Wear suede in heavy rain without protection spray
- Use a stiff brush - it permanently damages the fibre
- Expose to prolonged direct sunlight - suede fades unevenly