Suede shoes are not only stylish and look very elegant on your feet, but they are also easy to care for and have a long service life if you follow certain cleaning rules.
Types of suede
In the age of high technology, any expensive and high-quality natural raw material has budget synthetic analogues; when starting a conversation about suede shoes, you should understand that we are talking exclusively about products made from natural material.
Suede shoes
Artificial analogues, despite their initial aesthetics, naturally cannot guarantee the repetition of all the positive qualities of the original product, which means you should not expect durability and comfortable wear from them. Despite the humane manufacturing method, which allows not to take the lives of animals, eco-suede does not allow air to pass through, loses its appearance when exposed to moisture and wears out quite quickly, even with regular use of protective equipment.
Differences between natural suede and synthetics
The natural product is soft like fabric and retains this property even after repeated washing with soap. The pile is very delicate and almost invisible.
Unlike its substitute, natural suede is famous for its numerous distinctive properties:
- allows air to pass through;
- with proper care, it retains its presentability and functional qualities for many years;
- absorbs a small amount of water, allowing the inside of the products to remain dry;
- retains heat perfectly.
Some characterizing qualities of high-quality material can be called disadvantages:
- requires careful care;
- absorbs dust and dirt;
- With everyday use, it quickly loses its aesthetics.
Reference! People call suede material “washable leather.”
Advantages of suede shoes
Almost every self-respecting shoe manufacturer necessarily has a line of suede models in its arsenal. The reason is simple - there are many undeniable advantages, including:
- elegant and attractive appearance;
- significant potential for compatibility with clothing; rich color palette;
- softness and elasticity, providing maximum comfort during use;
- breathability, allowing feet to “breathe” in shoes;
- thermal insulation properties that maintain a constant temperature inside the product;
- antistatic and hypoallergenic;
- durability, subject to proper care.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
Suede is a type of genuine leather that differs from it in the features of technological processing. The material is made from the skins of not very large animals by tanning. Suede looks nobler than leather, it is much more comfortable and elegant. This effect is achieved due to the following properties:
- elasticity providing high comfort;
- stability – the product does not lose its appearance when exposed to aggressive factors;
- compatibility with various clothing styles;
- lack of attachment to a specific season - suede shoes are warm not only in autumn, but also in winter;
- uniformity of color, density of pile, creating an irresistible charm.
This list of advantages ensures the popularity of suede boots among fashion trendsetters. From year to year, products made from these raw materials remain in trend, delighting their owners with beauty and convenience. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the need for more careful care than for leather products. This is due to exposure to the negative effects of water. In addition, special brushes must be used to clean the material from dirt.
The difference between suede and velor, at first glance, is insignificant. However, upon closer examination it is obvious. The table below is a clear confirmation of this.
| Characteristic | Velours | Suede |
| Structural features | Thick short pile | Dense structure, less noticeable pile |
| Strength | Deforms quickly | More durable and wear resistant |
| Application area | Clothes, bags, hats | Gloves, shoes, clothing decorative elements |
| Other aspects | Not very expensive material | Processing difficulties lead to a higher price level |
Suede has the ability to maintain an impeccable shape and provide grace and comfort. Therefore, the emergence of fashionable models from it is a pattern. It is justified by its undeniable advantages over other materials.
Disadvantages of suede shoes
Suede shoes are not without their disadvantages. This:
- significant cost, which, however, is fully justified by the high quality of the products;
- the need for regular care and the purchase of special protective equipment, however, this characteristic applies to all other materials;
- inconsistency with the dress code of some events and organizations;
- instability to mechanical influences, which is also typical for other types of shoes;
- Without appropriate treatment in wet weather, moisture and, with it, dirt are quickly absorbed, which greatly complicates cleaning the product.
Fashion brands
Each season is characterized by the appearance of new products from famous brands. Models of suede boots are presented:
- Carlo Pasolini. The Italian shoe brand is distinguished by high quality and elegance.
- Renzi. The highlight of the collection is the winter version of high boots in mustard, pink and turquoise shades.
- Casadei. This Italian brand is famous for its elegant high-heeled boots.
- Francesco Donni. The shortened model with a stiletto heel or on a tractor sole amazes with its variety of colors. Available in orange, burgundy and mustard.
- Kostanay. The versatility of popular models is designed in classic, discreet shades.
- Belwest. The main accent in the shoes is the combination of suede and leather. Shades – marsh, mustard, beige.
- Nando Muzi. The style and color of the models surprises with their originality. Features of the new products: tractor sole, stable heel or high stiletto heel.
Branded models ensure that fashionistas' individual needs are met. The choice is especially varied in terms of colors, heel heights and shafts.
Nando Muzi
Kostanay
Carlo Pazolini
Casadei
Renzi
Belwest
Francesco Donni
Types of suede shoes
Taking into account all the advantages of natural suede, shoes made from it are produced for both men and women, regardless of age characteristics and stylistic preferences. Suede shoes can be used for any season.
For warm weather, the following are relevant: ballet flats, sandals, brogues, winklepickers, sneakers, sneakers, Louboutins, loafers, moccasins, mules, clogs, sandals, slippers, slip-ons, top-siders, pumps and espadrilles.
For more severe conditions, the following are suitable: boots, ankle boots, over the knee boots, work boots, desert boots, derbies, jackboots, jodhpurs, Cossack boots, women's boots, ankle boots and chukkas.
All types of shoes, list with photos: men's and women's shoes from A to Z
Criterias of choice
Having weighed all the pros and cons, and finally decided to purchase suede shoes, when choosing a suitable model, you should take into account some points:
- First of all, it is necessary to visually evaluate the appearance of the proposed pair. If done well, it will look neat and elegant.
- All seams must be smooth and strong , the sole must be securely fixed. If there are lacing, the metal parts that form the holes should fit snugly to the shoe, leaving no gaps. Zippers or other fasteners must work flawlessly.
- You should choose your shoe size no less carefully. Since suede is a very soft and elastic material, loose models should be put aside immediately. Shoes should fit perfectly on the foot , tightly fitting, but not creating discomfort.
- As for the material itself, the characteristic smell of leather . And it’s also worth paying attention to the inside: the presence of a tissue layer eloquently indicates its artificial origin.
- In addition, there are tactile methods for verifying naturalness. To do this, just run your finger over the surface under study. As a result of changing the direction of the pile, a mark will remain on natural suede. The condition of the surface of artificial suede does not change at all under similar exposure.
- The edges of products made from natural material are usually not folded, leaving the cuts open, while the substitute requires processing and masking of the cuts.
- The next question is the quality of the product. All suede fibers should be uniform and adhere well. Stains and uneven coloring are unacceptable. Also, traces of paint should not remain on your hands or a paper napkin, which can be prudently rubbed over the product.
- And finally - the price. No matter how trite it sounds, real suede shoes cannot be inexpensive. This fact is due to the peculiarities of its production. To avoid purchasing a beautiful fake, you should give preference to well-known brands that value their reputation.
Heavy soiling on suede: saving shoes
If your favorite boots or shoes have begun to deteriorate or become dirty, then the sooner you start “rescuing” the shoes, the greater the chance that you will still be able to show off in them. Let us consider separately the possible problems associated with such a whimsical material and tell you about ways to solve them.
Suede produces an unpleasant odor
You should steam the shoes for 10-15 minutes and dry the product. The steam will smooth out the pile and at the same time destroy bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor.
Suede is shiny
A solution of water and vinegar will help rid suede of an unpleasant shine. Mix water and vinegar, take the proportions to 1 tbsp. warm water - 1 tsp. vinegar. Wipe the shiny area with the resulting solution using a piece of cloth.
Stains on the pile
The cause of stains may be salt settling after precipitation. Blot a napkin with undiluted kerosene and treat the area with stains. Daily application of clear spray paint will prevent the suede from streaking.
Dirt on suede, stained product
If the dirt cannot be cleaned with a soft bristled brush, then you will have to take an extreme method. Prepare warm soapy water with the addition of ammonia (2 ml is enough). It is better to use liquid soap for these purposes. Do not use washing powder.
Carefully dip the brush into the water and clean the contaminated area with smooth movements. If it's hopeless, you can even completely immerse the pile in water to dissolve the dirt. After washing, dry the material with a dry cloth. The product will dry at normal room temperature.
Suede darkened after getting wet
Unfortunately, darkened pile is spoiled pile. It is impossible to remove darkening mechanically. The only option is to buy suede paint that matches the color of your shoes and treat the product.
Important! Do not leave suede shoes near heat sources: heaters, radiators, gas stoves.
The pile of fabric material dries out and deteriorates hopelessly near heating appliances. At normal temperatures, a suede product dries completely within 24 hours. Caring for suede shoes does not allow the use of products intended for caring for other types of shoes.
Rules for caring for suede shoes
Many potential buyers are intimidated by the idea that suede shoes require regular care. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this, you just need to purchase some cosmetics and adhere to certain operating conditions.
Since we are talking about shoes, regardless of the material they are made of, there are a number of rules, the observance of which allows you to preserve the original appearance of the model and significantly extend its service life:
- to prevent deformation of the heels, shoes should be taken off and put on using special horns;
- to avoid loss of shape and change in size, it is forbidden to wear undried, wet shoes;
- It is best to dry your shoes naturally, without using heating devices.
- When storing shoes, it is useful to use special mold holders;
- Do not leave shoes in the cold or in direct sunlight. During periods of inactivity, seasonal shoes should be stored in a dry place, placed in special boxes and provided with the necessary ventilation.
Now directly about suede products. So:
- Immediately after purchasing a new pair, it is recommended to treat it with a special protective agent. This will avoid negative effects on the front surface of moisture, dust and dirt.
- If dirt gets on your shoes, under no circumstances should you try to wipe them off immediately. After drying, the blot can be easily removed with a silicone eraser or a suede brush.
- For preventive comprehensive cleaning, it is useful to treat the surface of suede with steam. This will allow the crushed fibers to straighten out and take a beautiful starting position.
It is strictly prohibited:
- wash shoes made of natural suede under running water;
- use creams and brushes designed for smooth skin, even natural, to treat the surface;
- wear suede shoes without pre-treatment with water-repellent agents in wet weather.
Suede shoe care products
If your close acquaintance with suede shoes is at the initial stage, when purchasing a new pair, you should immediately take care of a minimum set of care products. As a rule, reputable shoe stores have a fairly wide selection of such products, so you don’t have to look for them for long.
Essential items include:
- a special brush for removing dirt from suede shoes . The most practical models have double-sided coating and rubberized side surfaces, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach places. On one side, they have rubber bristles for gentle treatment, on the other, a combined bristle consisting of dense synthetic and metal for more thorough treatment of problem areas.
- water-repellent impregnation , usually a spray. By the way, such products are often universal, and are equally suitable for both suede and smooth leather products. To avoid paying twice, just read the instructions carefully.
- eraser for delicate removal of spot stains.
- mold holder Designed to prevent deformation of soft shoes during storage.
- shoe deodorant for treating internal surfaces.
Gradually, taking into account emerging needs, it will be possible to replenish the arsenal of shoe cosmetics with a crepe brush for leveling the pile, cleaning foam, a means for removing traces of salt and chemical reagents, tinting aerosol, shampoo for deep cleaning and nourishing cream for the sole, perhaps even with a special with a brush.
Popular models
Following the demands of fashion requires you to correctly combine suede boots with various wardrobe items. The advice of fashion designers contains recommendations to take into account not only the beauty, but also the comfort of shoes. Among the most important fashion trends are the following:
- If we talk about heels, then preference is given to models of suede boots with a high platform, flat or tractor soles. All of them are suitable for creating an everyday look. Suede stiletto boots are still in style. Fashion trendsetters advise saving them for special occasions, for example, parties, visits to the theater, cinema, and exhibitions.
- The return of the pointed toe is played up with fashionable details such as lacing and ribbons.
- A completely unexpected novelty - a shiny toe on suede boots. The metallic element not only increases the practicality of the shoe, but makes it irresistible.
- Currently the leaders are suede over-the-knee boots, models with transparent heels, stockings, as well as products with original designs (embroidery, ornaments, fringe, rhinestones).
At the shows you can see shoes made in different styles and styles. These are knee-length models or shortened versions, boots made of natural suede or including leather elements, combined. When choosing shoes, be sure to take into account the purpose of use and weather conditions.
