How to Clean Suede Shoes and Sneakers
Suede is one of the most sought-after materials in footwear. The soft, velvety texture elevates a sneaker, boot, or dress shoe in a way smooth leather simply cannot. But suede also has a reputation for being fragile, high-maintenance, and unforgiving. That reputation is not entirely wrong — suede is more sensitive than full-grain leather. The problem is that most people either avoid it altogether or, when something goes wrong, reach for the wrong product and make the damage permanent.
The reality is this: suede is not difficult to care for. It just requires the right approach. With the correct tools and technique, cleaning and protecting suede is a straightforward process that takes less than 15 minutes. Jason Markk has been at the center of premium shoe care since 2007, and suede care is one of the core competencies the brand was built on. This guide covers everything — cleaning, protecting, stain removal, and long-term maintenance.
What Makes Suede Different
Suede is made from the underside of animal hide, most often lamb, goat, calf, or deer. The splitting process creates the characteristic napped texture — thousands of fine fibers standing upright on the surface. That nap is what gives suede its softness, its visual depth, and its color richness. It is also what makes suede uniquely vulnerable.
Unlike full-grain leather, which has a tight, sealed surface, suede has an open, porous structure. Liquids do not bead on the surface; they absorb immediately. Dirt and debris do not sit on top; they get trapped between the fibers. This is why a splash of water leaves a dark, irregular stain. It is not that the water damages the material itself, it is that uneven wetting causes the fibers to mat in different directions, which looks like a stain once it dries.
Regular cleaners cause their own set of problems. Detergents, soaps, and most all-purpose cleaners are either too alkaline or too harsh for the delicate fiber structure. They strip the natural oils from the hide, cause the fibers to clump and harden, and often leave behind chemical residue that discolors the material. Bleach and acetone-based products dissolve the fibers entirely.
There is a concept in the sneaker and style world called the "suede tax." The idea is that owning suede means accepting that some pairs are too risky to wear to certain places or in certain weather. You sacrifice versatility in exchange for aesthetics. For a lot of people, that calculus tips toward just avoiding suede altogether. The suede tax is real only if you are working without the right products and knowledge. Once you know how to properly clean and protect suede, you can wear your suede Gazelles, your desert boots, and your loafers with confidence. The tax disappears.
What You'll Need
You do not need a lot. What you need is the right combination of products designed specifically for suede.
Suede Cleaning Kit — The complete, all-in-one solution. Includes the Suede Brush for nap restoration and the tools needed for a full clean. If you own suede, this is the starting point.
Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner — A pre-mixed, pH-balanced foam formula that cleans without oversaturating the material. This is the preferred cleaner for suede because foam controls moisture delivery. It sits on the surface and lifts dirt without flooding the fibers.
Delicates Cleaning Brush — A soft-bristled brush designed for sensitive materials. The bristles are firm enough to lift surface dirt but gentle enough not to damage the nap. Use this for initial dry brushing and for working in the foam cleaner.
Suede Brush (included in the Suede Kit) — A brush with stiffer, brass or nylon bristles specifically designed to raise and restore the nap after cleaning. Not interchangeable with the Delicates Brush.
Repel Spray — A water and stain repellent applied before wear and after cleaning. This is the single most important preventive step for suede owners.
Quick Wipes — For quick, on-the-go spot cleaning between full sessions.
Clean microfiber towel — For dabbing away excess moisture after cleaning.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning Suede Shoes
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The following steps apply to suede sneakers, boots, dress shoes, and accessories. The technique is the same across all suede products. The only variable is the pressure you apply — lighter on fine suede dress shoes, slightly more on thick suede boots.
Step 1: Dry Brush
Start with a completely dry shoe. This is non-negotiable. Attempting to clean wet or damp suede compounds the problem — it drives moisture deeper into the fibers and spreads staining.
Use the Delicates Cleaning Brush to brush the entire surface of the shoe. Brush with the direction of the nap, not against it. Brushing against the nap lifts and separates fibers in a way that is difficult to restore. Brushing with it smooths the surface and loosens surface-level dirt, dust, and debris.
This step alone solves a significant portion of what most people perceive as "staining." A lot of what looks dirty on suede is simply surface dust that has settled between the fibers. Two minutes of dry brushing will often take a shoe from looking worn to looking presentable.
Pro Tip: Make dry brushing a habit after every single wear. It takes 30 seconds and prevents dust from settling deep into the fibers where it becomes harder to remove.
Step 2: Apply Foam Cleaner
The reason foam cleaner exists for suede is moisture control. Liquid cleaners — even water-based ones — apply more moisture than suede can handle evenly. Foam allows you to deliver cleaning power to the surface without flooding the material.
Apply the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner to the Delicates Cleaning Brush, not directly to the shoe. A small amount — roughly a quarter-sized dollop — is enough for one section. Applying directly to the shoe risks oversaturating a single spot, which will create uneven drying and the very water stains you are trying to avoid.
The foam will begin to activate on the bristles. You will see it lighten in color and increase slightly in volume. This is the formula working as designed.
Pro Tip: Work in sections (toe, midfoot, heel) rather than the whole shoe at once. This gives you control over moisture levels across the entire surface.
Step 3: Scrub in Circular Motion
Apply the foam-loaded brush to the shoe surface using small, circular motions. The circular motion is more effective than a back-and-forth stroke because it lifts dirt from multiple fiber directions simultaneously rather than pushing it back and forth.
Use firm but gentle pressure. You are not trying to scrub through the material. You are agitating the foam against the surface to loosen embedded dirt. For light cleaning, a few circular passes are enough. For heavier soiling, spend 15 to 20 seconds per section.
Cover the entire surface of the shoe even if only one section appears dirty. Cleaning the entire shoe ensures even moisture distribution, which prevents the clean areas from looking lighter or darker than the dirty ones once dry. Spot-cleaning a single area on suede almost always results in a visible ring around the cleaned section.
Pro Tip: On lighter-colored suede, you will see the foam turn gray or brown as it lifts dirt. This is normal and means the formula is working.
Step 4: Wipe Away Excess
This step is where most DIY suede cleaning goes wrong. People scrub the shoe and then leave it to air dry without removing excess moisture. Uneven moisture is the number one cause of water stains on suede. Areas that dry faster than others leave behind irregular marks.
Use a clean microfiber towel to remove excess foam and moisture from the shoe surface. Dab rather than rub. Rubbing at this stage can press the now-loosened dirt back into the fibers or mat the nap in the wrong direction.
Work across the entire surface systematically. You are not trying to get the shoe completely dry at this stage, just removing the excess so the remaining moisture is as even as possible.
Pro Tip: Fold the microfiber towel and use a fresh, clean section for each section of the shoe. Reusing the same surface area of the towel can transfer dirt back onto the shoe.
Step 5: Air Dry
Heat is the enemy of suede. Do not use a hairdryer, place the shoes near a radiator, or leave them in direct sunlight to dry. High heat causes the hide fibers to contract unevenly, leading to shrinkage, stiffness, and cracking. UV exposure from direct sunlight also degrades color over time.
Set the shoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Stuff them with crumpled newspaper or plain paper to help them hold their shape during drying. Cedar shoe trees are even better for this — they absorb moisture and prevent the shoe from collapsing inward as it dries.
Drying time is typically 6 to 12 hours depending on how much moisture was applied and ambient humidity. Do not wear the shoes until they are completely dry.
Pro Tip: Cleaning suede the night before you want to wear it gives plenty of time to dry and still leaves the shoes looking fresh the next day.
Step 6: Restore the Nap
Once the shoe is completely dry, the suede may look slightly matted, stiff, or uneven. This is normal after cleaning. The final step is using the Suede Brush (the stiffer brush included in the Suede Cleaning Kit) to restore the nap.
Brush in one consistent direction using light to medium pressure. The goal is to lift the fibers back to their upright position and even out the surface texture. Multiple passes in the same direction are more effective than alternating directions.
After brushing, the suede should look noticeably revived — the color will appear more consistent, the texture will feel soft again, and the shoe will look close to new.
Pro Tip: Nap restoration brushing is also useful on shoes that have not been cleaned recently but look flat or worn. A minute with the Suede Brush on a dry shoe can refresh the appearance significantly without a full cleaning session.
Protecting Suede Before You Wear It
Cleaning suede is effective. Protecting suede before it gets dirty is easier. The best suede cleaning is the one you do not have to do because you protected the material properly in the first place.
The Repel Spray from Jason Markk creates an invisible, breathable barrier on the suede surface that repels water, oil, and staining agents. "Breathable" matters here — lesser repellent sprays seal the surface in a way that alters the look and feel of the suede, making it appear shiny or changing the color slightly. The Repel formula does not affect the appearance or texture of the material.
How to apply Repel Spray to suede:
Start with clean, dry suede. Never apply Repel to dirty suede — it will lock in the dirt.
Hold the can 6 to 8 inches from the surface.
Apply in a slow, even sweeping motion covering the entire surface.
Apply a second coat after the first has dried for maximum protection (about 5 minutes between coats).
Allow to cure for 30 minutes before wearing.
For new suede shoes, apply Repel before the first wear. This is the single most high-leverage thing you can do to protect a suede investment.
For ongoing protection, reapply every 2 to 3 weeks with regular wear. If you clean the shoes, reapply immediately after drying since the cleaning process removes the previous layer of protection. In wet seasons or if you know you are walking in rain or snow, apply before each outing.
Pro Tip: Repel Spray works on all suede colors and also on nubuck, fabric uppers, and canvas. One can covers multiple pairs and lasts several months with regular use.
Common Suede Problems and How to Fix Them
Even well-maintained suede runs into problems. Here is how to address the most common ones.
Water Stains on Suede
Water stains on suede are caused by uneven wetting. When one part of the shoe gets wet and another does not, the fibers dry at different rates and in different positions, leaving a visible irregular mark.
To remove a water stain, do the opposite of what instinct suggests: lightly dampen the entire shoe with a clean, water-moistened cloth or a very light mist of water. The goal is to even out the moisture across the whole surface so that everything dries together.
Once the entire shoe is lightly and evenly dampened, set it aside to air dry completely. Do not apply heat. As it dries, the water stain will fade because the fibers are now drying uniformly.
After drying, brush with the Suede Brush to restore the nap.
Prevention: Apply Repel Spray before wear. Repelled suede sheds water before it can penetrate the fibers and cause uneven staining.
Salt Stains on Suede
Salt stains are the most common suede complaint in fall and winter. Road salt used for de-icing leaves a white, chalky residue on suede that, if left untreated, slowly degrades the fibers.
Address salt stains quickly — do not let them sit. Once the shoes are dry (never treat wet, salt-stained shoes), use a clean cloth lightly dampened with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. White vinegar neutralizes the alkaline salt residue without damaging the suede.
Dab the mixture onto the salt-stained area, working from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. Let the area dry completely, then brush with the Suede Brush to restore the nap.
For heavy salt accumulation, a full clean with the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner after the vinegar treatment will finish the job.
Pro Tip: Before winter, apply two coats of Repel Spray. Repelled suede dramatically reduces salt penetration and makes removal much easier.
Oil and Grease Stains on Suede
Oil and grease are the most difficult stains to remove from suede. Unlike water, oil binds to the fibers rather than sitting in the open pore structure. The key is to absorb the oil before it sets.
If you catch the stain immediately, apply a generous amount of cornstarch or talcum powder directly to the affected area. Press gently to make contact with the stain — do not rub, which spreads the oil. Leave the powder in place for at least 4 to 8 hours, or overnight. The powder will absorb the oil from the fibers. Brush off the dried powder with the Suede Brush.
For older or more stubborn oil stains, apply a small amount of the Premium Deep Cleaning Solution with the Delicates Cleaning Brush. The Deep Cleaning formula has stronger surfactants designed to break down and lift oil-based contamination. Work in small circular motions and dab away with a microfiber towel. Repeat if necessary.
Old, set-in oil stains on suede are sometimes permanent. Act quickly.
Scuff Marks on Suede
Scuffs on suede look worse than they are. In most cases, they are not damage to the hide itself — they are just the nap fibers being compressed or pushed in the wrong direction.
For light scuffs, the suede brush alone is often the solution. Brush firmly over the scuffed area in a consistent direction. The compressed fibers lift back up and the scuff disappears.
For deeper scuffs where dirt has also been pushed into the fibers, clean with the foam cleaner first — use the circular motion technique outlined above — let the shoe dry, then brush the nap back into place.
Pro Tip: The suede brush is the most-used tool in any suede owner's kit. Keep it accessible and use it regularly. Consistent light maintenance prevents minor scuffs from becoming cleaning challenges.
Color Fading on Suede
Color fading on suede is caused primarily by UV exposure and general wear. The pigment in suede sits within the fiber structure, and prolonged exposure to sunlight bleaches it out. High-friction areas like the toe box and heel counter will also show color loss over time from contact and abrasion.
The honest answer is that there is no reliable DIY solution for restoring lost color on suede. Suede dyes and color restorers exist, but matching color accurately at home is difficult and results vary significantly. For high-value pairs, professional restoration is the better option.
Prevention is everything. Store suede away from direct light. Do not leave suede shoes near windows or in sunlit areas of a room. Use dust bags or the original box for storage. Apply Repel Spray regularly — while it primarily repels water and stains, it also provides a layer of UV protection.
Mud on Suede
The instinct when you get mud on suede is to clean it immediately. Resist that instinct. Wet mud smears across the surface and drives deeper into the fibers with any cleaning attempt.
Let the mud dry completely. This usually takes several hours. Once fully dry, the mud will have contracted and hardened, making it much easier to remove without spreading.
Use the Suede Brush to brush off as much of the dried mud as possible. Most of it will come off in this step. For any remaining marks, clean with the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner using the circular motion technique. Dab away excess, air dry, then brush the nap.
Pro Tip: If you anticipate muddy conditions, apply a fresh coat of Repel Spray beforehand. It will not make suede waterproof, but it dramatically reduces how much mud adheres to the surface and makes cleanup significantly faster.
Suede Care by Shoe Type
The core technique is the same across all suede footwear, but different shoe types have specific considerations worth knowing.
Suede Sneakers (Adidas Gazelle, Puma Suede, Nike Dunk)
Suede sneakers are the most common suede footwear people own, and they tend to get the most daily wear. The Adidas Gazelle, Puma Suede Classic, Nike Dunk Low — these are wardrobe staples that take real abuse.
Suede sneakers typically have suede uppers with rubber or EVA midsoles. Clean the suede upper with the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner and Delicates Brush. Clean the midsole separately — rubber midsoles can tolerate more aggressive cleaning and a firmer brush. The Premium Deep Cleaning Solution works well on rubber and synthetic midsoles.
For daily wear, the recommended cleaning frequency is every 2 to 3 weeks. After each wear, dry brush and let them air out before putting them away. Keep Repel maintained especially on sneakers worn frequently outdoors.
Pro Tip: White or light-colored midsoles on suede sneakers pick up scuffs and surface grime constantly. Keeping a pack of Quick Wipes in your bag makes it easy to spot-clean midsoles between full cleaning sessions.
Suede Boots (Chelsea Boots, Desert Boots, Timberlands)
Suede boots see more weather exposure than any other suede footwear. Chelsea boots and Clarks desert boots are among the most popular suede footwear globally, and they are regularly worn through rain, light snow, and urban grime.
The suede on boots is typically thicker and more durable than on dress shoes or sneakers. This means the material can tolerate slightly more vigorous brushing, though the core technique remains the same. Pay special attention to the welt (where the upper meets the sole) and any stitching areas where mud and debris collect. Use the Delicates Brush to work into these areas during cleaning.
For boots worn in fall and winter, Repel Spray is non-negotiable. Apply before the first wear of the season and reapply every 2 to 3 weeks. Clean more frequently during high-exposure months.
Pro Tip: After any wet weather exposure, remove the insoles, stuff the boots with newspaper to maintain shape and absorb interior moisture, and let them dry for 24 hours before wearing again. Never put suede boots back in a closet while still damp.
Suede Dress Shoes (Loafers, Oxfords)
Suede loafers and oxfords use the finest grade suede and are the most delicate in the lineup. The nap on dress shoe suede is typically tighter and more uniform than on boots or sneakers.
Use the Delicates Brush exclusively on dress shoes. Apply very light pressure during the circular cleaning motion. A lighter touch is more effective here because the goal is to lift surface soiling without disturbing the refined, even texture of the nap.
Store suede dress shoes with cedar shoe trees to maintain shape, absorb moisture, and prevent the upper from creasing. Keep them in dust bags when not in use. Never stack shoes on top of each other.
These shoes are typically worn less frequently than sneakers, so a monthly cleaning cycle is usually sufficient. However, always clean and apply Repel before storing for an extended period.
Suede Accessories (Bags, Jackets, Hats)
The Jason Markk suede care system is not limited to footwear. All of the same products work effectively on suede bags, jackets, and hats.
For suede bags, focus extra attention on the handle and carry areas where skin oil and contact cause the most staining and darkening. Corners also accumulate dirt from being set down on various surfaces. Spot clean these high-contact areas more frequently than the rest of the bag.
For suede jackets, spot clean individual marks rather than attempting a full clean of the entire garment. Lay flat to dry. Never hang suede jackets while wet.
For suede hats, brushing is the primary maintenance tool. Brush regularly to prevent dust and lint buildup. Spot clean marks with minimal foam application and fast drying.
Pro Tip: Apply Repel Spray to suede accessories just as you would footwear. The spray is formulated for all suede surfaces, not just shoes.
How Often Should You Clean Suede?
There is no single answer — cleaning frequency depends entirely on how often and in what conditions the suede is worn.
Daily wear: Clean every 2 to 3 weeks with a full session. Dry brush after each wear.
Weekly wear: Clean monthly. Dry brush after each wear.
Occasional or seasonal wear: Clean before wearing after a long storage period and before returning to storage at the end of the season.
After any exposure to rain, mud, or salt: Clean within 48 hours.
The minimum viable suede maintenance routine is simple:
Dry brush after every wear (30 seconds)
Deep clean monthly
Reapply Repel every 2 to 3 weeks or immediately after each cleaning
That routine keeps suede in excellent condition indefinitely. The dry brushing step is the most skipped and the most impactful. Thirty seconds of brushing after every wear prevents the incremental accumulation of dirt that makes a full deep clean much more labor-intensive.
Pro Tip: Keep the Suede Brush near where you take your shoes off. Making it a physical part of your routine — the brush is right there as you remove the shoes — dramatically increases how consistently it gets done.
What NOT to Do with Suede
Learning what to avoid is as important as knowing what to do. These are the most common mistakes that lead to permanent suede damage.
Never use water directly on suede. Pouring water on suede or running it under a faucet creates severe, uneven water staining and can warp the upper.
Never use regular soap or dish detergent. Household soaps strip the natural oils from suede fibers, cause the nap to clump and harden, and often leave chemical residue that discolors the material permanently.
Never put suede shoes in the washing machine. The combination of agitation, heat, and water exposure destroys suede. No suede shoe should go in a washing machine, ever.
Never use heat to dry suede. Hairdryers, radiators, clothes dryers, and direct sunlight all cause suede to shrink, stiffen, and crack.
Never use bleach or acetone. These chemicals dissolve suede fibers and destroy color. There is no recovery from bleach damage on suede.
Never scrub suede with a stiff-bristled brush not designed for suede. Wire brushes, stiff household brushes, and nail brushes will tear and permanently mat the nap.
Never store suede in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture and prevents the material from breathing. Trapped moisture leads to mold, mildew, and fiber degradation. Use dust bags, pillowcases, or the original box instead.
The Jason Markk Suede Care System
Every product in the Jason Markk suede lineup was designed to work as a system. Each piece solves a specific problem that arises with suede care, and together they cover every stage from preparation to maintenance.
The Suede Cleaning Kit is the fastest way to get everything you need in one place. It includes the Suede Brush for nap restoration and the key tools for a complete clean. Whether you are dealing with daily sneakers, dress boots, or suede accessories, the kit handles the full range.
For the cleaning step, the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner is the core product. Pre-mixed and ready to use, no dilution required. The foam formula applies cleaning power with controlled moisture — exactly what suede requires. For heavier-duty cleaning of very soiled suede or suede with embedded stains, the Premium Deep Cleaning Solution offers a stronger surfactant profile. Mix a small amount with water and apply with the Delicates Cleaning Brush.
The protection layer — Repel Spray — is what separates a reactive approach to suede care from a proactive one. Applied before wear and after each cleaning, it significantly reduces the frequency of full cleaning sessions and keeps suede looking newer for longer.
For daily maintenance and travel, Quick Wipes offer instant, on-the-go spot cleaning for surface dirt and light marks.
The consumable products in the system — foam cleaner and Repel Spray — are available on autoship. Subscribers save 20% on every order and never run out of the products they use most. For anyone who owns multiple pairs of suede or cleans shoes regularly, autoship is the practical choice.
FAQ Section
Can you wash suede shoes?
You should not wash suede shoes with water in the traditional sense. Do not submerge suede or run it under a faucet. The correct approach is to use a foam cleaner applied to a soft brush, which delivers cleaning power with controlled moisture and avoids the oversaturation that causes water staining and structural damage.
How do you clean suede without ruining it?
Start dry. Brush off surface dirt with a soft brush before applying any product. Use a foam-based cleaner rather than a liquid cleaner — foam controls how much moisture reaches the material. Apply in circular motions, dab away excess with a microfiber towel, air dry at room temperature, and restore the nap with a suede brush after drying. The Jason Markk Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner is formulated specifically for this process.
Can you use water on suede?
Water itself does not permanently damage suede, but applying it unevenly does. A single splash of water on one area creates a visible dark stain as the fibers in that area mat differently from the dry surrounding area. If suede does get wet, the fix is to lightly and evenly dampen the entire shoe so it dries uniformly. Use a foam cleaner for intentional cleaning rather than water.
How do you get stains out of suede shoes?
The approach depends on the stain type. Water stains: dampen the entire shoe evenly and air dry. Salt stains: treat with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, then brush. Oil and grease: apply cornstarch immediately to absorb the oil overnight, then brush off. For general dirt and marks, use the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner with the Delicates Cleaning Brush in circular motions.
What household items can clean suede?
White vinegar diluted with equal parts water works for salt stains. Cornstarch or talcum powder absorbs fresh oil stains before they set. A clean, soft toothbrush can work for very small spot treatments in a pinch. However, household items are limited in what they can do safely. They work on specific problems; they are not replacements for a proper suede cleaner.
How do you restore suede that got wet?
Do not apply heat or try to speed the drying process. Stuff the shoes with paper to maintain shape. Let them air dry completely at room temperature. Once fully dry, use the suede brush to restore the nap — brush firmly in one direction to lift the compressed fibers. If water staining remains, lightly and evenly dampen the entire shoe, then air dry again.
Can you clean suede with a toothbrush?
A soft toothbrush can be used for small spot treatments, but it is not ideal as a general cleaning tool for suede. The bristle arrangement is designed for teeth, not for the even surface coverage that suede requires. A dedicated brush like the Jason Markk Delicates Cleaning Brush has the right bristle density, firmness, and shape to clean suede effectively across the entire upper.
How do you remove water stains from suede?
Counterintuitively, you fix a water stain with more water — applied evenly. Lightly moisten a clean cloth and dab it over the entire surface of the shoe so the moisture distribution is uniform. This allows the entire shoe to dry together, eliminating the contrast between the stained area and the dry surrounding material. Air dry at room temperature and brush the nap after drying.
Does suede protector spray actually work?
Yes, when the right product is used correctly. A quality repellent spray like Jason Markk Repel creates a breathable barrier that causes water and oil to bead off the surface rather than penetrating the fibers. It significantly reduces how often you need to do a full clean and makes stain removal easier when issues do occur. Lower-quality sprays can alter the appearance or texture of suede, which is why formulation matters.
How often should you clean suede shoes?
For daily-wear suede, a full cleaning every 2 to 3 weeks is appropriate. For occasional wear, clean monthly or before storage. Dry brush after every single wear regardless of frequency — it takes 30 seconds and prevents surface dirt from setting into the fibers between cleaning sessions.
Can you clean colored suede without the color bleeding?
Yes. The Jason Markk foam cleaner is pH-balanced and formulated to clean without stripping or bleeding suede dye. Harsh cleaners and soaps are the cause of color bleeding, not proper suede-specific products. Always test on a hidden area of a new pair first if you are working with heavily saturated or unusual colors.
What's the difference between suede and nubuck?
Both are napped leathers with a soft, velvety texture, but they come from different parts of the hide. Suede is made from the inner side of the hide (split leather), giving it a softer, more porous surface. Nubuck is made from the outer grain side, which is buffed or sanded to create the nap. Nubuck is generally more durable and slightly less porous than suede. The Jason Markk suede care system works on both materials.
How do you store suede shoes?
Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture. Keep in the original box or a breathable dust bag — never in plastic. Apply protector spray before storage and clean the shoes before putting them away for the season.
Can you wear suede in the rain?
Suede and heavy rain are not a good combination. Light rain on properly repelled suede is manageable — the repellent barrier will cause water to bead off the surface. In heavy rain, even repelled suede will absorb moisture eventually. For wet weather, leather or synthetic footwear is the more practical choice. If suede does get wet in rain, air dry immediately, stuff with paper to hold shape, and follow the wet suede restoration process.
How do you get salt stains off suede boots?
Let the boots dry completely before treating — never treat wet, salt-stained suede. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dab the solution onto the salt stain with a clean cloth, working from the outer edges of the stain inward. Let dry. Brush with the suede brush. For heavy salt staining, follow with a full clean using the Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner. Prevent future salt damage with a fresh application of Repel Spray before winter wear.
Is suede harder to maintain than leather?
Suede requires a different approach, but it is not harder with the right products. Smooth leather is more forgiving of improper technique and can handle water without staining. Suede requires dry brushing as part of the routine and a foam cleaner rather than a liquid one. Once you have the products and understand the technique, a suede cleaning session takes no more time than cleaning smooth leather.
What brush should I use on suede?
Two brushes serve different functions. The Delicates Cleaning Brush has softer bristles and is used for the initial dry brush and for working in foam cleaner without damaging the nap. The Suede Brush has stiffer brass or nylon bristles and is used after drying to restore the nap and revive the texture. Both are included in the Jason Markk Suede Cleaning Kit.
Can Jason Markk products be used on all suede colors?
Yes. The Jason Markk Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner and Repel Spray are formulated to be safe on all suede colors, including white, cream, navy, red, and black. The formulas do not contain bleaching agents or dyes. As a best practice, test on a small hidden area first when cleaning a new pair for the first time.
How long does suede protector spray last?
With regular wear, Repel Spray protection lasts approximately 2 to 3 weeks before reapplication is needed. Factors that reduce protection faster include heavy rain exposure, frequent wear, and cleaning (which removes the protective layer). Always reapply immediately after a full cleaning session. For shoes worn infrequently or stored, one application before storage is usually sufficient.
What's the best suede cleaner?
A foam-based cleaner designed specifically for suede outperforms liquid cleaners, household products, and general-purpose shoe cleaners on all measures: cleaning effectiveness, moisture control, and material safety. The Jason Markk Ready-to-Use Foam Cleaner is one of the most widely used and trusted suede cleaners in the market, used by sneaker enthusiasts, collectors, and retail professionals since the brand launched in 2007.
