Learn how to care for your suede shoes and ensure they remain beautiful and durable for years to come.
Some of our most popular styles, like Esther, Edith, and Ella, are made from high-quality suede leather. This suede is crafted from full-grain leather—the finest quality available. Like all our shoes, boots, and sandals, these are built to last and designed to stand the test of time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean and maintain your suede shoes at home.
Edith are my 1940s pumps here shown in a beautiful, brown suede with colorful stitches.
What Is Suede Leather?
Suede leather is a type of leather with a soft, velvety texture. It’s made from the underside of the animal hide, typically sheepskin, which is also the material used for most of our suede styles.
What You’ll Need:
To care for your suede shoes, you’ll need the following:
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A specialised suede shoe brush or a clean toothbrush
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A suede rubber or a regular pencil eraser
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A suede protection spray or white vinegar
If you’re unsure which products are best, visit a local cobbler or shoe shop for advice tailored to your shoes.
How to Clean Suede Shoes
To protect and maintain your suede shoes, follow these steps:
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Brush Off Dirt
Use a suede brush or toothbrush to gently remove loose dirt. Brush in short strokes and avoid applying too much pressure. -
Use an Eraser
Use a suede rubber or pencil eraser to rub away remaining dirt or small scratches. -
Apply Protective Spray
Spray a thin layer of suede protector evenly over the shoes and allow them to dry for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Suede Cleaner
For stubborn stains, you can use white vinegar and a microfiber cloth:
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Moisten a corner of the cloth with a small amount of vinegar.
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Dab the stained area lightly, avoiding excessive pressure that might push dirt deeper into the suede.
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Do not soak the suede—use only a slightly damp cloth.
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The suede may darken while wet, but its original colour should return as the vinegar evaporates.
How to Clean Oil Stains from Suede Shoes
For oil stains, follow these steps:
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Dab the affected area with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
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Sprinkle baking powder or cornstarch over the stain and leave it for at least 30 minutes to absorb the oil.
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Use a suede brush or toothbrush to gently remove the powder, ensuring you don’t push the stain further into the material.
Our 1940s Alma pumps in a beautiful, vibrant, purple suede leather.
"Don’ts" for Suede Shoes
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Avoid Regular Leather Care Products: Never use standard leather care products on suede, as they can alter the texture and colour, ruining its velvety finish.
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No Water or Damp Cloths: Water can push dirt deeper into the suede and cause damage.
Leather Sole Care
Many of our suede shoes have leather soles, just like traditional footwear from decades past. To maintain these soles, apply leather care products regularly. This helps keep them flexible and resistant to water and dirt. For more guidance, read our article: Leather Soles: Benefits, Care, and Comparisons.
Need More Help?
If you have any questions about maintaining your Memery shoes, feel free to contact our customer service team. You can also book a 1:1 video call with us for personalised advice on shoe care and model selection.
Book your session here: 1:1 Video Call with Team memery
For additional tips, read our guides on:
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How to Care for Your Memery Shoes
