Suede and leather sneakers have different maintenance needs. Suede is more delicate and requires more care, while leather is naturally stronger and water-resistant. This article compares the best care tips for both materials to help your sneakers last longer.
Main differences:
- Water resistance: Suede requires a protective spray , leather is naturally water repellent.
- Cleaning: Suede should be brushed after 2-3 wearings, leather every 4-6 weeks.
- Lifespan: Smooth leather lasts an average of 36 months, suede 18 months.
Quick comparison:
| Characteristic | Suede | Smooth Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Protective spray needed | Naturally water-repellent |
| Cleaning frequency | Every 2-3 wears | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Main care | Brush after use | Conditioning and cleaning |
With the right products and techniques, you can significantly extend the lifespan of both materials. Read on for step-by-step care guidelines.
Suede vs. Leather: Basic Features
Features of Suede
The structure of suede largely determines how it should be cared for. Suede is made by processing the inside of animal hides, resulting in a material with open pores (0.5-2μm). This makes it highly absorbent. It can absorb up to 15 ml of moisture per cm² per hour (Gabor Labs, 2023) [9] .
This open structure makes suede sensitive to external factors. This means, among other things:
- Moisture is quickly absorbed, without any natural protection.
- Dirt can easily remain between the fibers.
Characteristics of Leather
Smooth leather is distinguished by its closed surface with very small pores (<0.1μm). The tanning process creates a natural water-repellent layer, which contributes to its durability. The material absorbs only 3.5 ml of moisture per cm² per hour , which is a 77% difference compared to suede [9] .
The properties of smooth leather offer practical advantages:
| Characteristic | Advantage in Use |
|---|---|
| Pull resistance | Can be intensively polished |
| Wear resistance | Lasts 2-3 times longer |
| Moisture resistance | Natural protection (30 sec) |
“Since suede is an open-pore material, it requires regular maintenance.” - Gabor Material Care Team [9]
These differences in structure and properties have a direct impact on the lifespan. Smooth leather sneakers last an average of 36 months with daily use, while suede sneakers have an average lifespan of 18 months [11] .
How to Protect Your Sneakers
Protection of Suede
Suede is a delicate material and requires special care. Here are two important steps to protect your suede sneakers:
-
First Treatment
Use a product like Collonil Nano Pro Spray to treat new sneakers immediately. Do this in a well-ventilated area and repeat every six weeks [10] . This spray forms a layer that protects the material against water and oil [9] . -
Periodic Maintenance
According to a 2024 SHUZ study, using Collonil Nano Pro Spray in combination with daily brushing can extend the life of your sneakers by an average of 2.3 years [6] . For best results, you may also want to consider other effective sprays like Crep Protect [1] [6] .
Protection of Leather Sneakers
Leather sneakers are naturally more water-resistant, but they still require specific care. Here are two steps to keep them in top condition:
-
Basic care
Use a leather cream, such as Cobbler's Choice Leather Cream , to replenish the leather's natural oils . Allow the cream to penetrate at room temperature for best results. [3] [7] -
Extra Protection
After basic care, apply a water-repellent spray . In urban areas, an anti-pollution spray can provide additional protection against dirt and smog [10] . Repeat this process every 4 to 6 months, depending on how often you wear the sneakers [3] .
“Always treat new sneakers before first use – protective layers adhere better to unused surfaces.” – SHUZ Care Guidelines 2024 [6]
Caring for suede and nubuck shoes
Cleaning methods
The techniques from the previous chapter form the basis for cleaning suede and leather.
Cleaning Suede
Due to the open structure of suede (as described in Basic Features), care should be taken when cleaning. Always start with dry cleaning . Use a metal suede brush and work in one direction to maintain the natural structure of the material. This will help protect the delicate fibers [4] .
For stubborn stains, you can try the following:
- Removing dry stains : Use a special suede eraser to remove surface stains [2] .
- Using steam : Hold steam 15-20 cm away. This can restore the fibers and loosen light soiling [5] .
- Targeted approach : For heavier stains you can use a special suede cleaner [4] .
Learn to Clean
Leather sneakers are sturdier and can be cleaned more thoroughly. Start by removing loose dirt with a soft brush. Then use a leather cleaner with a neutral pH for best results [1] .
For a deeper cleanse:
- Surface cleaning : Take a damp microfiber cloth and a small amount of neutral pH leather cleaner [4] .
- Drying : Let the sneakers dry at room temperature (18-22°C). Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources [4] .
- Conditioning : After drying, you can apply a thin layer of leather cream to keep the leather supple. This will help extend the life of the material [1] .
For grease stains on leather, a special degreaser is required [4] .
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Troubleshooting Guide
Here you will find solutions that match the cleaning techniques discussed earlier.
Suede vs. Leather: Restoring Water Damage
Take advantage of the absorption properties of the materials (see Basic Features) to tackle water damage.
For suede sneakers :
- Blot immediately with a microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture and maintain shape with absorbent paper.
- Let the shoes dry at room temperature, without using direct heat sources.
For leather sneakers :
- Wipe gently with a dry cloth to remove moisture.
- Fill the shoes with newspaper to absorb any remaining moisture.
Suede vs. Leather: Removing Stains
The approach differs per material due to its unique structure (see Basic characteristics).
For suede:
| Type Stain | Approach |
|---|---|
| Oil | Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit overnight. |
| Ink | Use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. |
| Salty | Make a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1) and dab gently. |
For leather:
| Type Stain | Approach |
|---|---|
| Oil | Use cornstarch and let it sit overnight, followed by a cleanser. |
| Ink | Apply a leather-specific stain remover . |
| Salty | Use a damp cloth with mild soap. |
Never use acetone or any aggressive agents as these can permanently damage both materials [8] [3] .
Necessary Care Products
To properly apply the previously discussed care techniques, you need the right products. These tools help address the vulnerabilities of the materials and keep them in top condition.
Suede Care Tools (for the porous structure)
| Product | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon suede brush | After each use | Daily maintenance of the cup |
| Texture brush (soft/hard) | In case of texture loss | Fiber recovery |
| Suede-specific shampoo | In case of pollution | Thorough cleaning |
Additional options:
- Color restoring spray to freshen up discolored areas
- Saddle soap for intensive six-monthly cleaning
Leather Care Tools (for the closed surface)
| Product | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Horsehair brush | Weekly | Polishing and cleaning |
| Flexible washing conditioner | In case of wear spots | Protection of bending zones |
| Thick microfiber cloths | Weekly | Effective cleaning |
Additional options:
- Saddle soap for a thorough six-monthly cleaning
- Color restoring spray to correct discolorations
By using these specific products regularly, you ensure that the materials last longer and maintain their quality. This ties in with the protection discussed earlier in Chapter 2.
Summary
Suede and leather require a different approach due to their different textures. This is clearly reflected in the cleaning techniques and solutions discussed.
Protection and water repellency
Leather sneakers naturally have better resistance to water [7] . For suede, it is important to use a nano protector every 15 wearings [6] . Leather can be well maintained by conditioning it every 2-3 months [3] .
Cleaning methods
With suede, caution is key. Use a nylon suede brush after each use [12] . For leather, a weekly treatment with a microfiber cloth works efficiently [1] .
Essential products
The key products from Chapter 5 remain indispensable:
- Suede : nylon brush, suede eraser, nano protector
- Leather : horsehair brush, pH neutral cleaner
As emphasized in the troubleshooting guide, avoid using petroleum-based cleaners on suede [3] . With proper care techniques, you can significantly extend the life of both suede and leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of suede shoes?
The disadvantages of suede shoes are closely linked to the properties of the material (see 'Basic characteristics').
Vulnerability and maintenance costs
The structure of suede, with its open fibers, makes it more susceptible to damage from external factors. Maintenance costs for suede are on average 47% higher than for leather [3] [6] [12] .
Challenges in maintenance
Suede requires extra care for the following reasons:
- It is more susceptible to water damage, with a lower repair success rate of 65%, requiring immediate attention [3] [12] .
- Lighter colors show dirt and stains faster [6] .
This sensitivity makes the use of the tools from ' Suede Care Tools ' indispensable. While leather requires weekly maintenance, suede requires daily brushing [1] [12] . This emphasizes the importance of preventative protection, as described in Chapter 2.
