Suede shoe care

[dusty]

Just got my first pair of high-end shoes, some suede Bruno Magli loafers, and I have no idea how to take care of them. Is there anything I should put on them to protect them? Do I not wear them in the rain? Do I need shoe trees? Should I not wear them more than once without letting them rest for a day? Socklessness is alright, right? Thanks. Edit: These, in taupe.

 

[j]

Spray them with the suede waterproofing spray. Give them a few coats of that. It might change the color very slightly, but after a day or so you won't remember to notice the difference. Don't wear them when it's obviously rainy, but don't baby them too much either. They are tougher than they seem. Do give them a day to rest though.

Go to a drugstore and get the suede kit at the shoe section for $3 or Nordstrom and get the exact same thing for $7. It's a little eraser and a stiff brush. Use them on any dirt spots. Anything worse, you will want to have addressed professionally.

That's about it.

Edit: posting while distracted

 

[josepidal]

Do protector sprays darken suede unduly?

 

[j]

Supposedly, there is one that doesn't, but AFAIK that was the one I bought most recently, and it still did just a little bit. If you get an even coat on there (i.e. don't soak lines into it by spraying too close) it will darken it just a bit, and evenly.

 

[Michael1981]

Do suede shoes need trees?

 

[demeis]

Originally Posted by Michael1981

Do suede shoes need trees?

Yes

 

[Holdfast]

I've never used the protector spray, and have occasionally been caught out in suede shoes in the rain. They take a beating, it's true, but a quick brush with a proper suede brush once they're dry and they seem almost as good as new.

I wouldn't wear them in snow or salty slush though.

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by Holdfast

I've never used the protector spray, and have occasionally been caught out in suede shoes in the rain. They take a beating, it's true, but a quick brush with a proper suede brush once they're dry and they seem almost as good as new.

I wouldn't wear them in snow or salty slush though.

What's a proper suede brush? I have seen a wire suede "brush" that looks like it would slice right through the shoes.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by chorse123

What's a proper suede brush? I have seen a wire suede "brush" that looks like it would slice right through the shoes.

It doesn't, though. It re-raises the nap on dull, bare spots. A suede eraser gets out most spots.

 

[Holdfast]

Originally Posted by chorse123

What's a proper suede brush? I have seen a wire suede "brush" that looks like it would slice right through the shoes.

You're think... but it doesn't! In fact I find the nubuck side (the nubbly rubber side of the brush) actually more abrasive than the wire side. I can't figure it out. But it works. I suppose some suedes may be more delicate than others but I use it on Lobb suede for example, with no ill effects.

Obviously, I don't press too hard, just a gentle brushing.

 

[well-kept]

My only suede shoes are EG Banburys in mink (dark brown). Besides wearing them and using trees scrupulously, I don't do a thing to them. They look great.

 

[stickonatree]

just buy that kit like everyone is saying, and spray them with the waterproofer (will darken a tiny few shades). after that, just remember to clean them asap after wear, you don't want to let the dirt/rain/salts settle in.