Autumn is around the corner so you know that boot season is coming. Are you ready for it? AW18 saw its fair share of ankle and over-the-knee boots, but this year we are welcoming back the mid-calf western style and we can confidently say that we are ready to jump into this trend with both feet.
If, unlike us, you’re not into this trend and you’ll be recycling older styles, don’t fret! Good classics never date ─ but they can spoil over time. We’re all prone to our fair share of spills and careless thrills and, admittedly, it can take its toll on our favourite suede shoes. Luckily, we are here to rescue you if such a situation would ever arise.
Anyone who claims to be a true lover of suede shoes knows that cleaning them can be quite an ordeal (and can result in being a waste), but the longevity and the luxurious feel of suede shoes will forever be a key pull factor in why we keep buying them. What’s a girl to do, right?
To ensure that your suede shoes stay in pristine condition, we’ve created this helpful guide to follow:
1. Precaution is better than cure
Before you even think about showing off your new babies, you must spray them with a suede protector (this is not a suggestion). In addition to the above, do not wear them in the rain ─ Even though this one is well-known, it’s also the number one cause for ruining suede shoes.
2. Fill your shoes
Ever wondered why new shoes come with an annoying piece of crumpled up paper inside? Turns out, they’re used to maintain the shoes’ natural shape. Before you start cleaning the uppers on your suede shoes and after you’re done wearing them, insert a crumpled up piece of newspaper inside to ensure that they keep their shape.
3. Grooming is NB
Suede requires grooming. Invest in a suede-cleaning brush and be sure to brush out your suede shoes before and after every wear. When brushing your shoes, make sure that you’re following the direction of the fibres only and avoid moving the brush both back and forth over the surface to keep the suede intact. Once you’ve given them a thorough brush, use a clean towel to gently rub any excess dirt off the uppers.
4. The solution
Now for the real purpose of this blog. Despite the surplus of shoe shampoo’s and cleaning agents found online, white vinegar still remains the fail-proof (and cheapest) option. Pour some vinegar on a clean cloth and gently wipe the affected area to rid your shoes of any tougher stains. This method is rumoured to work on everything from food, to wine. Give it a try!
If all else fails, you could always just shop for a new pair of suede shoes here:
