Style Shoes & Accessories Shoes How to Clean and Care for Suede Boots Suede can be sensitive to water, so cleaning this autumnal classic can be tricky. Experts share how to keep suede boots looking as good as new. By Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Beauty Magazine by L'Oréal. She began her editorial career at Real Simple, where she got a taste for beauty and fashion writing. Highlights: * Associate editor at Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Beauty Magazine by L'Oréal * Food assistant at People * Editorial assistant at Real Simple, where she wrote about fashion and beauty" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Mary Honkus Mary Honkus Mary Honkus is a beauty writer and associate editor at Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Beauty Magazine by L'Oréal. She began her editorial career at Real Simple, where she got a taste for beauty and fashion writing. Highlights: * Associate editor at Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Beauty Magazine by L'Oréal * Food assistant at People * Editorial assistant at Real Simple, where she wrote about fashion and beauty Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 9, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article View All In This Article How Often to Clean Suede Supplies How To Repair Buy Our Experts Photo: Brian Henn As the weather cools, you may want to bust out your fall wardrobe must-haves—especially footwear. But how do you clean last year's suede boots or shoes to make them look as good as new? And how do you buy suede shoes that won't get damaged after one stroll in the rain? We asked footwear experts about all things suede, from how to buy the best suede boots to the best suede pretreatments that'll prevent water damage and salt stains. How Often to Clean Suede Boots How often you wear your suede boots will dictate how often you need to clean them. But as a general rule, clean them weekly to keep dirt and gunk from building up on them. What You Need: Water-resistant spray, like Kiwi Suede Protector ($8; target.com) Suede brush, like the Kiwi Horsehair Shine Brush ($6, target.com) Sponge How to Clean Suede Boots Step 1: Pretreat Apply a water-resistant spray. If boots get wet prior to treatment, water stains may be sealed in. Step 2: Brush Up Sweep boots weekly in one direction using a suede brush to remove dirt and imperfections. Step 3: Store Properly During the off-season, keep your boots in dust bags in a cool, dark area to help prevent dust buildup and fading. How to Repair Suede Boots Erase Water Damage Gently rub a suede brush in circular motions across the affected area when it's dry. This will help fix discoloration. Reverse Salt Stains Rub the spot in circular motions; alternate between using a barely damp sponge and a suede brush. Stuff boots with newspaper while they dry. (If at-home repair techniques don't work, take boots to a pro.) Protect Soles When soles become worn, have your boots resoled. You can even ask the cobbler to add durable rubber outsoles to the existing thin leather soles. How to Buy Suede Boots Step 1: Select Your Suede Cow suede is generally more casual and often heavier, while goat or sheep suede is usually lighter and dressier. Step 2: Check the Heel Stacked leather heels tend to last longer than suede-covered heels, which may tear more easily. Step 3: Choose a Tone Earthy taupe and olive go in and out of style; black and dark brown are timeless and less prone to staining. Our Experts Michele Carter, senior brand builder at Antonio Melani Marc Fisher, founder and CEO of Marc Fisher Footwear Becky Rapinchuk, founder of cleanmama.net How to Wear Ankle Boots With Practically Every Outfit You Own Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit