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1. Clean
Products needed:
Shoe trees
Brush
Suede brush
Preparation
Remove the laces and insert a pair of shoe trees. They help keep the shape and make brushing easier.
Brush
Use a soft brush to remove surface dust and dirt. Then switch to a suede brush to lift the nap and restore the texture. Always brush in one direction to avoid flattening the fibres.
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2. Care
Products needed:
Saphir Renovateur Spray
Saphir Super Invulner
Preparation
Using the Renovateur spray and a water-repellant impregnation spray is vital for your suede shoes. After cleaning, use the Renovateur spray to nourish the suede and bring back its colour. Follow with the Super Invulner spray to build a protective layer that helps repel moisture and stains.
Apply
Hold the spray about 20–25 cm from the shoe. Apply evenly and avoid soaking the material. Let dry for 15 minutes, then lightly brush to restore texture.
For shoes worn often, apply every two weeks. For occasional wear, once a month is enough.
Once or twice a year, we recommend using a more in-depth cleaning process to clean and revive the beautiful suede lustre. Below are our hacks to get your shoes looking stellar again. For a more in-depth, step-by-step guide you can read our article How to Restore Suede Shoes
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In-depth cleaning
Products needed:
Suede shampoo
Brush
If your shoes need a full reset, use a suede shampoo like Omni’Nettoyant. It cleans and conditions the entire surface without affecting the colour. After treatment, let the shoes dry overnight, then brush in gentle circular motions to lift the fibres again.
Saphir Omni'Nettoyant
The Shoe Brush
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Remove stains
Products needed:
Crepe eraser
For stubborn marks, use a crepe eraser such as Saphir Gommadin. It works just like a pencil eraser and removes stains without damaging the leather. Rub gently until the mark disappears.
Refresh the Texture
Products needed:
Lighter
If the suede fibres start looking overly fuzzy or “hairy,” carefully pass a lighter’s flame a few centimetres above the surface — never touch the shoe with the metal or the flame itself. Move quickly and lightly. The excess fibres will burn away, leaving a clean, even finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suede Shoe Care
Start with a soft brush or a suede brush to lift away dirt and dust. Always brush in one direction. For a deeper clean, use a suede shampoo like Saphir Omni’Nettoyant with a damp brush, then let your shoes dry overnight. Finish by brushing in circular motions to restore the nap.
Yes. But only if they’re properly protected. When treated with a good water-repellent spray like Saphir Super Invulner, suede can handle light rain and splashes. The key is to let the shoes dry naturally afterward and give them a quick brush once dry.
It depends on the kind of stain. For spot treatment, use a crepe eraser (like Saphir Gommadin). It works just like a pencil eraser to lift stains without harming the suede. For tougher marks, follow up with suede shampoo. Always test any product on a small, hidden area first.
If you wear your suede shoes frequently, spray them every, or every other week. For occasional use, once a month is usually enough. Always spray from about 20–25 cm away and let the shoes dry for 15 minutes.
Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture. Store the shoes in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight. If you live in a humid climate, consider keeping them in a cotton shoe bag to prevent dust buildup.
That’s just the nap rising over time, and is completely normal. To fix it, brush the shoes thoroughly. If they still look too fuzzy, you can very carefully pass a lighter’s flame quickly above the surface (never touch the shoe), burning off the long fibres.
Absolutely. Suede can be worn year-round if properly protected. In summer, it pairs beautifully with light tailoring; in winter, water-repellent treatment makes it surprisingly resilient against wet conditions. Think of suede as an all-season texture when cared for right.
We use and recommend Saphir products.
Saphir Renovateur Spray to clean and enrich the fibres.
Saphir Super Invulner to protect against water and stains.
Saphir Omni’Nettoyant for deep cleaning.
Saphir Gommadin for removing tough stains.