How to Keep Suede Shoes from Scuffing

Suede shoes are an elegant option that can easily take an outfit to the next level. Unfortunately, suede can be kind of fickle. Luckily for you, scuff marks aren’t a major concern since suede is naturally pretty good at protecting the fabric or plastic underneath it. What looks like a scuff mark on suede shoes is almost always just an area where the fibers were matted down from pressure or friction, and these marks can usually be removed using the same tools you use to clean your suede. You can buy everything you need to protect your suede and remove scuff marks online or from a shoe store.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Protecting Your Suede from Scuffing

1. Apply a suede protectant spray every 3-6 months to prevent scuffs. Get a can of suede protector and stuff your shoes with newspaper. Set another sheet of newspaper under your shoes. Shake the can 2-3 seconds and hold the nozzle away from your shoes. Spray your suede from every angle to add a layer of protection that will keep your shoes from easily scuffing.^[1]
   
   • Let your shoes air dry after spraying them unless the label on your suede protector says otherwise.
   • A suede protector provides general protection from friction, dirt, and dust. It will not waterproof your suede though.
   • Reapply the suede protector every 3-6 months after cleaning your suede to keep your shoes protected.
2. Waterproof your shoes with a water repellant to minimize scuffing. Pick up a can of suede water repellant and stain blocker. Stuff the inside of your shoes with newspaper and put another sheet underneath. Shake the can for a few seconds and spray your shoes the same way you applied the protector, holding the nozzle away from the suede. Spray the shoes from every angle to waterproof them.^[2]
   
   • Unless there are specific instructions, let the shoes air dry after spraying them.
   • While your suede will resist water, it’s still a good idea to keep it dry whenever you can.
3. Put shoe trees in the shoes to keep the suede strong and neat. A shoe tree is a foot-shaped block that slides into a shoe to help it keep its shape. Whenever you aren’t wearing your shoes, slide shoe trees inside them. Your suede is more likely to wear out and get scuffed if it’s creased and worn out, and the shoe trees will help the suede keep its shape over time.^[3]
   
   • You can stuff your shoes with newspaper instead of using shoe trees, but re-stuffing the shoes every time you take them off is probably going to get old after a while.
4. Avoid wearing suede during rainy weather or muddy conditions. Suede does not do well when it’s wet; the water will cause the fibers to stick together and moisture can change the colors of your shoes. Before throwing your shoes on, check the weather forecast for the day. If it looks like it’s going to rain or snow, opt for a different pair of shoes.^[4]
   
   • Water will not directly cause scuff marks, but the suede is more likely to scuff if it’s wet. Scuff marks on suede are caused by matted-down fibers, and wet suede fibers are more likely to stick together and matte.
   • If your shoes do ever get wet, blot them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel as soon as you can. Then, if possible, hold the shoes under an air dryer. If you can’t do that, set them near a radiator or in a warm area to help them dry.
5. Brush your suede regularly to keep the fibers from matting down. Use a soft-bristled suede brush to gently raise the fibers and remove any surface dirt. Start at the heel and work your way to the toes. Only rub the shoes in the direction of the suede. Brush your suede shoes after wearing them 3-5 times. If they’re especially dirty, do this 2-3 times to gently restore the shoes.^[5]
   
   • You do not need to brush your suede aggressively. A smooth brushing is great for lifting out dust and dirt, but harsh brushing can actually create scuff marks.

[Edit]Removing Scuff Marks

1. Get rid of minor scuff marks with a standard suede brush. For minor scuff marks with no discoloration, grab the same suede brush that you use to clean your shoes. Stuff your nondominant hand inside the shoe to brace the scuff from the other side. Then, gently brush the shoes in the direction of the suede fibers until the scuff is removed. It may take 5-10 strokes to brush a scuff mark out.^[6]
   
2. Use a suede eraser to remove discoloration from scuffing. If the scuff mark has color on it, grab a suede eraser. Stuff your hand into the shoe to brace it from the inside. Gently brush the discolored scuff mark with the broad side of the eraser to restore the fabric and lift out the colored mark. When you’re done, brush the area with a suede brush to remove any pieces of the eraser that rubbed off on to the suede.^[7]
   
   • A suede eraser is basically a softer version of a standard rubber eraser with no dyes in it.
3. Scrape tougher scuff marks with a dull knife or pencil eraser to lift the fibers. If the scuff mark is particularly hard to remove, grab a dull butter knife. Brace the shoe from the inside and run the dull edge of the blade over the scuff mark in the direction of the suede. This will force the fiber to soften and lift it back up to the surface of the shoe. You can also use a hard rubber eraser to do this. Brush your shoes thoroughly when you’re done.^[8]
   
   • Do not use a sharp knife or a knife with a serrated blade. This will cut the fibers, not restore them.
4. Blot wet, scuffed areas with a damp cloth. If your shoe brushed against a wet surface, you may end up with a wet scuff mark. Get a soft cloth and run it under water for 1-2 seconds. Blot the wet area surrounding the mark with the cloth.
   
   • Getting the shoe wet will keep the suede from drying out while you’re heating the shoe. It also removes dirt and dust from the wet area.
5. Use a hair dryer to heat the wet surface. Move the hair dryer back and forth until the fabric is dry and restored. Use a low heat setting and don't put the hair dryer barrel directly on the surface of the suede.^[9]
   
   • If your suede still looks a little messy, brush your shoes the same way that you normally would.
6. Take your shoes to a dry cleaner if you can’t remove the mark. If the fibers are matted down and you simply can’t lift them back up, take your shoes to a dry cleaner. Dry cleaning your suede shoes is the best way to restore them and completely remove any harsher scuff marks.^[10]
   

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Protecting Your Suede from Scuffing

• Spray protector
• Water and stain repellent
• Suede brush
• Shoe tree

[Edit]Removing Scuff Marks

• Suede brush
• Suede eraser
• Dull knife
• Pencil
• Cloth or paper towel
• Water
• Hair dryer

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-to-do-if-you-stain-your-suede-shoes-2015-10?r=US&IR=T&IR=T
2. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/what-to-do-when-suede-shoes-get-wet
3. ↑ https://www.moderngentlemanmagazine.com/shoe-care-part-2-suede/
4. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/what-to-do-when-suede-shoes-get-wet
5. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/advice/a55830/how-to-clean-suede-shoes/
6. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-to-do-if-you-stain-your-suede-shoes-2015-10?r=US&IR=T&IR=T
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/x08lOAK7waQ?t=100
8. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/advice/a55830/how-to-clean-suede-shoes/
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/x08lOAK7waQ?t=149
10. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/fashion-beauty/a567272/how-to-clean-suede-shoes/