In this next post, we are going to answer another popular question about suede shoes: Can You Wear Suede Shoes In The Rain?
Let’s get right into it….
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Can You Wear Suede Shoes In The Rain?
The answer is yes you can wear suede shoes in the rain. However, with that being said I would strongly recommend that you first apply some sort of waterproofing spray. This is important because suede is very susceptible to water stains. If you go out unprotected you could permanently ruin them.
(Of course, it is important to mention that when I say that they are safe to wear in the rain, I am NOT recommending that you wear them in a downpour. What I am saying is that if you get caught in a light rain or if you are walking outside after the storm, a good waterproofing should be enough to protect them from harm.)
In fact, I would recommend you waterproof your shoes even before wearing them out for the very first time as you never know when an accident may occur.
While water stains will not cause serious damage to your shoes and are relatively easy to remove, it is much easier to spray them with a stain repellant than to try to remove water stains or worse yet some sort of stain.
With that being said, let’s take a look at how to waterproof your suede shoes.
How do you protect your suede shoes from the rain?
The simple answer is to waterproof them. No, waterproofing them doesn’t mean you can go jumping in puddles, but it means your shoes will be protected if you get stuck in the rain.
How To Waterproof Your Suede Shoes
- The first step is to brush your shoes. To do so, I recommend using a suede brush such as Shacke Suede Brush. Your goal of brushing your shoes is to remove any dirt, before sealing your shoes.
- Now you are ready to spray your shoes. Begin by holding the bottle 6-10 inches away from your shoes. With a back and forth motion apply the waterproofing spray evenly. Spending extra time around the welt as you especially want to protect this entry point from water damage.
- Allow to dry and repeat step two if needed.
- For added protection, you can use a sole guard to protect your shoe’s sole as well.
Let’s see just how these steps can be done in the following video:
My Suede Shoes Got Wet, Now What?
Your first thought might be: Is it bad to get suede shoes wet? While it is not recommended to get them wet, there are steps you can do to prevent further damage and prevent things from getting worse.
Don’t panic. As we mentioned earlier, water stains will not cause permanent damage to your shoes, so if they happen to get wet, there is no need to panic. However, it is important to act fast. The quicker you act to stop the stains from setting in, the easier it will be to remove them.
Blot the water stain. The first thing to do when you notice that your shoes got wet is to blot the water spot. This can be done with a towel, paper towel or even a napkin. The goal here is to absorb as much water as possible to prevent it from setting into the fabric.
Keep in mind that you want to blot the water spot not rub or scrub it. Rubbing the water spot with some sort of material can leave stains which will be much harder (or even impossible) to remove. For best results, apply the material to the wet area with a little pressure behind it to absorb the moisture
Suede Brush. When you run your hands across brand new suede shoes you will notice that they are extremely soft. This is because the fibers are standing up and it is known as the shoe’s nap.
However, when these fibers get wet, they can start to stick together or get hard resulting in stains. To prevent that from happening the moment you notice that your shoes are wet, you can use a suede brush to lightly brush the nap.
Not only is this good for your shoes when they get wet, but it is also great for general cleaning.
What do I do if I don’t have a suede brush?
When possible I would recommend using a suede brush to brush your shoes. The reason being that many brushes also have an eraser that can be used on hard set-in stains. However, in the event of an emergency you can also use a clean toothbrush, but be sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush.
Use Steam. Another great way to revive the nap especially for shoes that have dried and start to looked matted is to use steam. No, you don’t have to go out and buy an expensive steamer, you can use a tea kettle, pot or even the steam from an iron.
To do so, simply hold your shoes over the source of the steam and allow the steam to lightly dampen your shoes. Once they are damp, follow the above suggestions. Blot the wet spots and then use a suede brush to bring the nap back to life.
My Suede Shoes Got Soaked…Are They Ruined? – Can You Remove Water Stains From Suede Shoes?
Yes, you can remove water stain from your suede shoes, but you need to act quickly before they the water stains dry on their own.
Let’s briefly talk about how to remove water stains.
The above recommendations are for when your shoes get a little wet, perhaps they got a few water spots from walking to work or walking out to your car.
However, what should you do when your shoes get soaked? For example, what should you do if you get caught in a rainstorm?
The best thing to do in this case is to allow them to dry completely. To do so, place newspaper, a towel or tissue in your shoes and allow them to sit overnight. This paper will help to absorb the moisture, but also help the shoes to keep their shape.
Keep in mind that even though it might be tempting to place your shoes in front of the fireplace or a heater to speed up the process, DON’T Do It. Placing your suede shoes in front of a furnace ( or any heat source) can cause the material to shrink which will result in permanently damaged shoes.
For best results always allow your suede shoes to air dry overnight.
Once they are thoroughly dry, you can use a suede brush to brush your shoes. Where you notice light water stains, you can use the eraser to try to revive the nap. If you still see water stains, you can use the steam method mentioned earlier to lightly dampened your shoes, followed by a thorough brushing.
How To Remove Salt Stains From Suede Shoes
As with most shoes, salt is enemy number one. What can you do if you start to notice salt stains on your suede shoes?
The first step is to brush the stain with a suede brush. The goal here is to brush out as much salt/salt residue as possible.
Next, apply a little white vinegar directly to the stain. Keep in mind that vinegar is a powerful solution and using too much of it on these delicate shoes can do more harm than good. So start small with a small amount at first.
After applying the vinegar use a clean cloth to blot the wet spots and allow the shoes to dry. Once again, you are not scrubbing the stain, but blotting the stain. Scrubbing can result in damage to the suede material.
Once dry, use a brush to again to revive the nap.
Other Related Questions…
Is Suede Water-Resistant?
No, suede can easily be ruined by water. It is important to waterproof your suede boots from day one to protect them from water stains.
Can you wear suede boots in the rain?
Yes, you can wear them in the rain, but it is important to properly waterproof them first. Unprotected suede can be ruined easily in the rain.
Can you clean suede shoes in the washing machine?
No, you should not put your suede shoes in the washing machine. Water can both damage and discolors your suede shoes. The best way to clean your suede shoes is with a suede brush.
How Long Do Suede Shoes Last?
If you properly maintain them, by ensuring that they are protected from water and you regularly clean them, suede shoes can last you many years.
Are suede shoes hard to maintain?
No, they are relatively easy to maintain as long as you protect them from water and you regularly clean them with a suede brush.
Final Thoughts…
So, can you wear suede shoes in the rain?
Yes, you can, but I would only recommend it after making sure to waterproof them.
Of course, if you are going to be jumping in puddles or running through the park, suede shoes are not going to be your best option.
In addition, if your shoes were to get wet, by applying the above suggestions, you can remove those watermarks easily.
Now it is your turn, Do you wear your suede shoes in the rain? If so, what waterproofing products would you recommend?
