Suede Shoe Repairs, Cleaning & Restoration

While suede shoes have a reputation for being difficult to look after, aviator game suede leathers are actually one of the more durable shoe materials and most of the time can be repaired or restored.

One of the main issues with suede is that the leather is highly porous and will absorb all sorts of grime and substances. This is why waterproofing suede shoes is so important as it will preserve the leather and prevent deep stains or discolouration.

Restoring or Cleaning Suede Shoes

For suede shoes that are dirty with surface stains (and have been waterproofed) a suede shampoo with a nylon brush is usually sufficient for cleaning. The suede shampoo can be added to water and a brush used to scrub the shoes. The shoes should then be allowed to dry naturally.

Suede shoes that are lacking colour or have deeper marks can be cleaned in the same way with the addition of a ghostwriter renovator / recoloring spray renovator / recolouring spray. This is like a shoe polish for suede leathers to revive the colour of the fibres.

Shoes that are even worse for wear with stains, discolouration, tears or “bald spots” may need the help of a suede expert to professionally clean, repair or restore the leather. Any cleaning of suede shoes will also usually be accompanied by some repair work to the soles or heels.

At our workshop we offer a suede shoe repair service service as well as suede restorations such as removing marks, stains and recolouring suede shoes

How to Clean Suede Shoes?

Follow our professional suede shoe care guide for how to clean, remove stains and restore your suede shoes.

• Wash the Leather first apply lukewarm water mixed with suede shampoo to the suede leather and scrub with a nylon brush. If you don’t have suede shampoo please do not use vinegar or household products which can stain the suede – plain water is fine.
• Let the Suede Dry after the initial wash we find its best to let the suede dry as this allows you to identify the more permanent stains in the leather. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process but don’t hold the hot air in a single spot for too long – this will burn the suede
• Use a Suede Eraser We recommend using a suede eraser to try remove any stains after the suede has dried. This allows you to focus on specific areas of the suede leather which require more intense cleaning effort.
• Use a Wire Brush For tougher stains we recommend using a wire brush. But refrain from scrubbing too hard with the wire as it can destroy the nap of the suede leather. A wire brush should only be used when you’ve exhausted other options.
• Apply a renovator spray These are aerosols for conditioning and recolouring suede leathers. We stock these products at our workshop, which are essential for restoring the vibrance and colour of the suede after cleaning. Apply sparingly to all areas of the suede after drying.
• Waterproof the Suede Its always best to waterproof your suede shoes prior to wearing your suede shoes as this will prevent permanent stains and make it easier to clean your suede shoes going forward. Apply a few light coats of silicon-free waterprotector to your shoes.

Dyeing Suede Shoes

Suede shoes are different to smooth leathers in that there is a limited colour range to which these shoes can be dyed. Colour options for suede shoe dyeing include brown, navy blues, black and dark greens.

But if you don’t mind basic colours then dyeing your suede shoes to a new colour is definitely a possibility. Options for dyeing suede shoes include DIY application, using a shoe repairer or professional leather service.

While DIY suede shoe dyeing is the cheapest option, you will often need to compromise on the finish of the leather. In addition, you run the risk of ruining you shoes.

For expensive shoes we always recommend using a good shoe repairer or professional leather service for any suede shoe dyeing.

Repairing Suede Shoes

While knowing how to take care of your suede shoes is important, a shoe repairer can offer a variety of services for restoring your shoes to their original condition.

This includes sole and heel repairs for the bottoms of suede shoes, cleaning and restoring the nap of the leather or redyeing suede shoes to a completely different colour.

A shoe repairer also sells suede products if you’re interested in trying DIY or you can save time and get a better job by leaving your shoes with a professional who will also provide advice on caring for your shoes.

For example, our workshop offers both suede shoe repairs and professional cleaning, restoration and dyeing of suede leathers. Get in touch with our team if you’re interested in having your suede shoes restored.