Suede is not a shoe which is suitable for rainy weather. So if possible you should avoid wearing it in the rain. But it is possible to wear Suede in the rain too by using some water repellent.
Where and When Can You Wear Suede in Rain?
Yes, you can wear it in the rain but you shouldn’t. The only time you can wear suede in rain is when you have made your shoe waterproof. If it is not waterproofed, then do not use it in the rain.
If you live in an area where it is highly likely that your suede will get wet or you bought the shoe and want to use it even if it rains, then the first thing you should do is get some water repellent spray and make your shoe waterproof as rain or water can easily ruin your shoe.
That said, this waterproofing solution is for emergencies only. If you get stuck in the rain or a storm and you want to get back home then having this waterproofing will help your shoe not get ruined by the water. But if there is heavy rain and you have to go out, it is still not recommended to use suede.
A common tip is to waterproof the shoe no matter what before you wear them for the first time. That way, even if any accident occurs and your shoe gets into the water it will be protected.
Does Suede Get Ruined in Rain and Is It Possible to Restore It?
Unlike other shoes, suede is not suitable for wearing in the rain. Getting contact with water will damage the materials of the shoe. While it cannot be said that the water will ruin the shoes, it will certainly damage them.
Because of the materials used in the shoe, the outer exposed texture may change if it comes in contact with water. Suede uses the visible layer of the lather on the inside of the shoe which is more water repellant than the outer one. The outer side has a lot of small lather hairs which gives it a nice texture and look.
For the same reason, water can make the outer side of the brittle and can leave water spots from soaking up too much water. So if the shoe gets wet there will be a few things you need to deal with but it is possible to restore it.
How to Restore Your Suede if It Gets Wet?
A common misconception about suede is it will get permanently damaged if it gets wet. It is not true. Yeah, the water may harm your shoe but there are certainly ways to restore them. But make sure to take steps as soon as possible or else the water will cause permanent damage to it.
Better to Take Caution Before
The better thing is to prevent the water from damaging your shoe by spraying water repellent on it. To apply water repellent, first, brush the shoe with a suede brush. The main reason for it is to get rid of the dirt from the shoe. Then spray the repellent all around it evenly.
Restoring the Shoe
If you do not have sprayed any water repellent on the shoe. Then you should act quickly if your shoe comes into contact with the water. First, use a tissue or towel to drain as much water as possible. If possible, using a microfiber towel is the best option.
Getting Rid of Stain
Then gently brush the shoe so that the naps do not get brittle from getting wet. If there is any stain then you can use a suede eraser and rub it on the shoe to get rid of the stain.
But before you start working on any stain let the shoe air dry first. Waiting for the shoe to dry will not harm the shoe but putting it into a dryer or using any dryer to dry the wet shoe may make the shoe stiff and often discolor it.
If you are looking for a homemade solution to the stain then use a solution of 1:1 white vinegar and water. Apply it to the stain using a brush or tissue. Rub it gently to get rid of the stain.
Can I Wash Suede Shoes?
It is possible to wash suede but not with water. Water will damage the lather of your suede because they are not waterproof. You can wash these with vinegar, clothes, and a brush.
Suede Eraser or Brick
The easiest way to clean your suede is to buy a suede cleaning brick. It is often called a suede eraser as it works like a magic eraser. You just have to rub it on the shoe and you are done.
White Vinegar
If you do not want to use cleaning brick then a suede brush and white vinegar is the best way to clean the shoe. White vinegar does not cause any stain or harm to the shoe as water does. So use the vinegar and brush the shoe with it.
Microfibre Towel
If you don’t own a suede brush then any soft clothes will do the job. A microfiber towel or tissue is also good for it.
FAQ
Q: Is suede lather water-resistant?
Ans: It is resistant to a small amount of water but not enough to go out in rain.
Q: Can you machine wash suede?
Ans: It is not recommended to do but you can machine wash it if you are not using any water.
Q: Can I put suede shoes in the dryer?
Ans: No you can’t. You have to always air dry them. Putting them in a dryer will make the shoe stiff or discolor it.
Conclusion
While a little bit of water is nothing to worry about, suede is not a shoe that you can use in the rainy season. They are prone to get damaged in contact with water. But if you are worried about getting water on your shoe then using water repellent spray is the best solution.
Leave a Reply