Want to keep your suede shoes looking great and lasting for years? We’ll show you how to clean and care for them properly, right from home.
Some of our most popular styles—like Esther, Edith, and Ella—are made from high-quality suede leather. This suede comes from full-grain leather, the best type you can get. Like all our shoes, boots, and sandals, they’re built to last when you take care of them. Just like in the past, our footwear is made to stand the test of time—and we’re here to help you keep them looking beautiful.
Let’s start with a simple guide to cleaning your suede shoes at home.
Pictured: Edith, our 1940s-inspired pumps in rich brown suede with colorful stitching.
What Is Suede Leather?
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, velvety surface. It’s made from the underside of the animal skin—most often sheepskin, which is what we use for most of our suede shoes.
What You’ll Need:
To care for your suede shoes, gather the following items:
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A suede brush (or a clean toothbrush)
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A suede eraser (or a regular pencil eraser)
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Optional: Suede protection spray or white vinegar
If you’re unsure which tools or products are best for your shoes, visit a local cobbler or shoe store for advice.
How to Clean Suede Shoes
Follow these steps to clean and protect your suede:
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Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove any dirt. Brush in short, light strokes—don’t scrub too hard.
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Use a suede eraser to rub away any remaining marks or small scratches.
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Spray a thin layer of suede protector over your shoes.
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Let them dry for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Our 1940's style wedge sandals, Ella, in a beautiful apricot suede.
How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Suede Cleaner
Got a tough stain and no suede cleaner? Try white vinegar:
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Dampen a corner of a microfiber cloth with white vinegar.
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Gently dab the stained area—don’t rub hard.
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Avoid soaking the suede—just make it slightly damp.
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The area may darken at first, but it should return to normal as it dries.
Removing Oil Stains from Suede Shoes
To treat oil stains:
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Blot the area gently with a paper towel to soak up extra oil.
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Sprinkle cornstarch or baking powder over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
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Brush off the powder gently with a soft brush or toothbrush. Avoid pushing the stain in deeper.
Pictured: Our Alma 1940s pumps in vibrant purple suede.
What Not to Do with Suede Shoes
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Don’t use regular leather care products on suede—they can damage the texture and color.
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Don’t use water or a wet cloth to clean suede, as it can make stains worse.
Caring for Leather Soles
If your suede shoes have leather soles (as many of ours do), use leather care products on the soles only—not the suede. Regular care helps the soles stay flexible and more resistant to water and dirt.
You can check out our leather sole care guide here:
Leather soles: benefits, care, and comparisons
Need More Help?
Got questions about caring for your Memery shoes? We’re happy to help! Reach out to our customer service anytime, or book a 1:1 video session with our team—we’ll guide you through shoe care and answer all your questions.
Book here:
https://memery.eu/pages/1-1-session-with-team-memery
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