Suede has a magic all of its own. Soft to the touch, rich in colour, and effortlessly stylish – it’s the kind of material that elevates your sneakers from everyday to premium. But suede is also a little… particular. It needs a gentler approach to stay looking and feeling its best. Here, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to clean suede sneakers (and shoes) safely, restore their texture, and help them stay looking fresh for longer – so you can keep moving in style.

What to Know Before Cleaning Suede

A little prep goes a long way. Suede is delicate, so the right approach will protect the fibres (known as the nap) and prevent damage.

  • Let dirt or mud dry completely before you try to remove it – suede doesn’t like being worked on while wet.
  • Never soak suede or put it in the washing machine – water can stain and warp the material.
  • Remove the laces to make cleaning easier and avoid marks.
  • Insert a shoe tree (or stuff with paper towels) to help them keep their shape.
  • Test first – if you’re using a cleaner, try it on a small hidden area.

Essential Tools for Cleaning Suede

Having the right kit on hand makes cleaning safer and more effective:

  • Suede brush – for lifting dirt and reviving the nap.
  • Suede eraser – removes scuffs and light marks.
  • Soft toothbrush – useful for getting into seams and edges.
  • White vinegar or rubbing alcohol – for tougher stains.
  • Talcum powder – absorbs oil stains.
  • Paper towels or a microfiber cloth – for blotting and gentle cleaning.
  • Suede protector spray – your shield against future marks.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Suede Sneakers

Step 1 – Dry and Brush

Let any mud dry naturally. Once dry, use your suede brush (or toothbrush in a pinch) to gently brush away surface dirt. Always brush in one direction to lift the nap without fraying it.

Step 2 – Remove Scuffs and Light Marks

Light scuffs can be erased with a suede eraser or clean white rubber. Apply gentle pressure, then brush again to restore that soft, velvety finish.

Step 3 – Target Stains (Water, Oil, Other)

  • Water stains: Lightly dampen the entire area to avoid tide marks, then let it dry naturally before brushing.
  • Oil stains: Sprinkle with talcum powder, leave overnight, then brush off.
  • Other stains: Dab (don’t rub) with a cloth lightly moistened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then let dry.

Step 4 – Air Dry and Finish

Let your sneakers dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Keep them in shape with a shoe tree or paper stuffing. Once dry, reapply your suede protector spray for extra defence.

Can You Put Suede Sneakers in the Washing Machine?

In short: no. Machine washing can cause colour bleeding, shrinkage, and a roughened, misshapen nap. At FitFlop, we recommend always cleaning suede by hand, following the gentle steps above.

Tips for Keeping Suede Shoes Looking New

  • Protect first – spray with suede protector before your first wear.
  • Brush regularly to lift the nap and prevent dirt from setting in.
  • Avoid water and oils, including perfumes and lotions.
  • Rotate your footwear – give suede time to breathe between wears.
  • Store smart – keep them away from heat and direct light.

Explore FitFlop’s Suede Collection

Discover the latest women’s and men’s suede shoes designed with our signature biomechanical comfort – so you can feel as good as you look.

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About FitFlop

We were born different. Unlike other brands in our category, we’re a smart engineering company that happens to make footwear. Through biomechanical engineering an ergonomic design, we help people achieve more and feel better with contemporary every-day footwear that helps maximise your energy as you move.

Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, we’ve been set apart from the pack from the get-go. Harnessing our unique scientific approach (fusing world-class biomechanics and advanced technology with bold, directional design) led to our first product – the WalkStar 1 sandal – quickly becoming a global phenomenon.

And it’s this unique, smart ethos – blending science and shoe-making smarts – that has created the fastpaced, celebrated brand we are today, with more than 65 million pairs sold across the globe.

You can find us in 73 countries with a total of over 5,000 stores and stocked by more than 2,000 retailers and 31 distributors. Our 145 FitFlop concept stores are located in the UK, US, Europe, the Middle East, India, and the APAC region. As well as our growing head office in the UK, we have new showrooms in London and New York.

Our community of wearers spans motivations and generations, women and men who live intentionally – always looking for ways to help optimise their every-day.