Soft, tactile and effortlessly versatile, suede brings a distinctive finish to everything from trainers and loafers to boots and clogs. But its textured surface needs a little extra care to keep it looking its best.

Whether you're cleaning suede shoes, trainers or boots, the key is to be gentle. Most everyday dirt and marks can be tackled at home with a soft suede brush, the right specialist products and a little patience.

Follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning and caring for your suede footwear.

   ## What you'll need to clean suede shoes    Before you start, have the following to hand:    - A soft suede brush - A colourless or white rubber eraser - A clean, dry cloth or towel - Specialist suede cleaner, if needed - A water- and stain-repellent spray suitable for suede   

Avoid soaking suede or using products designed for smooth leather, as these can affect its colour and texture.

   ## Step 1: Let dirt and mud dry    If your suede shoes, especially suede boots in the winter, have picked up mud or dirt, resist the temptation to clean them straight away. Leave them to dry naturally first.    Once completely dry, gently brush away loose dirt using a soft suede brush. Work carefully over the upper to help lift dirt while maintaining the suede's characteristic texture.    ## Step 2: Remove scuffs and marks    For small marks or smudges, try gently rubbing the affected area with a clean, colourless or white rubber eraser.    Once you've treated the mark, lightly brush the area again to help restore the suede's texture.    ## Step 3: Tackle stubborn stains    For marks that need a little more attention, use a specialist cleaner designed specifically for suede, following the manufacturer's instructions. Although be careful to avoid damage to the quality of the material.    Use cleaning products sparingly and avoid saturating the material. If your shoes become damp during cleaning, allow them to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight, radiators or other sources of heat.    For spills, blot away moisture with a clean, dry towel rather than rubbing it into the suede.    ## Step 4: Restore the suede    Once your shoes are completely dry, you may notice that the suede looks flatter in some areas.    Gently brush the upper with a soft suede brush to lift the fibres and restore its soft, textured finish. A quick brush between deeper cleans can also help prevent everyday dirt from building up.    ## Step 5: Protect your suede shoes    A little preparation can make caring for suede easier.    Before wearing new suede footwear, consider applying a water and stain repellent product designed specifically for suede. This can help minimise initial staining and provide extra protection from everyday wear. Our Scotchguard™ Protected suede shoes also feature a level of protection for peace of mind from the get-go.    If you’ve got a pair of closed-toe suede shoes, such as our Mules and Clogs, you can gently stuff them with newspaper to help them retain their shape.    ## How to clean suede trainers    Wondering how to clean suede trainers? You can follow the same basic steps: let any dirt dry, gently brush the suede upper and use a colourless or white rubber eraser on small marks.    If your trainers combine suede with leather, mesh, fabric or other materials, treat each section according to its specific care requirements rather than applying the same cleaning product across the whole shoe.    Explore our Suede Trainers or head to our Shoe Care & Cleaning FAQs for advice on caring for other footwear materials.    ## Can you wash suede shoes?    We don't recommend putting suede shoes in the washing machine or completely submerging them in water.    Too much moisture can affect the suede as well as the materials and construction inside the shoe. Instead, use a soft suede brush for everyday cleaning and a specialist suede cleaner when needed, allowing your footwear to dry naturally afterwards.    ## How to care for suede shoes between cleans    Regular care can help keep suede looking its best and make deeper cleans less frequent.    - Brush away dry dirt regularly - Give enclosed shoes time to air between wears - Store footwear in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat - Avoid wearing suede in heavy rain where possible - Consider applying a suitable water and stain repellent before first wear - Keep suede away from perfume, hairspray and other products containing chemicals    Looking for a new pair? Explore our Women's Suede Shoes, including suede trainers, boots and other everyday styles engineered with FitFlop comfort built in.    ## Frequently Asked Questions    ## How often should you clean suede shoes? There's no set schedule. A gentle brush whenever you notice surface dirt can help keep suede looking fresh, while a deeper clean is usually only necessary when noticeable marks or stains appear.    ## Can suede shoes get wet? Suede isn't as water-resistant as smooth leather, so it's best to avoid wearing it in heavy rain where possible. If your suede footwear does get wet, blot away excess moisture with a dry towel and allow it to dry naturally before gently brushing the surface.    ## What's the best brush for suede shoes? Use a soft brush designed specifically for suede. This can help remove dry surface dirt while maintaining the material's textured finish.    ## How do you remove stains from suede shoes? For small marks or smudges, try a colourless or white rubber eraser followed by gentle brushing. More stubborn stains may require a specialist suede cleaner. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.    ## Can you clean suede trainers the same way as suede shoes? Generally, yes. Suede trainers can be gently brushed and spot-cleaned in much the same way as other suede footwear. If the trainer combines several materials, however, check the appropriate care method for each material before cleaning.