Suede shoes never go out of style. The unique style and grace of this material are used in the manufacture of shoes for any season. In winter, caring for the presented material requires knowledge of several nuances. Although many people are afraid of purchasing suede shoes, they are actually a practical, durable material. In order for it to retain its original appearance for a long time, you need to know a few secrets for caring for this fabric.
During the cold season, close attention must be paid to cleaning and protecting shoes. During this period, snow and slush can ruin delicate material. How to care for suede shoes in winter? The advice of experienced experts will help with this. They will show you how to carry out this process simply and effectively.
Purpose of suede
When buying yourself a new pair of boots or boots made of suede, first of all you need to clearly understand its purpose. It should not be worn for a long time when going on long-distance hikes. This is rather a formal shoe option. Models created from this material look truly sophisticated and festive.
This delicate material does not tolerate moisture. Therefore, wearing it in autumn or spring is not recommended. But for a snowy winter it is quite suitable. If the weather outside is frosty, this shoe option will come in handy. How to care for suede shoes in winter? There's nothing complicated about it.
Suede shoes will complement a classic coat or a soft fur coat. Designers create many models of stylish, extravagant shoes from this material. They claim that every person should have at least one pair of boots made of this material.
Storage rules
In order for suede shoes to last for more than one season, it is important to store them correctly. It is recommended to consider the following points:
- Before sending for long-term storage, boots must be cleaned and dried.
- Each pair is placed in a separate box.
- You cannot keep suede shoes in a plastic bag: fungus and mold may develop.
- To maintain their shape, special pads or crumpled paper are placed inside the boots.
- It is better not to bend the tops of the boots, as this may cause creases.
- Should be stored away from batteries and heating devices.
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Actions upon purchase
First of all, it should be noted that there is natural and artificial suede. The second variety is somewhat inferior to the first in its qualities. But it also requires no less careful care. Suede needs proper protection.
Before putting on a new pair of boots for the first time, they should be wiped with a dry cloth made of soft material. A brush that is not too hard is also suitable for these purposes.
Then you need to treat the material with a water-repellent agent. When considering the question of how to care for artificial suede shoes in winter, it should be noted that the same actions are performed with them as with natural material.
Nanospray is best suited as a water-repellent agent. It needs to be sprayed over the entire surface of the material. It should become slightly damp. After this procedure, the shoes are left to dry for about 12 hours. The protective layer will need to be restored periodically. This will protect the shoes from moisture, dirt, and saline solutions.
Briefly about the types of suede material
The starting material for producing natural suede is goat, deer or elk skins. The peculiarity of goatskin suede is its barely noticeable lint, velvety feel and softness, close to fabric. Suede is soft, viscous and porous, so it allows air to pass through well.
The technology for manufacturing artificial suede involves woven and non-woven methods. The raw material for woven suede is microfiber threads, which are split by special machines into fibers of different heights and frequencies.
For the second method, a fabric base is used, into which to obtain pile:
- or add loop threads;
- or glue the pile onto the base.
Winter period
Caring for suede shoes in winter does not require much effort and time. Coming home from a walk on a frosty day, the snow is simply shaken off your boots. To do this, you can use a brush or soft flannel cloth.
Cleaning is done very carefully. You can't put any effort into this. Otherwise, the fibers will close together. The appearance of the shoes will be irretrievably lost.
When considering how to properly care for suede shoes in winter, you need to pay special attention to the process of drying them. After removing snow from the surface of the material, it must be left to dry. Under no circumstances should you place shoes close to a radiator or other heater. The room should be warm, but the high temperature will also spoil the appearance of the material.
Benefits of suede boots
Winter shoes will be of high quality only if natural material is used. The faux suede model has worse characteristics.
- Care . Suede requires careful care and respect. For most people, this material is the most easily soiled. However, taking care of winter shoes is easy. This does not require polishing or the use of special cream and shoe polish. It is enough to regularly straighten the pile, clean out small debris and dust. Large stains are removed with a suede eraser. It has a long service life, easy and quick use.
- Appearance . In the fashion industry, suede has established itself as the most elegant and expensive material for making shoes. All models look beautiful and complement the image. Winter boots are easy to match with a jacket, down jacket or fur coat, thanks to their universal style.
- Warm . The material retains temperature for a long time, which is necessary in cold weather. Suede shoes are the warmest. Often boots are decorated with fur and other elements that help withstand low temperatures.
- Air . It is worth distinguishing between the properties of thermal conductivity and air non-conductivity. Shoes must retain heat, but also conduct air, otherwise the feet will sweat, which will cause skin diseases and an unpleasant odor. Suede is a “breathable” material. The legs do not get tired, which has a positive effect on a person’s performance. When shoes are chosen incorrectly, you feel tired, your health and mood worsen.
- Softness . Suede shoes are pleasant to the touch, both externally and internally. The material adapts to the wearer's foot. Thanks to the soft surface, wearing becomes a pleasure. The degree of softness greatly depends on the specific model, manufacturing method and quality of the material. Pay attention to this when choosing a pair.
Cleaning brush
When studying the technology of how to care for suede shoes yourself at home, you need to pay attention to the acceptable brush options. To clean lint leather after the first walk, you will need to purchase a special porous material. This sponge brush has high rigidity.
It is used in combination with a special foam cleaner. This will allow you to quickly remove the top layer of dust in dry weather.
To remove greasy deposits, you should get a special eraser or a brush with rubberized teeth. You may also need a crepe cleaner. After its use, the surface becomes velvety. For convenience, small brushes are available for sale that combine the two types of cleaners presented above.
For deep cleaning, use a special flannel brush with coarse bristles.
Caring for suede shoes at home:
- Before going outside, treat your boots with a suede brush. Then apply a special cleaning agent. Keep in mind that you can only clean dry suede. After this, treat with a water-repellent spray.
- After returning home from the street, clean your boots with a brush to remove dust or wipe with a dry flannel cloth. If your shoes are wet, dry them immediately at room temperature and then clean them.
Important! If you brush wet shoes, you will simply spread more dirt onto the surface of your boots.
- If your boots are very dirty, wash them gently with warm water using a simple laundry detergent. The powder should be well dissolved in water and the boots should be washed very carefully with this warm solution. After all these manipulations, the shoes are wiped with a damp cloth, and then with a dry one.
- If the boots are wet, then press newspapers inside and dry them away from direct sources of heat.
Important! It is advisable to wear suede shoes only in dry weather; they lose their appearance if you walk long distances in them in rain or sleet.
Removing dirt
There are many proven methods for caring for suede boots. There are different cleaning methods. It all depends on the degree of pollution. The worst thing is if dirt or moisture gets on the material. In this case, you will have to work hard.
Do not clean shoes while they are wet. Before the procedure, the material must be thoroughly dried. To remove stains, you need to use special suede products. In this case, even an ordinary stationery eraser is used.
Foam cleaner removes stains well. It is sold in aerosol packaging. This product removes even deeply absorbed dirt. To do this, the product must be applied to the shoes, distributing it evenly over the surface with a flannel cloth (without rubbing). When the product dries after a few minutes, it is removed along with the dirt.
Popular models
Following the demands of fashion requires you to correctly combine suede boots with various wardrobe items. The advice of fashion designers contains recommendations to take into account not only the beauty, but also the comfort of shoes. Among the most important fashion trends are the following:
- If we talk about heels, then preference is given to models of suede boots with a high platform, flat or tractor soles. All of them are suitable for creating an everyday look. Suede stiletto boots are still in style. Fashion trendsetters advise saving them for special occasions, for example, parties, visits to the theater, cinema, and exhibitions.
- The return of the pointed toe is played up with fashionable details such as lacing and ribbons.
- A completely unexpected novelty - a shiny toe on suede boots. The metallic element not only increases the practicality of the shoe, but makes it irresistible.
- Currently the leaders are suede over-the-knee boots, models with transparent heels, stockings, as well as products with original designs (embroidery, ornaments, fringe, rhinestones).
At the shows you can see shoes made in different styles and styles. These are knee-length models or shortened versions, boots made of natural suede or including leather elements, combined. When choosing shoes, be sure to take into account the purpose of use and weather conditions.
Pile raising
To understand how to properly care for suede shoes in winter, you must also consider the procedure for raising the pile. This must be done when abrasions and shiny spots begin to appear on the surface of the material. To do this, you will need a cotton swab with ammonia. Worn areas are treated with the presented product. Then the pile is lifted using a special or office eraser.
You can also use the steam method. You need to hold the shoes over a pan of boiling water for several minutes. Next, the surface is treated with a soft cloth. If the pile is steamed, it instantly takes on its original appearance. A similar procedure is also performed after cleaning the material.
How and with what can you refresh suede?
- Due to the nature of its texture, suede shoes quickly lose color. To prevent this from happening, it needs to be treated with a spray from time to time. It can be either colored or transparent.
- Brown boots can be refined using the folk method. To do this, soak the brush in thick coffee grounds and wipe the entire surface of the product. The shoes acquire not only a rich brown color, but also a thick, pleasant aroma.
- Ordinary soda will help you cope with the shine, a teaspoon of which should be dissolved in 200 g of heated milk, and rub problem areas with this solution.
- Vinegar will help you refresh the color of your boots. Prepare a mixture of 100 g of water and 25 g of vinegar and, using a rag or napkin, carefully go through the shiny areas. After this, treat them with clean water and fix the result with a weak solution of one teaspoon of vinegar per liter of water.
Color restoration
When considering how to care for suede shoes in winter, it is necessary to learn a technique that allows you to restore the color of the material. Such an unpleasant phenomenon as fading occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to sunlight on boots or shoes. Therefore, special aerosols are used to restore the brightness and richness of the color of shoes. They are selected according to the shade of the shoes.
Before the procedure, the material is cleaned and dried well. Then evenly distribute the paint from the can over the entire surface. Afterwards, the shoes are dried well again and the pile is lifted with an eraser. Such products have a gentle effect on the material.
Knowing how to care for suede shoes in winter, you can maintain their spectacular appearance for a long time. Anyone can perform such simple procedures. Stylish, fashionable boots will delight their owner with their impeccable appearance for a long time to come.
How can you update the color of your shoes?
Over time, your favorite boots often lose their original shade. There are several recovery methods:
- Dark boots are cleaned with coffee grounds. It must be carefully rubbed into the surface and shaken off after drying.
- Apply a coloring aerosol. Spray evenly, wait and lift the lint with an eraser.
- Black natural suede is restored with ordinary carbon paper.
- Light shades are treated with cotton wool, previously dipped in milk. Hydrogen peroxide also helps, but it should be used in very advanced cases, like gasoline. Dip cotton wool into the product, and after testing on an inconspicuous area, carry out the procedure.
What to wear with
Classic coats, leather jackets, jeans, a skirt of any length are not a complete list of clothes with which you can wear suede shoes. It is universal. Some tips for women:
- combining suede boots with a dress, skirt or jeans is a great solution. Shoes must remain open;
- it is allowed to experiment with different styles;
- It is recommended to complement the color of the shoes with accessories or decorative elements on clothing.
By following the recommendations of professional stylists about the best combination of suede boots with clothes, you will be able to create an irresistible look. Examples of fashionable options:
- Suede knee-high boots with flat soles using classic shades will make a wonderful duo with all types of clothing.
- The combination of beige boots with gray jeans and a blue sweater is a charming look for going to the cinema or walking in the park.
- Black suede boots with a knitted dress are a trendy set for all occasions. Restraint, style, lack of pretentiousness - all this causes admiration.
The combination of blue suede boots with a matching hat is equally appropriate. Some ladies may find this option a little provocative, but it is original and effective. Another great example of a combination is blue skinny jeans and a knitted jumper in gray or burgundy.
Operation of shoes
What should you avoid?
– wear shoes with a thread (stitched) method of fastening the sole in damp weather, wet snow, this can lead to moisture penetration into the shoe;
– wear shoes in a damp or wet state for a long time;
– avoid exposure of the shoe upper material to alkalis, acids, and active solvents.
Prohibited:
– wear patent leather shoes on gravel, crushed stone, where there is industrial salt;
– wear shoes with leather soles (or with leather pads on the soles) in damp, rainy or snowy weather, as well as on gravel, crushed stone, where there is technical salt;
– wear patent leather shoes at temperatures below – 5C (winter types of shoes below -15C) above +25C;
– wear shoes made of naplak in damp, rainy weather, as well as at temperatures below – 15C;
– wear shoes made of artificial materials at temperatures below -10C (winter
types of shoes below -25C);
– wear rubber shoes at temperatures below -10C, as well as when working with fats, oils and acids;
– wear shoes with tunit or KPR soles below -20C, wear shoes with PU soles below -10C;
Failure to comply with the temperature regime for shoes made of patent leather, artificial leather and plaid can lead to the formation of cracks and rupture of the front surface of the shoe.
Recommended:
– do not wear new shoes for long so that they can adapt to the shape of your feet;
– when putting on and taking off shoes, use a shoehorn to avoid deformation of the heel, tearing the heel seam and tearing off the sole; do not pull it by the straps and elastic bands;
– high-heeled and platform shoes are not recommended to be worn for more than 2-3 hours, as well as for people suffering from swelling of the feet or excess weight, changes in the foot (flat feet, club feet, etc.);
– on shoes with an elongated toe section, as well as with a sole made of genuine leather, it is recommended to install a preventive outsole to avoid premature wear;
– in rainy weather, it is not recommended to wear shoes made of fabrics with new finishes and shoes with decorative stitching that corresponds to fashion trends;
– handle decorative fittings carefully. When using long clothes, make sure that there is no impact on the fittings;
– shoes with straps and elastic bands should not be pulled when putting them on, to avoid tearing;
– Be sure to unfasten the zipper on your shoes all the way. This will preserve the original appearance of the shoes for as long as possible;
– if the shoes slip during use, it is recommended to install an anti-slip pad yourself;
– it is not recommended to drive a car in shoes with leather soles, as well as high-heeled shoes;
– leather-covered heels require especially careful care. Shoes with tight heels are not recommended to be worn on gravel, stones or in wet weather. The heel cover must be treated with shoe care products and the heel must be changed promptly;
– to prevent staining of insoles and linings made from natural leather, it is necessary to use shoe care products;
– slight loss of dye from the insole and lining of shoes, regulated by GOST 940-81, is not a manufacturing defect;
– the heel installed on new shoes must be replaced as it wears out by the buyer;
– shoes with uppers made of genuine leather, incl. made of aniline-dyed leather, naplak, suede, nubuck, velor, before going out in damp, rainy or snowy weather it is necessary to treat it with a water-repellent agent;
– do not overtighten the laces in the ankle area to avoid tearing the skin and fastening;
Fashion brands
Each season is characterized by the appearance of new products from famous brands. Models of suede boots are presented:
- Carlo Pasolini. The Italian shoe brand is distinguished by high quality and elegance.
- Renzi. The highlight of the collection is the winter version of high boots in mustard, pink and turquoise shades.
- Casadei. This Italian brand is famous for its elegant high-heeled boots.
- Francesco Donni. The shortened model with a stiletto heel or on a tractor sole amazes with its variety of colors. Available in orange, burgundy and mustard.
- Kostanay. The versatility of popular models is designed in classic, discreet shades.
- Belwest. The main accent in the shoes is the combination of suede and leather. Shades – marsh, mustard, beige.
- Nando Muzi. The style and color of the models surprises with their originality. Features of the new products: tractor sole, stable heel or high stiletto heel.
Branded models ensure that fashionistas' individual needs are met. The choice is especially varied in terms of colors, heel heights and shafts.
Nando Muzi
Kostanay
Carlo Pazolini
Casadei
Renzi
Belwest
Francesco Donni