Caring for nubuck shoes is complicated by the material’s complete resistance to moisture. Therefore, both prevention and basic care for expensive material are subject to one rule - the leather must remain dry inside and out, which means it is well protected from dampness with special impregnations suitable for pile products. Other means that are responsible for maintaining the noble velvety surface of the model, for color stability, and for cleaning stains are also called upon to care for nubuck shoes. All of them belong to the line for shoes made of suede, nubuck and textiles, included in the mandatory series of every company that produces professional care products for products made from natural fibers.
A little about the material
The main topic of the review is the search for an answer to the question of what nubuck is and how to care for it. Let's start by defining the material? This is genuine leather obtained from cattle, which has undergone special processing. It is distinguished by a velvety fleecy surface and has the following characteristics:
- Excellent wear resistance;
- Waterproof;
- High degree of air permeability.
There are three types of nubuck used in production:
- Natural. Made only from materials of animal origin - very durable, impermeable to water;
- Artificial. Synthetic materials are used in production, which increases strength but reduces the possibility of air circulation;
- Oily or oiled. Made from genuine leather, it is impregnated with a complex of oils, which increases resistance to moisture.
The material is very capricious and “picky” to wear! If you do not want to lose the external qualities and performance characteristics of boots or shoes, we recommend that you understand in detail how to properly care for nubuck shoes.
What is nubuck
Outwardly, it is very similar to suede, as it has the same pleasant velvety surface, which is why many people confuse them. But these are two different materials. Nubuck is obtained using special tanning of cattle leather. During the manufacturing process, it undergoes sanding and painting procedures, thanks to which it acquires its final appearance. Due to its many advantages, nubuck shoes are popular among buyers. Its main advantages include:
- aesthetic appearance;
- sufficient strength and wear resistance (although less than suede);
- “breathable” properties (feet will not sweat in it);
- softness and comfort.
All these qualities make nubuck the favorite material of many fashionistas. But do not forget about some of the disadvantages of shoes made from nubuck:
- the need for careful care;
- mandatory use of special means;
- intolerance to moisture (in damp weather it quickly loses its original appearance).
What products will be needed for care?
The owner of such products should have several proven products for caring for nubuck shoes in his arsenal! We will look at what kind of care products you will need - when purchasing, be sure to look for the appropriate indication of nubuck on the label.
- Water-repellent aerosol. Allows you to protect shoes from water, dirty stains and stains;
- Shampoo. You cannot wash nubuck shoes under running water with the usual means, so you must purchase a special shampoo that forms a thick foam;
- Special brush. It is very difficult to thoroughly clean all the fibers with a regular sponge or rag - a brush will come to the rescue. Manufacturers offer products with double-sided surfaces with rubber and metal teeth;
- Special eraser for removing stains. The elastic is made of rubber and chalk x abrasive materials - simply rub a small scratch or dirt to mask the damaged area on the shoe;
- Dye. Any fabric begins to lose color after intensive use - an aerosol can will help refresh nubuck and even out the shade;
- Impregnation. Made from a mixture of wax and silicone, as well as fluorocarbon resins, the composition coats the surface, repels moisture and prevents stains.
Caring for nubuck at home without these special products is simply impossible! Make sure to purchase the products immediately after purchasing sneakers or sandals.
Drying shoes correctly
Any care, cleaning after a walk, removing stains, restoring color and other procedures should only begin when the shoes are completely dry. That is why special attention is paid to the drying process.
Nubuck should dry naturally, without the use of any heating devices. Even electric drying insoles are prohibited. Exposure to high temperatures leads to skin deformation and drying out.
Shoes that get wet from rain or snow will need at least 4 hours to dry completely. You can speed up the process if you stuff paper inside and periodically, as it gets wet, replace it with a new one.
It is important to know!
If you don’t want to irrevocably ruin an expensive pair of nubuck shoes, you need to learn certain rules that will help you achieve the desired effect. We have put together some tips that will tell you how to properly care for nubuck shoes. Follow the recommendations - then the result of the care will pleasantly surprise you.
- Any manipulations to care for shoes can be carried out only after the material has completely dried;
- Under no circumstances should you dry your shoes or bag near a radiator or heater - this is a sure way to destroy the fabric;
- Use only specialized products designed specifically for this type of fabric;
- You should not apply products directly to the surface when caring for boots; it is better to squeeze a small amount onto a soft sponge;
- Any treatment must be carried out in advance - you should not do this before going outside;
- The product must be cleaned daily!
Here we will tell you how to remove grease stains from nubuck quickly and easily!
Finally, the last piece of advice is that caring for oiled nubuck or other material will become much easier if you do not wear boots in wet, rainy and slushy weather.
Advantages and disadvantages of nubuck shoes compared to leather and suede
Regular leather, suede and nubuck are the most comfortable shoe materials to wear, but they have fundamental differences that may affect your choice in the store.
What is the difference between nubuck and leather?
Genuine leather is strong and durable, does not deteriorate from moisture, retains heat well in winter and is comfortable in summer. However, with long-term use of leather shoes, deep creases can form in the folded areas.
Due to special processing, nubuck of natural origin allows for better air permeability than regular leather and is soft and flexible. With proper care, it retains its excellent appearance for a long time. Shoes made of this material provide excellent warmth in winter, but if exposed to excess moisture or falling into a puddle, they may lose their excellent appearance.
The difference between nubuck and suede
Suede, as already mentioned, is made from the skins of small cattle, as well as deer, elk, etc. Unlike nubuck, this type of leather is not sanded, but is simply processed using vegetable and animal fats. This procedure makes the material exceptionally soft, elastic and porous.
Suede is less susceptible to moisture and dirt. Since the pile of this leather is of natural origin, it is longer than that of nubuck. At the same time, the latter is stronger than suede, and it also does not stretch as much, which makes shoes made from it more comfortable and durable.
It’s interesting that very often even store sellers confuse shoes made of suede and nubuck, without making a difference between them. However, experts confidently say that it is preferable to wear nubuck on your feet, because... it is stronger, and accessories can be purchased from suede.
Algorithm of actions
So we move on to the main question - how to care for nubuck leather? Be sure to carry out the first treatment - you will find the care instructions on the product box. Most often, the manufacturer recommends applying impregnation three times and letting it dry.
The next step is to figure out how to properly care for greased nubuck or other fabric on a daily basis:
- Use a dry brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface - carefully go through seams and hard-to-reach places;
- Spread the spray evenly and dry the product thoroughly.
You will learn how to remove moment glue from clothes in another instruction.
It is impossible to avoid contamination - even with the most careful wear, minor damage occurs. Let's talk about how to care for boots made of artificial nubuck (or natural) if you have a stain:
- Dry the pair;
- Rub the eraser over the dirty areas;
- Clean the surface with a special brush;
- If contaminants are not completely removed, use foam shampoo;
- Wait for it to dry and treat the surface with a moisture-proof aerosol.
And now some seasonal features! For proper care in the summer:
- Wipe the sole daily with a damp cloth;
- Remove dust with a brush;
- It is better to treat the inside of the steam with a deodorizing agent.
It’s easy to guess how to care for nubuck in winter:
- Treatment with impregnations and moisture-repellent sprays is carried out on a daily basis;
- Every day, clean off salt or chemical stains with a special shampoo, do not leave for later;
- Be sure to brush off the snow as soon as you enter a warm room - otherwise it will melt and damage the surface.
Watch the educational video to reinforce the material and remember the rules of shoe care!
Storage rules
It is impossible to imagine the answer to the question of how to care for natural nubuck without recommendations for proper shoe storage. If you want to maintain the visual appeal of the product and simplify the care of moccasins or boots, you need to prepare a pair according to certain rules:
- Send your shoes for storage immediately after the end of the season, do not wait several months;
- Each shoe is placed in a separate fabric bag, together they go into a cardboard box;
- Refuse to use polyethylene - you risk creating high humidity, which will contribute to the appearance of mold and rot;
- Each pair is thoroughly cleaned with special products and completely dried;
- To maintain the shape of your shoes, you can use crumpled newspapers, papers, or specialized spacers.
- If you need to know how to wash sneakers in a machine, then the rules are here.
Following a few simple care recommendations will guarantee the safety of your favorite pairs of nubuck shoes - boots, sneakers or shoes will delight you for many seasons!
Now you know how to care for nubuck - give your shoes a chance for a long life, enjoy everyday shoe wear and get the most from the beauty and comfort of the products! Read on to learn how to clean light suede shoes.
