No, it is strongly advised against getting suede shoes wet, as water can cause significant and often permanent damage to the material.
Unlike leather shoes, suede is not moisture resistant. When suede gets wet, it becomes stiff and brittle after it dries, deteriorating its luxurious material and making it prone to permanent damage. This can alter the shoe's appearance, texture, and overall longevity.
Why Water is Detrimental to Suede
Suede's unique, soft, napped surface is particularly vulnerable to moisture. The delicate fibers, often made from the underside of animal hides, absorb water readily, which leads to several undesirable effects:
- Stiffening and Brittleness: As the water evaporates, the fibers contract and harden, resulting in a stiff, unyielding texture that replaces the characteristic softness of suede.
- Permanent Stains and Discoloration: Water often leaves unsightly marks or dark spots that are difficult, if not impossible, to remove. This can permanently alter the color and uniform appearance of the material.
- Matted Nap: The fine fibers can become flattened and matted together, losing their distinct fuzzy texture and making the shoes look worn out or dirty.
- Loss of Shape: Excessive wetting can cause the material to warp or shrink, leading to a distortion of the shoe's original shape.
- Deterioration: The repeated wetting and drying cycle weakens the suede fibers, making them more susceptible to tearing, cracking, and general wear and tear over time.
Protecting Your Suede Shoes from Water Damage
Prevention is the best approach when it comes to suede.
1. Proactive Protection
- Apply a Suede Protector Spray: Before wearing new suede shoes, or after cleaning, treat them with a high-quality suede protector spray. These sprays create an invisible barrier that repels water and stains, offering a crucial line of defense. Reapply periodically as per product instructions.
- Check the Weather: Avoid wearing suede shoes on rainy, snowy, or overly humid days. Opt for waterproof alternatives when precipitation is expected.
- Proper Storage: Store suede shoes in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight or excessive humidity, which can also degrade the material over time.
2. What to Do If Suede Gets Wet (Accidental Exposure)
If your suede shoes do get wet, immediate and correct action can minimize the damage:
- Blot, Don't Rub: Gently blot the wet areas with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, as this can push water deeper into the material and further damage the nap.
- Stuff with Paper: To help absorb internal moisture and maintain the shoe's original shape, loosely stuff the shoes with plain white paper (like newspaper or paper towels). Avoid colored paper, which might transfer dye.
- Air Dry Naturally: Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources (like radiators, hair dryers, or direct sunlight). High heat can cause the suede to crack or shrink. Allow them to dry completely, which may take 12-24 hours.
- Restore the Nap: Once completely dry, use a specialized suede brush to gently brush the nap back into place. Brush in one direction to restore the smooth, uniform texture. For stubborn spots, a suede eraser can be used.
- Professional Cleaning: For severe water stains or significant damage, consult a professional shoe repair specialist or cobbler.
Suede Wetness Scenarios & Solutions
| Scenario | Immediate Action | Long-Term Care |
|---|---|---|
| Light Spritz/Drizzle | Blot gently, air dry | Brush nap, reapply protector |
| Significant Soaking | Blot thoroughly, stuff with paper, air dry | Brush nap vigorously, consider professional cleaning |
| Mud/Grime | Let dry completely, brush off mud, then follow wet suede steps | Professional cleaning recommended for deep stains |
In summary, while accidents happen, taking precautions and acting swiftly and correctly can help preserve the beauty and integrity of your suede footwear.
