Suede
The generic term suede covers all types of leather that are characterized by a surface with a more or less velvety or rough structure. These include suede, nubuck leather and suede.
Suede
Suede is the collective term for the leather of wild animals such as deer, elk, reindeer, antelope, cattle, lamb or even buffalo. In common parlance, however, the term suede is readily used to refer to all types of suede, regardless of whether it actually comes from a wild animal. Nowadays, many suede products are obtained from animals from closed breeding, as their original condition is usually purer and of higher quality than from animals that actually lived in the wild.
Nubuck leather
Nubuck leather is leather that is sanded on the smooth grain side. This special sanding gives the material a velvety soft surface. Strictly speaking, the initially very smooth surface of the leather is roughened with an abrasive so that this unique structure is created. The leather is then characterized by significantly improved breathability, but is also somewhat more sensitive to stains. Furthermore, the UV resistance decreases and the leather bleaches out more easily. Nevertheless, nubuck leather is considered one of the finest types of leather in shoe manufacturing because of its noble appearance.
Calfskin and cowhide are usually used for nubuck leather, but lamb, deer or goatskin are also sometimes used.
Suede
Suede leather, also known as suede in English, actually refers to two types of leather: on the one hand, the downwardly split, velvety surface of the leather hide on both sides, and the uncoated, upwardly processed reverse side of the leather hide. Compared to the still quite smooth nubuck leather, suede is characterized by its rather rough, velvet-like structure. In shoe manufacturing, suede offers numerous advantages: A pronounced protective function as well as high breathability are the result of the open-pored leather structure. Sweat can thus be ideally transported away to the outside.
The right care for shoes made of suede leather
Shoes made of suede need intensive care from time to time to keep their noble look as well as their fit. The care is divided into two areas: First, the shoe must be cleaned, then impregnated.
1. cleaning
If suede shoes are only worn in dry weather, they hardly require any care - but they do in cold, wet weather. This is due to the open-pored structure of the leather: suede, for example, is even more water-absorbent than nubuck leather by comparison. In addition to water, however, dirt and dust also gradually get into the pores and work their way deeper into the leather over time, unless the material is cleaned regularly.
For thorough cleaning, first remove the laces to reach hard-to-reach areas. Coarse dirt is easiest to remove with the GEOX Nubuk Box, which works on the same principle of an eraser: The leather is roughened and the dirt removed.
This is followed by further cleaning with the effective Solitaire Combi Care Foam. This is applied to a sponge or cotton cloth and then carefully worked into the leather. Make sure to distribute the foam over the entire surface. Allow the shoe to dry thoroughly afterwards. Extra tip: A room that is not too warm ensures particularly gentle drying - boiler rooms are therefore rather unsuitable. It is important that the air reaches the shoe from all sides. To do this, it can be hung up by the laces, for example. After complete drying, the suede is now roughened evenly over the entire surface with a brush, such as the Timberland Suede Brush. This process is so important so that the pile of the leather straightens up again or regains its original shape.
2. impregnation
Suede shoes should be protected against water and new dirt with a waterproofing agent, especially before the start of the wet and cold season. When it rains or snows, unsightly water marks quickly appear on the surface, which are difficult to remove again and can also damage the material. Use a waterproofing spray that is especially suitable for suede, such as the Solitaire Waterproofing Spray or the GEOX Nubuck & Suede Spray.
Ideally, perform impregnation outdoors or at least in a well-ventilated room. The spray should be evenly sprayed on the shoe from a distance of about 30 cm. You are welcome to repeat this process several times to protect the material even better. Afterwards, the shoes should be allowed to air dry for some time.
