While we may love suede shoes - the perfect embodiment of class and sophistication - the one thing we don't love is them getting ruined. The luxury of sporting a suede pair of shoes will be quickly lost if they're not properly taken care of, and this includes wearing them in the rain.

To ensure that the beauty and longevity of our favorite shoes are preserved, it's important to be aware of the risk of rain ruining suede and take steps to protect them from moisture.

In this post, we will discuss will suede get ruined in the rain, how you can protect your shoes from getting ruined in the rain, and tips on how to look after them properly.

Will Suede Get Ruined In The Rain?

Yes, suede will get damaged from being worn in the rain if they’re not protected. Suede is a delicate material that can easily become stained and degraded when exposed to moisture, making them more prone to dirt and damage over time.

So if you want to avoid ruining your favorite suede shoes, it’s best to keep them away from the rain. But, sometimes it’s not possible to avoid getting caught in a downpour - so what can you do?

Wearing our suede shoes in rain regularly will require a bit more effort to protect and preserve them, but it will be worth it in the end. The first step is to waterproof your shoes with a special waterproofing spray before you head out into the rain - or even better- during the cleaning process. This will help keep the moisture at bay and will reduce the risk of damage.

How Does Rain Ruin Suede?

When suede shoes are exposed to rain over time, the base of your hair will become weak and thin as they dry out gradually. Eventually, this can result in bald patches and makes them more prone to damage and shedding over time, which will eventually ruin your favorite shoes.

Despite the balding process occurring naturally over time, the risk of it will be much greater if you don’t protect your shoes from rain and don't care for your shoes regularly.

What To Do If You Already Got Your Suede Shoes In The Rain

At times, even the best of us will get caught in a sudden downpour and will end up with wet suede shoes. So, what can you do if that happens?

Using a waterproofing spray before will be your first line of defense, but if you’re not already using it and got caught in the rain- don't panic!

First off, don’t attempt to dry them out too quickly by rubbing or blowing on them - this will only make matters worse. Instead, use a microfiber cloth to blot the water away, as this will be gentle enough on the suede nap not to tear it out.

Once your shoes are dry, you will want to go through the entire cleaning process - one that doesn't involve cleaning solutions or rubbing them too hard. If dirt has already been trapped underneath the waterproofing spray, you will have to use a suede shoe cleaner kit complete with a special suede brush and eraser to remove it, so be sure to do that before applying any more waterproofing spray.

Our waterproofing spray uses our protective formula to create a hydrophobic barrier against water, dirt, and grime - so you can be sure that your suede will not get ruined in the rain.

Can You Wear Suede Shoes In The Rain?

Taking all this into consideration, the answer to if you can wear suede shoes in the rain is a resounding yes - as long as you’ve cleaned and treated them with the right products. You will have to clean and protect your shoes regularly and make sure to carefully dry them at your destination.

Nevertheless, no matter how prepared you are, the rain will still be your suede shoes' worst enemy. So it will always pay off to keep an eye on the forecast and look for good weather days when planning outdoor activities.

Does Rain Effect Suede and Nubuck Differently?

Nubuck is a slightly different material than suede, so water does affect it differently. Since the nubuck material is made of a tougher exterior layer of the hide, it will be more resistant to water stains and damage.

However, the nubuck material will still swell up if exposed to too much moisture for prolonged periods. This will cause the material to wrinkle or warp, which will ruin its appearance over time.

Overall it’s best to treat and protect them the same using the waterproofing and cleaning techniques we discussed. However, if you’re the forgetful type who will occasionally get caught in the rain, then nubuck will be a slightly safer investment.

Pre-emptively Protect Your Suede Shoes From The Rain

The best way to keep your suede shoes in pristine condition is by pre-emptively protecting them from rain. Use the Nubuck and Suede Cleaning Kit to keep your suede looking and feeling great all year round. Easy to use and even easier to carry, this will help you get the most out of your shoes no matter what mother nature throws at them.

Or, if you don’t have the cleaning kit with you, keeping a water and stain repellant in your pocket or purse will go a long way to saving your shoes from any rain-related accidents.

With a little bit of preparation and the right tools, you will never have to worry about will suede get ruined in the rain again. Invest in the upkeep of your suede shoes and you will reap years of beauty from them.

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