Suede shoes have a lot going for them—they have a unique look and are much easier to maintain than leather shoes.

The primary issue with suede shoes is that they look unprofessional after getting too dirty, and instead of trying to clean them, many people will just toss the pair and get a new one. But some proactive care will keep your suede shoes clean and an important part of your look that you can rely on for years if not decades.

Red Moose has four tips to keep your suede looking its best.

1. Use a Shoehorn

This should be a rule for all shoes, but suede can especially become worn if you're damaging the heel of the shoe while trying to put them on. We have shoehorns in various shapes, sizes, and colors for all tastes.

2. Use a Suede Brush

After you put on your shoes, give them a good brushing with a suede brush, that is included in our Suede and Nubuck Care Kit. You can be vigorous on suede with this brush in seams, crevices, and hard-to-reach places, and it's safe enough for gentle cleaning on rounded corners. Since suede has a tendency to pick up dirt and debris, brush them again before you take them off.

3. Let Them Breathe

Once you take the shoes off, let them breathe in the open air for 15 minutes allowing sweat and moisture collected throughout the day to evaporate. If you have shoe trees, place them inside the shoes after the 15-minute mark to help further eliminate odors and help the shoes retain their shape.

4. Check for Other Spots

Before you place your shoes in shoe bags for storage, check for spots that your brush can't get out. For those tough spots, use a suede eraser–also included in Red Moose's Suede and Nubuck Care Kit, which also comes with a waterproofing spray you can use when rain is in the forecast and a suede renewal solution that prevents dryness and cracking.