help me water/stain-proof light colored suede shoes

April 17, 2024 6:09 PM

I know light colored suede is fated to eventually stain or get dirty, but I fell in love with a pair of espadrilles, and I'd like to give them the best chance this summer. Which of the many sprays out there can I trust to protect the light colored suede and not to stain it when I apply the spray?

I live in a dry climate, so I'm less concerned about rain then about random stains.

posted by gigimakka to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (4 answers total)

I’ve successfully used both an UGG branded spray (I figure no one else produces more light colored suede to be worn in wildly inappropriate conditions) and a Scotchguard one without issues. They both made the suede dark upon application, but it lightened back to normal after it dried.
posted by A Blue Moon at 6:53 PM on April 17

Pro-Tex Water and Stain Protector is what the olde tyme shoe shop near me recommends for suede. I apply two coats before first wear. When it needs a wash I use a suede wash (I think this one) with the special stiff brush recommended. You can also pick up a good large white eraser to use to work some stains out.
posted by cocoagirl at 7:25 PM on April 17

+1 for the UGG suede protector, which is great stuff that doesn't darken. I'm on my second UGG shoecare kit and have used the products on basically every type of footwear except UGGs, ironically.
posted by ZaphodB at 11:03 PM on April 17

Response by poster: I don't know why I hadn't thought about Uggs. Maybe because i had summer shoes on my mind...
posted by gigimakka at 9:48 AM on April 18