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How to Take Care of Suede Boots

Feb 27, 2011 / By Catherine Hiles

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Suede boots are super cute, but don't forget they require care and maintenance.

Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

They look great with your skinny jeans and a comfy sweater, but improper care of your suede boots could leave them looking more Goodwill than Gucci. Rain and salt leave telltale stains, and that cosmo you spilled on them at the Christmas party last year means you can only wear them with red tees. Take a stand this year to protect and care for your beautiful boots, and you'll be glad when they still look boot-iful at the end of the winter.

Spray your suede boots with a water-repellent coating, available at most shoe stores. Allow it to dry before wearing your boots outdoors in the rain or snow. Reapply the spray every few weeks or months, depending on how often you wear the boots. Always make sure the boots are clean and dry before spraying.

Brush off any dirt or stains with an emery board. This could make your suede look flattened in spots, so brush the areas with a toothbrush or terry cloth towel after cleaning to raise the nap. Scrubbing the boots will not damage them, and they should look new for longer.

Don't fret if your boots get wet during a sudden downpour. Use paper towels to soak up the majority of the water, then stuff your boots with newspaper so they retain their shape. Let them dry naturally, and brush the nap up when they're dry.

1.Water-repellent coating spray

3.Toothbrush

5.Paper towels

2.Emery board

4.Terry cloth towel

6.Newspaper

Buy a cheap pair of boots to walk to work in when it's raining heavily to save potentially ruining your suede boots. Change into your boots when you get to where you're going.

Suede can lose its shape and luster if it gets wet and is not properly dried. Avoid wearing your boots out in heavy rain, and make sure you dry them properly whenever they get wet to keep them looking good longer.