Do You Need to Waterproof Suede Loafers? (And How to Do it?)

Do you need to waterproof suede loafers? Yes, you really do. Suede gets damaged easily, even with a little water or dirt. Waterproofing helps block stains and protects your shoes from losing their shape or color.

We’ve ruined pairs in the past by skipping this one simple step. Now, we treat all our suede loafers before wearing them, and the difference is huge. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why it’s so important, how to do it the right way, and which sprays actually work. You’ll also hear what mistakes we made so you don’t have to.

Key Takeaways

• Suede loafers need to be waterproofed, or they can get damaged fast

• Even light rain can stain suede and change the texture

• A waterproof spray stops moisture and dirt from soaking into the material

• Waterproofing helps it look new for longer

• You should waterproof new loafers right away and reapply every few months

• You can use beeswax for a natural method, but sprays give better protection

• Cleaning suede needs gentle tools like brushes and a suede eraser

Do You Need to Waterproof Suede Loafers?

Yes, you need to waterproof suede loafers. Suede soaks up moisture quickly, even from light rain or small spills. Water can leave stains or make the surface feel rough. A good waterproof spray blocks liquids and dirt from sinking in. It helps the suede stay soft and clean for longer. Without it, your loafers can lose their color and shape too fast.

Here are all the reasons why you must waterproof your suede loafers:

Suede Soaks Up Moisture Easily

Suede is made from the soft underside of leather. It has a fuzzy texture that looks great but acts like a sponge. Even if it just drizzles outside, your suede loafers can end up with water spots. These spots make the shoes look uneven.

If you’ve ever worn suede shoes on a damp day, you’ve probably seen it yourself. We once wore a new pair out for just an hour in light rain. They came back with darker patches all over the toes and sides. We tried brushing them out, but the stains were there to stay. That pair never looked new again.

When you waterproof suede, you give it a protective barrier. Water no longer sinks into the surface. Instead, it stays on top and you can just wipe it off.

Waterproofing Helps Prevent Stains

Suede stains easily. That soft texture might feel nice, but it pulls in every liquid and speck of dirt. Once something gets into the fibers, it is hard to remove. If you don’t waterproof your loafers, the first coffee drip or muddy sidewalk could leave a permanent mark.

We once had someone spill soda near us at a café. A drop hit the toe of a suede loafer. Luckily, it was already waterproofed. The soda sat on the surface, and we wiped it off with a napkin. It didn’t leave a mark at all. If we hadn’t sprayed them the day before, that shoe would have been stained for good.

Waterproofing gives you time. You can deal with spills before they soak in. It also makes it easier to brush off road grime.

It Helps Keep the Texture Soft

Suede is all about texture. That soft, velvety feel is what makes it so popular. But moisture can ruin that. When suede gets wet and dries again, it often turns stiff and rough. It can lose that clean look and start to feel worn out.

A waterproof spray keeps moisture from reaching the suede fibers. It helps the nap stay lifted and smooth.

Waterproofing Helps Your Shoes Last Longer

When you take care of suede properly, it can last for years. But when suede stays exposed, it picks up everything. Dirt, salt, and street grime can wear it down fast. A waterproofing spray keeps all that from sinking in. It helps your loafers stay cleaner and hold their shape longer.

We’ve kept suede loafers in good shape for over five years just by waterproofing and brushing them regularly. It doesn’t take much. A quick spray every couple of months is enough.

Waterproofing also protects against winter damage. Salt on sidewalks can ruin suede in one walk. We once forgot to spray a pair before going out on a slushy day. The white salt lines never came off. That’s why we always reapply waterproof spray before the seasons change.

How to Waterproof Suede Loafers Naturally

You can waterproof suede loafers at home using natural ingredients.

• Step 1: Use a soft suede brush to clean off all dirt and dust. This helps the wax stick properly.

• Step 2: Rub a small amount of beeswax or natural wax bar onto the suede. Use light, even pressure and cover the whole surface.

• Step 3: Warm the wax slightly with a hairdryer. Use low heat and keep it a few inches away from the suede.

• Step 4: Let the shoes sit for at least six hours. This gives the wax time to set into the fibers.

• Step 5: Brush the suede again to lift the nap and keep the soft texture.

We’ve tried this on lighter loafers, and it gave a decent level of water resistance. It’s not as strong as commercial sprays, but it works well if you wear your shoes indoors.

Best Suede Waterproof Spray

The best suede waterproof spray should protect against both water and stains. Here’s what we recommend:

Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector

This is the spray we reach for the most. Scotchgard works well on all suede colors and doesn’t leave any marks. Once it dries, you cannot even tell it is there. What you do notice is that water beads up on the surface instead of soaking in.

We’ve used it on loafers, and it’s never let us down. It is easy to find and lasts a long time. For general protection, this one is hard to beat.

Kiwi Suede & Nubuck Protector

If you want something affordable and easy to use, this one gets the job done. Kiwi spray goes on evenly and keeps the suede soft. We use it when we need a quick recoat before heading out. 

We’ve used it on lighter suede, and it didn’t darken the material at all. Just keep in mind you may need to reapply it more often than the more expensive sprays.

Crep Protect Spray

Crep Protect is known for sneakers, but it works great on suede loafers, too. It creates a strong, invisible layer that makes water roll right off. We tested it in light rain, and our shoes stayed dry. It works especially well on newer suede. The only thing to note is that the nap feels slightly firmer after use.

Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent

Bickmore’s spray works on all suede colors. The best part is that it does not change how the shoes look. It creates a soft, breathable barrier that blocks water and dirt. We’ve used it on grey suede with no issues. It also helped keep dust off, which made the shoes easier to clean.

How Do You Protect Suede Loafers?

Here are 10 ways to protect your suede loafers:

• Waterproof them with a suede protector spray

• Always brush them after each wear using a soft suede brush

• Avoid wearing them in rainy or wet weather

• Use shoe trees to keep their shape when not in use

• Store them in a dry, cool place away from sunlight

• Keep them in a fabric shoe bag or dust bag

• Spot clean stains as soon as they happen

• Avoid touching suede with oily or dirty hands

• Reapply waterproof spray every few months

• Use a suede eraser to lift out scuffs or shiny spots

Can Suede Loafers Get Wet?

Suede loafers can get wet, but it is not good for them. Suede is made from the soft underside of leather, and it absorbs water very quickly. When suede gets wet, the texture can change. In some cases, the color may darken, and it can leave behind hard-to-fix stains.

If your suede loafers do get wet, don’t panic. Blot the moisture gently with a clean cloth. Then stuff the shoes with paper to help hold their shape and let them dry at room temperature. Do not use heat or a hairdryer. Once dry, use a suede brush to lift the nap again.

But the best thing you can do is prevent it. Always spray them with a good suede protector before you wear them. That way, water sits on top and doesn’t sink in. It only takes a minute, and it can save your shoes from long-term damage.

How to Clean Suede Loafers?

To clean suede loafers the right way, you need to use gentle tools and the correct method.

• Dry brush the shoes: Use a suede brush to gently remove loose dirt, dust, and surface marks. Always brush in the same direction to lift the nap and avoid flattening it.

• Use a suede eraser: Rub a suede eraser over scuffs or darker spots. Apply light pressure and rub until the marks fade. This works well on toe creases and heel areas.

• Treat stains with white vinegar: If you see a stain, dab a bit of white vinegar onto a clean cloth. Gently blot the spot. Do not soak the area. Let it dry and then brush it again to restore the nap.

• Let shoes air dry completely: Never dry suede with heat. Stuff the loafers with paper towels or shoe trees and leave them in a cool, dry room until fully dry.

• Brush again after drying: Once dry, give the shoes another soft brush. This brings back the texture and removes any final dirt left behind.

Conclusion

Suede loafers are a great choice when you want something classic and comfortable. But without protection, they can get ruined quickly. We’ve seen it ourselves, and that’s why we always waterproof our suede shoes before wearing them out. It only takes a few minutes, and it keeps them safe from water. The texture stays soft and you don’t have to worry about small spills or surprise weather.

If you want your suede loafers to last, waterproofing them is one of the smartest things you can do. You’ll thank yourself every time you put them on.