How To Clean Suede + Nubuck Sneakers

Suede and nubuck are among the most beautiful materials in sneaker design — soft, textured and distinctive. But unlike smooth leather, they require a more careful approach to cleaning and maintenance.

Our suede and nubuck styles are crafted from premium Italian materials, selected for their quality and texture. With the right care, they will maintain their appearance and improve with age.

Suede vs Nubuck — What's the Difference?

Both suede and nubuck have a soft, napped surface — but they come from different parts of the hide and have slightly different properties.

Suede is made from the inner split of the hide. It has a softer, more delicate nap and is generally more flexible. Nubuck is made from the outer grain of the hide, buffed to create a fine nap. It is more durable than suede and holds its shape better over time.

Both materials are cleaned using the same method, although nubuck can withstand slightly more pressure during brushing.

What You'll Need

All products below are available in our Sneaker Care collection:

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Suede & Nubuck Sneakers

Step 1 — Remove Loose Dirt

Start by brushing the sneaker with a natural bristle brush to remove excess loose dirt. Work in one direction with the nap — never against it — to avoid damaging the surface. It is important to remove as much dry dirt as possible at this stage, as wet cleaning can push dirt deeper into the nap if it hasn't been loosened first.

Do not over-brush the same area repeatedly — this can damage the nap surface.

Step 2 — Treat Stubborn Stains

For stubborn marks or scuffs, use a Suede + Nubuck Rubber eraser. Apply firm, gentle pressure in a back-and-forth motion directly on the stain. Work slowly and check your progress regularly — avoid rubbing too aggressively on any one spot. The rubber works by lifting the mark from the nap without the use of water or chemicals.

Step 3 — Clean the Upper

For a more thorough clean, use Saphir Sneaker Care Foam Cleaner. Shake well and apply the foam evenly across the upper. Work it into the material using a natural bristle brush in gentle circular motions. Leave it to soak for 4 to 5 minutes. Once the foam has absorbed the dirt, brush it off with a clean brush, rinsing the brush frequently as you go. Allow the sneaker to dry naturally before the next step.

Always allow suede and nubuck to dry fully at room temperature — never near direct heat.

Step 4 — Clean the Outsole

For the outsole, apply Saphir Sneaker Deep Clean with a Technical Cleaning Cloth or a natural bristle brush. Work carefully into the grooves. Avoid letting the product touch the upper as it may cause staining. Wipe clean and allow to dry.

Step 5 — Restore and Condition

Once clean and dry, use Saphir Suede + Nubuck Renovateur Spray to restore the nap and condition the material. Cover your working area with newspaper and stuff the inside of your sneakers with newspaper to protect the lining. Hold the can approximately 25cm from the surface and spray evenly across the upper. Leave to dry for 15 minutes, then brush gently with a crepe brush to restore a uniform finish.

Step 6 — Protect

Apply Saphir Super Invulner Protector Spray as the final step. Work in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Hold the can 12 to 18 inches from the surface and spray evenly. Allow 30 minutes to dry before wearing. Apply once a month to maintain protection against water and stains.

Protection is especially important for suede and nubuck — both materials are more vulnerable to water damage than smooth leather.

How Often Should You Clean Suede & Nubuck Sneakers?

Tips for Caring for Suede & Nubuck

All products mentioned in this guide are available in our Sneaker Care collection, curated specifically for Uniform Standard's Italian leather, suede and nubuck sneakers. If you own any smooth leather styles, see our Leather Care Guide for the full cleaning process.