Leather footwear has been a prominent component of stylish get-ups and attires. But like every pair of shoes, leathers must be cleaned, too. However, it’s not as easy and straightforward as one would make it out to be.
This guide on how to clean nubuck shoes should afford you all the knowledge you need about leather care. So, let’s begin!
How Do Suede and Nubuck Shoes Differ From Each Other?
Upon glancing at a pair of suede and nubuck shoes, one would surmise that they’re made of the same material. That’s because they’re very similar in appearance. However, there are more differences between them than one would anticipate.
The table below shows the primary distinctions between suede and nubuck so that you can choose the right cleaning method and avoid inadvertently damaging the material of your shoes.
| Nubuck | Suede |
| Nubuck is made by outer-facing layer of an animal’s hide (full-grain leather) is buffed and sanded. | Suedes are made by sanding the inner layer of an animal’s hide. |
| More durable than suede. | Less resilient. |
| Easily scratched. | Can tolerate scratches better. |
| Usually on the pricier side. | Cheaper than Nubuck shoes. |
| Tougher. | Softer. |
Now that you’re abundantly aware of the core differences between nubuck and suede shoes let’s explore some excellent ways to clean nubuck leather shoes.
Regularly Remove Dirt From Your Footwear By Brushing It Off
A pivotal aspect of taking care of any pair of shoes is to regularly it. Nevertheless, the type of brush you use can make a huge difference. A thorough brushing session can help restore the velvety napped texture that brought them to prominence in the first place.
To avoid damaging the material, use a soft-bristled suede or nubuck brush. Rub away any dirt and grit from the footwear by diligently going over all of those often-overlooked gaps and ridges on your shoes. Even a toothbrush with soft bristles can do the trick!
Dealing with Nubuck Shoe Stains
Stained leather shoes can mar your entire look and keep you from looking your best. Therefore it’s crucial to wash them off as quickly as you can and save yourself the trouble of dealing with perpetually stained shoes.
Nubuck shoes with even the most stubborn stains can be treated. Below are some fantastic ways to remove stains of various types.
Light Stains
You might think light stains aren’t that big of a deal, but from afar, they can be visible. So, it’s better to tackle them as soon as possible.
To remove light stains, simply use a regular or specialized nubuck eraser instead of any chemical-laden solutions. Rub it on the affected area without pressing too hard and watch as it gradually vanishes. Then, grab a shoe brush and give your footwear a final touch.
Water Stains
Water can have quite an adverse effect on nubuck shoes. If it’s left on your shoes for too long, it could leave behind a stain that might be difficult to remove. But remember, with the right guidance, anything is possible!
Although it might sound counterintuitive, evening out the water mark can do the trick. Simply grab a damp cloth and dab it against your shoes. Alternatively, you could fill a spray bottle with water and spritz it evenly on your shoe(s).
Then, brush it gently with a soft-bristled brush and blot the area with a dry cloth. Let your footwear dry, and apply some waterproof spray as a preliminary measure against future stains.
Salt Stains
If you walk on streets and sidewalks that are covered with salt during the winter, you may risk your shoes getting stained by it. This can leave behind several white marks that can severely affect the look and appeal of your shoes.
When you notice these marks, it’s essential to act as quickly as possible. Brush off the loose salt with a soft-bristled brush to prevent it from causing any further damage to your shoes.
Then, use some diluted white vinegar or a soapy solution constituting some mild detergent and water, and apply it to your shoes using a cloth. After you’re confident that your shoes look good enough to be worn once again, wipe them with a wet cloth, and you’re all set!
Oil and Grease Stains
On the tougher end of the stain spectrum, oil and grease stains are a nightmare to scrub off. If they land on your leather shoes, it’s time to act fast.
If the stain is still wet, sprinkle some cornflour over it. Give the powder some time to soak up the oil. Once you think it looks cleaner, use a vacuum cleaner and suck up the powder.
After that, take some white vinegar and apply it to the oil-stained patch using a clean cloth. Rub it in circular motions and repeat the process until the stain is completely effaced from your shoe.
Tougher Stains
Sometimes, you may be in a position where tackling the toughest types of stains becomes your only option. In this case, it’s not advisable to use white vinegar, baking soda, or anything else that might be abrasive to your shoes’ material.
In lieu of that, your best bet would be to use a nubuck cleaner. These are specially designed to vanquish the most formidable of stains on your shoes to earn you a cleaner pair of leathers that’s ready to be worn on any occasion.
Let’s Wrap Up This Nubuck Leather Care Guide!
And with that, we can finally conclude this extensive guide about caring for nubuck leather shoes. Ultimately, the total usable life of your pair of leather shoes hinges mainly on how carefully you maintain them. Whether you own a pair of suedes or nubuck shoes, it’s worth noting that the type of leather that the shoes comprise is one of the core determinants of how delicately you should handle them.
verything boils down to how committed you are to properly care for your shoes. So, make sure they look as neat and velvety as you remembered them being and enjoy the extra oomph they’ll axiomatically add to your overall get-up.
