Shoes and sneakers
Suede vs leather sneakers: pros, cons and care
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Smooth leather sneakers are tougher, easier to clean and better in Accra's dust and rainy season. Suede sneakers look softer, richer and a little smarter, but they stain more easily and need protecting from water. Own leather first; add suede for smart casual outfits once you have a rotation.
| Smooth leather | Suede | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Clean, slightly shiny | Soft, matte, textured |
| Formality | Casual to smart casual | Smart casual |
| Water | Wipes off | Stains and stiffens |
| Dust | Wipes off | Settles into the nap, needs brushing |
| Cleaning | Damp cloth, mild soap | Dry brush, suede eraser, very little water |
| Breathability | Medium | Slightly better |
| Ageing | Creases | Fades and softens |
What is the difference between suede and leather?
Both come from animal hide. Smooth leather is the outer surface of the hide, which is tight and durable. Suede is made from the inner side, which is buffed into a soft, fuzzy surface called the nap. That nap is what makes suede look rich and also what traps dust and water.
Why choose leather?
Because it's practical. Leather handles daily wear, wipes clean in seconds and copes with rain. A white leather low-top is the most useful sneaker you can own. See why every man needs white sneakers.
Why choose suede?
Because it looks more expensive and relaxed at the same time. Suede sneakers in navy, grey, tan or olive pair beautifully with chinos, knits and overshirts and look at home at dinners and dates.
How do I care for leather sneakers?
- Wipe with a damp cloth after wearing.
- Clean weekly with mild soap and a soft brush.
- Condition the leather every couple of months.
- Dry in the shade.
See how to keep white sneakers clean in Accra dust.
How do I care for suede sneakers?
- Protect with a suede protector spray before the first wear and every few weeks after.
- Brush with a suede brush after each wear, always in one direction.
- Erase marks with a suede eraser.
- Avoid water. If they get wet, blot, stuff with paper and dry slowly; then brush to lift the nap.
- Steam stubborn flat patches lightly, then brush.
Our info page on cleaning and care has more.
Which is better for the rainy season?
Leather. Suede can stain and harden in heavy rain. See rainy season shoes.
Questions
Is nubuck the same as suede?
No. Nubuck is the outer surface of the hide, sanded to feel like suede. It's a little tougher than suede but still needs similar care.
Can I wear suede sneakers in harmattan?
Yes, but brush them every evening; fine dust settles into the nap.
Do you sell suede and leather sneakers?
Our shop has both. Our sneakers are high-quality replicas of popular designs, and every product page says so. See also how to make your sneakers last longer.