What material are suede shoes made of?
In recent years, suede shoes have become the darling of the fashion industry because of their unique texture and comfortable wearing experience. Suede shoes can easily be worn in casual or formal occasions. So, what are suede shoes made of? What are its characteristics? This article will explain it to you in detail.
1. Material classification of suede shoes

The materials of suede shoes are mainly divided into two categories: natural leather and artificial leather. Here is a detailed comparison of the two materials:
| Material type | Features | Advantages and Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| natural leather | Made of animal skin (such as cowhide, sheepskin), the surface is polished to create a suede effect. | Advantages: good breathability, durability, high-end texture; Disadvantages: higher price, regular maintenance required. |
| artificial leather | Simulate leather texture and suede effects through chemical fibers (such as PU, PVC). | Advantages: low price, easy to clean; disadvantages: poor breathability, short life. |
2. Common material characteristics of suede shoes
The following are the specific characteristics of common suede shoe materials:
| Material name | touch | Applicable scenarios | Maintenance difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowhide suede | Soft and delicate, with obvious velvety feel | Daily wear, business casual | Medium, requires special detergent |
| Sheepskin suede | Super soft, lightweight and breathable | Winter warmth, women’s shoes | High, easy to wear |
| PU suede | Slightly hard, light velvet feel | Affordable shoes, sports shoes | Low, can be washed directly |
3. How to identify the material of suede shoes?
When buying suede shoes, you can quickly identify the material through the following methods:
1.Observe texture: The suede texture of natural leather is natural and irregular, while the texture of artificial leather is more uniform.
2.smell: Natural leather has a faint animal skin smell, while artificial leather has a chemical smell.
3.Press test: Natural leather will leave short-term marks and gradually recover after being pressed, while artificial leather will recover more slowly.
4. Maintenance tips for suede shoes
Suede shoes made of different materials have different maintenance methods:
| Material | Cleaning method | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| natural leather | Use suede-specific brush + cleaner | Avoid exposure to the sun and spray waterproofing agent regularly |
| artificial leather | Wipe with damp cloth or wash gently | Avoid high-temperature ironing |
5. Recommended popular styles of suede shoes in 2023
Combined with recent fashion trends, the following suede shoes have attracted much attention:
1.retro running shoes: Suede sneakers from brands such as New Balance are soaring in popularity.
2.chelsea boots: Suede material makes classic boots more high-end.
3.loafers: Suede loafers from brands such as Gucci have become the new favorite in the workplace.
Summary
The material selection of suede shoes directly affects the wearing experience and shoe life. Natural leather suede shoes have a better texture but are more expensive, while artificial leather suede shoes are more cost-effective. No matter which material you choose, proper care can extend the life of your shoes. I hope this article helps you better understand the material properties of suede shoes!
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