The time has finally come when we can wear our favourite boots sans tights, which means we’re in for a suede boot-fuelled season as the famed footwear style makes a fashion resurgence.
Loved by both Princess Eugenie and Beatrice at this year's Cheltenham Festival, Em Rata while out and about on the streets of New York, Grace Jones at Paris Fashion Week and Kate Middleton all year round, suede boots have made a triumphant return to the fashion scene. What with the revival of the boho trend, suede is on everyone's radar and a boot is the easiest way to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
If you’re someone who has kept well away from suede because of a cleaning fear, rest assured as the shoe gurus at Clarks say that suede "can generally be cleaned by rubbing them with a damp, lint-free cloth or a specialist suede brush" and that "It's best to do this in straight motions but in different directions, as this will help remove dirt without pushing it deeper into the fibres."
© Edward BerthelotThe Material:
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish. Its velvety texture comes from sanding or "buffing" the inner surface. While luxurious, it's more delicate than full-grain leather and requires special care.
Wet Weather:
When suede gets wet, it can become discolored, stiff, and lose its soft texture. Water may leave stains or cause the material to warp. To prevent damage, suede should be dried slowly in a well-ventilated area, and a suede brush can help restore its original texture.
© Edward Berthelot"Water is suede’s worst enemy, especially cleaning suede with water can leave unsightly watermarks that not only stain the material but also flatten its texture. Instead, opt for specially formulated sprays and suede shampoos that are designed to clean without damaging the delicate nap (the tiny hairs found on suede). By using the right products, you'll preserve that luxurious feel and keep your suede looking its best," explain the experts at Frasers.
Stains & Spills:
"For those pesky little stains that suede bags or shoes can easily pick up, a suede eraser can work wonders. Gently rub the eraser over the stain until it lifts away? Dab a cloth with a small amount of white vinegar and gently blot the affected area. The vinegar works like magic to clean without causing harm, leaving your suede fresh and clean," says Frasers.
© Edward Berthelot"Accidents happen, but they don’t have to ruin your suede. If you spill something on your suede bag, quickly cover the area with talcum powder. Let it sit overnight to absorb the moisture. In the morning, use a suede brush to remove the powder, and your suede should be as good as new."
TLC:
As the seasons change, lots of us rotate our wardrobes and put some items away. Storing suede items in a dry, well-ventilated space is crucial to maintaining their appearance. "Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can cause mildew. Instead, use cloth bags or wrap them in breathable fabric to protect them from dust and dirt while allowing the material to breathe," says Frasers, "Don’t wait until your suede is in desperate need of attention. Regularly brush and clean your suede items to keep them looking fresh and fabulous for years to come. A little care goes a long way in preserving the luxury and style of your suede collection."
Now that we know suede needn't be a mystery when it comes to cleaning, here are 10 of our favourite suede boot picks, which are both perfect for dancing to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album and wearing at winter gatherings alike...
The Best Suede Boots To Wear This Winter:
We The Free Montage Tall Boots
Free People
The Details
- Free standard delivery on orders over £100
For those on the hunt for the perfect cowboy-esque boot that's not too western, these Free People boots are just the ticket. We love how these boots are made to be distressed and lived in. Wear with a floaty white maxi dress or your favourite summer slip for a coastal cowboy vibe.
Bevelled Edge Boots
ba&sh
The Details
- Composition: 100% Split Cowhide
We love the plaited detailing around the suede and leather strap on these ba&sh boots. These are a great option to ease yourself into a pair if you're not sure if suede boots are for you.
Arizona Heeled Cowgirl Boots
Fairfax & Favor
The Details
- Free next day delivery on orders over £200
This sleek and elegant silhouette boasts just the right amount of Cowboy Carter without being over the top. A black boot is an essential in every style lover's wardrobe, however, finding a pair that differs from the crowd is no easy feat. We love how structured this style is as it elongates the wearer's leg which many of us won’t complain about.
Suede Cowboy Boots
Maje
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
This Maje pair are the ultimate suede boot to invest in to have in your wardrobe for years to come. With its slightly darker brown hue and contrast stitching, we love their round edge top and pointed toe for a polished finish.
Baylow 50 Buckled Suede Ankle Boots
Manolo Blahnik
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
For a more modern, elevated suede boot, opt for a pointed ankle boot style. This Manolo Blahnik pair features their signature accent buckle and their sharp point and low-fluted heel oozes elegance.
Tennessee - Knee High
Dune London
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
You can never go wrong with knee-high boots, especially if you’re a sucker for pairing them with mini skirts and floaty spring dresses. These particular Dune London options are sleek and sophisticated and just the right amount of elevated to wear to more formal occasions, however easily dressed down for weekend activities.
Heel Suede Ankle Boot
Mango
The Details
Composition: 100% Bovine Leather
This sleek ankle boot from Mango are a purse-friendy option to ease yourself into the trend. Its wooden heel gives a contrasting finish and its classic brown suede allows you to easily style it with so many pieces already in your wardrobe.
Slouchy Suede Boots
Arket
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
We love this dark brown colour for the autumnal season. The beauty of this slouchy styles means that you can wear them as a knee high, or push them down for more of a calf-length boot.
Duerto Studded Suede Cowboy Boots
Isabel Marant
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
Isabel Marant is our go-to brand when it comes to all things boho - its ingrained in their house codes. We love the subtle studded accents on the Duerto boots and their slight heel make them the perfect everyday option.
Suede Sock Boots
H&M
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
If a fitted ankle boot is more your style, this pair from H&M are perfect. Their pointed toe gives such a sleek finish and would look great styled with jeans or tailored trousers.
How we chose the pieces:
- Material: Each pair of boots on this list is made from suede, which is a type of leather with a napped finish.
- Price: I have chosen items from a range of high street and designer brands, however as each style is made from leather, prices are dependant.
Why you should trust me:
I am H! Fashion’s Style Writer, with seven years of experience within the fashion journalism industry. I have a love for fashion and spotting upcoming trends, coveted pieces and scouring online for irresistible new-in finds. Finding luxe-looking pieces on the high street is my forte and I love finding those hidden gems that look so much more expensive than they are.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
