Suede sneakers

The term “suede” came from the French word “gants de Suède” which means gloves from Sweden. The suede material is a type of leather that has been turned upside down, creating a fuzzy side with a napped finish. It offers a unique look and a rare feel.  

Suede is made from the underside of the animal’s skin. Mostly it comes from sheep, but it may also come with deer, goat, cow, or calf. It is a high-quality leather material that is pliable and soft. However, since it is thinner and softer, it is more vulnerable to damage than other types of leather. 

Suede is commonly used in curtains, upholstery, gloves, bags, accessories, and shoes. Some of the suede shoes or sneakers that offer versatile, style, and comfort are from brands like Adidas, Nike, Vans, Puma, New Balance, Reebok, Asics, and Onitsuka Tiger. 

Some of the fashionable suede sneakers

Adidas Samba OG

The Adidas Samba OG is a lace-up sneaker that was originally designed in the 50s. Initially designed as an indoor trainer, it has stepped in as a streetwear icon for decades.

• This type of suede sneakers is available in men’s and women’s sizing. 
• It has a leather upper that is adorned a suede T-toe overlay.

Nike Court Royale Suede

A variation of the Nike Court Royale, the Nike Court Royale Suede bears a retro silhouette inspired by the tennis court. It is among the suede sneakers.

• It has a plush suede upper that is accented by the Swoosh logo in leather material.
• This lace-up and low-top shoe is available in men’s and women’s sizing. It has a cushioned footbed and mesh lining for comfort and foot breathability.

Reebok Aztrek

With a low-top silhouette, the Reebok Aztrek carries a stylish design from the 90s. This lightweight retro sneaker highlights the original material makeup and colorways, leading to authenticity.

• This heritage sneaker Hexalite technology offers cushioning comfort and impact protection. 
• It is available in men’s and women’s sizing.

Vans Suede SK8-Hi 

The Style 38 or Vans SK8-Hi was initially introduced in 1978. Since then, it has been revamped countless times using different materials. One of its variations is the Vans Suede SK8-Hi. 

• It has a suede upper that is accented by a leather Jazz Sidestripe.
• This unisex suede sneaker has a lacing system, padded collar, and cushioned footbed.

Puma Roma Suede

From the brand’s archive, the Puma Roma Suede features a silhouette from the 1960s that provides a chic look and a comfortable feel. This suede iteration of the Puma Roma features orthopedic arch support.

• With a lace-up style, the shoe has a suede upper that is accented by the leather Puma Formstrip.
• With a low-top ankle collar, it is available in men’s and women’s sizing. 

New Balance 574 Classic

Fused from two different silhouettes, the New Balance 574 Classic was initially released in 1988. Since then, it has become among the iconic silhouettes that were revamped several times using different materials. 

• The NB 574 Classic is among the suede sneakers that are equipped with the ENCAP cushioning technology for lightweight support and comfort. It has a low-top silhouette.
• This lace-up sneaker is available in men’s and women’s sizing.

Asics Gel Lyte V

The Asics Gel Lyte V is among the suede sneakers that are crafted with premium materials. Designed with harmonizing tones, it has a suede upper with perforated overlays that takes inspiration from the color palettes of the midnight sky. 

• With a low-top silhouette, it has a mono sock-like construction that hugs the foot comfortably. It has a lace-up system for a snug and flexible fit. 
• It is available in men’s and women’s sizing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different kinds of suede sneakers?

Suede sneakers can be made of different types of animal skin. 

• Sheepskin suede is a lightweight material that has a soft texture and velvet-like suede nap. It is made by dyeing the lamb's skin and sheep. It is the most delicate and softest of all animal skin. 
• Pigskin suede is typically dense and stiff. It has a very short nap with a human-like skin pore. It is very durable and hard-wearing skin. It is created by dyeing the skin of pigs. 
• Cowhide suede is made by dyeing the skin of calves and cows. It is typically heavy and stiff. The skin is thick and also with a coarse nap. Sometimes it is called calfskin, split cowhide, rawhide, bush coat, or rough out.

What to wear with suede sneakers?

Several outfits can look good when paired with suede sneakers. Check out some of the styling suggestions below:

• Yellow suede sneakers can work well with white chinos. Add a light blue long sleeve shirt with a tan leather jacket on top. This style offers a sharp look.
• A pair of olive suede sneakers from New Balance or Vans can be paired with grey sweatpants and olive overcoat. It offers a laidback look without losing elegance.  
• A cool and laid back look can be achieved when users wear a pair of navy suede sneakers from New Balance and olive chinos. Men can wear a t-shirt with a black Harrington jacket on top. 
• For sartorial experimentation, users can wear a pair of skinny black jeans and a black print hoodie. Then, the brown suede sneakers from Vans can add more depth to the outfit. 
• A grey pair of suede sneakers look good with light blue ripped skinny jeans. Users can top them with a white t-shirt and grey knit open cardigan, providing a relaxed, casual combination.

What are some of the best men’s suede sneakers with a low-top silhouette?

Some of the low-top suede sneakers for men are:

• Adidas I-5923
• Vans UltraRange Rapidweld
• Asics Gel Lyte III
• Vans Old Skool
• Adidas Gazelle
• New Balance 574 Sport
• Adidas Iniki Runner
• Puma Suede Classic

What are some of the best suede sneakers with high-top silhouette?

Some of the high-top sneakers with a suede upper are: 

• Vans Cordura SK8-Hi
• Supra Skytop
• Vans UltraRange Hi MTE
• Adidas Tubular X Primeknit 
• Adidas Yeezy 750 Boost 
• Supra Jagati  

How to clean suede sneakers?

For those who need tips in cleaning suede sneakers, check out below:

• Remove the laces and insert a shoe tree to hold its shape. 
• To get rid of loose dirt use a suede eraser.
• Use a suede brush, water, and suede cleaner.

How can women style their suede sneakers?

• Users can wear grey leather skinny pants and a grey coat with their grey low-top suede sneakers from New Balance. It is a jaw-dropping style that is easy to replicate. 
• A pair of grey suede New Balance sneakers is good with a black pleated mini skirt and a black leather biker jacket, creating a relaxed outfit and comfy fit.
• A pair of blue ripped boyfriend jeans and a black leather jacket are a nice combination to match grey suede sneakers from Adidas like the Gazelle or Campus.

What is the disadvantage of a suede material on sneakers?

Below are some of the disadvantages of having a suede material on the shoe upper:

• It is not as sturdy and hard-wearing as other types of leather material because it is thin. 
• The nap can trap oil, moisture, and dirt, making it prone to damage and staining.

What is the disadvantage of a suede material on sneakers?

• It is a highly-desired material because it looks good.
• It feels good
• The nap offers uniqueness compared to other materials.

How To Care For Suede?

Some of the few tricks and tips to properly care for suede sneakers are:

• Use a sealant to protect the suede material
• Use only a clean toothbrush or suede brush to help clean and keep the nap fresh. 
• For wet stains, use talcum powder.
• For dry stains, use a little bit of white vinegar.

Can you wash suede sneakers?

Suede leather has been physically or chemically abraded to produce a napped finish. It has a more decorative finish than other types of leather. It is more delicate too. Suede is not easy to weatherproof compared to standard leather. It can be sprayed with suede protectants.

How to clean suede sneakers stained with oil?

1. Some of the ways to remove the oil are:
2. Use an old t-shirt or any cloth and press it firmly to fresh and damp stain.
3. Use a white cloth baby diaper to blot the oil. 
4. Apply cornstarch or talcum powder. Also, cornstarch can absorb the oil and let it stay on the stain overnight. Use a vacuum cleaner to lift the powder from the suede shoes. 
5. Scrub the stain with a suede brush or a new emery board. Also, you can use the tough bristles of the suede brush to remove oil from the napped leather. 
6. Use ultra-fine sandpaper to remove the remaining oil stain. Rub it in a circular motion. 
7. Apply water steam to lift the flattened nap. Boil water in a tea kettle and place the steam two to three inches from the suede sneakers. 
8. Hang and air dry suede sneakers in a well-ventilated area and away from the direct heat.
9. Using a silicone fabric protectant, lightly spray it to suede sneakers to prevent oil stains in the future.

Does suede fade in the sun?

Suede sneakers can fade, shrink, or harden when left exposed to the sun.