Clean your suede hiking shoes first, then check whether water beads on the surface. Dirt can mask the shoe’s existing water repellency, so cleaning may be enough. If clean suede still absorbs water, apply a footwear proofer specifically labeled for suede or nubuck, following its instructions. This can restore surface water repellency; it cannot make every shoe fully waterproof.
What you need to know before treating suede
Suede’s water resistance can decline as dirt and other contaminants build up. Those contaminants can mask the shoe’s durable water-repellent finish, or DWR, making the material appear to have lost its protection. Cleaning first may restore water beading without another treatment. Nikwax explains this in its footwear-cleaning guidance.
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Choose a product made for suede or nubuck footwear rather than assuming a general-purpose treatment is compatible. Nikwax says its Nubuck & Suede Proof is designed to preserve the material’s texture and breathability. Grangers also describes Footwear Repel Plus as a spray-on treatment for suede and nubuck. Follow your shoe maker’s care guidance, especially if the shoes have a waterproof membrane.
How to clean and reproof suede hiking shoes
- Brush off loose dirt. Remove dry mud and debris before washing so you are not rubbing grit into the suede.
- Clean with a suitable footwear cleaner. Use a cleaner intended for breathable waterproof footwear or suede and nubuck, and follow its directions. Nikwax recommends cleaning before reproofing and warns that conventional cleaners can leave residue that attracts water or masks DWR. Its cleaner instructions also caution that color may run, so test an inconspicuous spot if you are concerned.
- Let the water response guide your next step. Once the shoes are clean, check whether water beads on the outer material. If it does, you may not need another treatment. If water soaks in, apply a compatible suede/nubuck proofer.
- Apply the treatment as directed. For Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof, the manufacturer directs users to shake the bottle and apply it to clean, wet footwear with the sponge applicator or spray. Cover the seams. After two minutes, wipe off excess with a cloth, then let the shoes dry naturally. See the Nikwax product directions for the full method.
- Air-dry the shoes before wearing them. Keep them at room temperature, away from radiators, fires, and other direct heat. Nikwax warns that heat can dry and crack leather and can cause bonded soles to peel. Stuffing the shoes with paper and replacing it when damp can help absorb moisture. See its footwear care guidance.
Test the finish and avoid unwanted changes
Before treating the whole shoe, test the product on a hidden patch and let it dry. Nikwax warns that treatment may darken light or colored suede. If preserving the original color and nap is important, avoid wax: Grangers says wax can darken suede or nubuck and flatten its nap. Its guidance on cleaning and waterproofing nubuck boots describes that trade-off.
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Choosing a suede water repellent
| Option | What the manufacturer says | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof | Designed for suede and nubuck footwear; the manufacturer says it maintains texture and breathability and develops DWR as it air-dries. Product directions. | Applied to clean, wet shoes; follow the label and test first for possible color change. |
| Grangers Footwear Repel Plus | Grangers describes it as a spray-on treatment suitable for suede and nubuck and recommends cleaning footwear before applying a water repellent. Manufacturer guidance. | Check the product label and shoe maker’s care instructions for compatibility, particularly with a waterproof membrane. |
| Wax | Grangers says wax can darken suede or nubuck and flatten the nap. Manufacturer guidance. | Not a good choice if you want to preserve suede’s original appearance and texture. |
There is no established universal reapplication interval or guarantee that a named treatment will last for a set number of hikes. Apply products according to their labels and reassess water beading after cleaning rather than reproofing automatically.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What waterproofing can—and cannot—do
A suede proofer helps the outer material repel water, but surface repellency is not the same as a waterproof shoe. The treatment does not establish that a shoe without a waterproof membrane will keep water out in every condition. For shoes with a membrane, follow the footwear maker’s care instructions and use products it considers compatible. No independent performance comparison establishes that one of the products above outperforms the other.
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