I actually just prepped all my boots and booties for Winter. I have one pair of sued booties and a pair of suede slip on almost clog like things that I wear around the house or in the yard.
I use a swiffer rag to remove all the dust and dirt from my leather. If the dirt or sand is a bit more "attached" , I just use a moistened, soft fabric cloth. In really bad cases, u can use saddle soap. Though I have only needed that a couple of times. Then I spray waterproofing in the garage with the doors open. I don't soak. EVER. Just a light spray and I do the edges that meet with the sole too. I let dry for about an hour and do a second spray. Sometimes three for the boots I use in worse weather. However, in massive down pours, I use rubber boots OR a leather waterproof pair that I have. These "waterproofing" treatments are very helpful but they don't make it completely waterproof because the boots are built to prevent water seepage : like around the seams.
As for the suede, I use a soft brush with nothing on it to brush it and lift the dirt and then shake it off. I also use a suede spray that cleans, restores the nap, waterproofs it and brightens up the black. There is a ton of stuff on Amazon.
Happy winter ! : )
