Suede: An investment piece or of limited life?

I have been looking for a pair of knee high, simple grey boots forever. I was in Nordstrom to try on what I thought would be the perfect pair. Unfortunately, they were nothing like the photo in the catalog or online. They were not structured, but very slouchy. Anyway, the SA brings out a pair of stretch suede grey boots. First impression was, yeah no, but of course I tried them. They were perfect... except for them being suede.

I just can't wrap my head around suede. I don't like the aesthetic compared to regular leather, but more importantly I have the impression it just doesn't last. Even with constant cleaning and maintenance, suede seems to rub and leave "bald" spots, stain easily, and look matted. Not something I can justify at the boots' price point. Even on sale, I just don't know if it is a worthwhile investment.

What are your thoughts? Am I being too hard on suede?

Yay = I like suede, wear it, and I'm happy with its longevity.

Nay = I don't like suede and it doesn't last for me.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I think it depends on how hard you are on your clothes or shoes. Some folks can keep things looking pristine for years and for some us two outings and it looks already worn in. Do you live in a rainy or snowy environment first of all? Is it rural or urban? You know, dirt and gravel are terribly hard on footwear vs city sidewalks.

DressLover

I'm anal. Very anal. Like OCD bad. I won't even describe my insanity because everyone will think I am well, insane. I guess that's why suede scares me.

Hmm - I guess if you treat it and brush it and play nice it would be worth a shot. Unless we're talking hundreds of dollars here. Eventually suede will wear. but how long depends a lot on you.

I think I am scared from a while back and had a pair of sandals that had a suede footbed. UGH, WHY?! I couldn't stand to look at the gross toe imprints that appeared even with obsessive prepping and cleaning. I know that wouldn't bother most people, but for some reason it bothered crazy me.

lyn*

I can't do suede foot-beds either; I refuse to buy like really expensive suede things - but I don't really take care of my things

Kafe

Active Member

Kind of knowing where you come from OCD wise, I think suede would bother you after a while. Once it's ruined, it's ruined. That said, I do have some suede black booties, but I think the black will keep stains hidden enough not to bother me.

catgirl

I just bought a pair of black suede dress boots. But I am the opposite of A-R, and they are as polished as I'm going to get. If you know beforehand that something will drive you crazy, why bother?

http://www.endless.com/Sanzia-.....zia+andrea

ironkurtin

It really depends on the suede - what color it is, what kind of nap it has, how it it was treated to wear. I've had suede things that were gangbusters, and others that were a mess. I'm not sure what the proper test for this would be; perhaps similar to trying to crush corduroy? Rub it with your hands on an area. If it looks horrible, pass. If it seems resilient, consider.

IK, good idea. I do snag tests and seam tests on clothing so it makes perfect sense to try to rough the suede up a bit.

Scarlet

I have black sued boots that have they have held up wonderfully for 7 years or so now. I treat them with a spray often in the winter to keep them waterproof. I wear them especially in ice and snow because the spiky heel and rubber soles give me better traction than a flat boot. I imagine gray might be a little more delicate, but it might be worth a try.

ETA: just adding the suede boots are from a finnish company renowned for their weather-proof suede. I think IronCurtain has a point that not all suedes are created equal.

bj1111

dl, i love the look of suede. it's so tactile and the blacks look richer and multi-dimensional in suede. BUT, i own only 1 pair of suede boots and no suede shoes for precisely the reason you stated.

even if the rest of the upper/shaft stays good looking, i hate the worn appearance of the toes/toe tips. it BUGS me!

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