Brush suede elevator sneakers dry after every few wears, let mud and water marks dry fully before you touch them, and use a suede protector spray before wet days. That is most of the job, and a brush, an eraser and a spray are all you need. VAHL sneakers have a genuine suede upper, a pigskin leather lining and a rubber sole, and the 6 cm lift is built in, so you care for them from the outside. The steps below are general suede care: test any product on a hidden spot first.
| Part | Material | How to care for it |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Genuine suede | Dry brush, suede eraser, protector spray |
| Lining | Pigskin leather | Air out between wears |
| Sole | Rubber | Wipe with a damp cloth |
| Lift | Built into the shoe, 6 cm in total (3.4 cm visible outsole) | No removable insole, nothing to take out |
What does a simple care routine look like?
- After wearing: knock off loose dirt and let the shoes air out, ideally for a day between wears.
- Every few wears: brush the whole upper with a suede brush, using light strokes in one direction.
- Before wet days: spray with a suede protector from about 20 cm in a ventilated room, and let it dry fully before you go out.
- Between seasons: brush, wipe the soles and store the shoes somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sun.
When should you spray new suede sneakers?
Settle the size first. Try new shoes indoors on a clean floor, because returns and exchanges need unused shoes in the original box. Size exchanges are free, and a return has a fee deducted from the refund. Full terms: returns and exchanges.
Once you know you are keeping them, spray before the first outdoor wear. Follow the instructions on the can, and repeat when water stops beading on the surface.
How do you remove common marks from suede?
| Mark | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dust and dry dirt | Brush lightly in one direction. |
| Mud | Let it dry completely, then brush it off. Wet mud rubs deeper into the suede. |
| Scuffs and shiny patches | Rub gently with a suede eraser, then brush the nap back up. |
| Water marks | Let the shoe dry, dampen the whole panel evenly with a little water, dry it again and brush. |
| Oil or grease | Blot straight away, cover with cornstarch or talc, leave it overnight and brush it off. |
| Road salt | Dab with a cloth lightly dampened with water and a little white vinegar, let it dry and brush. |
Work gently and test on a hidden spot first, especially on lighter colours. If a mark will not move, a shoe repair shop that handles suede is the safest next step.
How do you dry suede shoes that got wet?
Fill the shoes loosely with paper to hold the shape and soak up moisture. Leave them at room temperature for about 24 hours, and change the paper if it gets soaked. Keep them away from radiators, hair dryers and direct sun, since fast heat can stiffen suede. Brush the nap back up once they are completely dry.
The lift in VAHL sneakers is built in and there is no removable insole, so dry the shoe whole rather than trying to take it apart.
Does the colour change how you care for suede?
The routine stays the same, but each colour shows different things. Beige suede like Copenhagen shows dirt and water marks sooner, so it gains the most from a spray and regular brushing. Deep navy suede like Stockholm and black suede like Oslo hide marks better but show pale dust, so a quick brush makes a visible difference.
All three sneakers add 6 cm and cost 1 900 SEK. More reading: Suede sneakers for men that make you taller and Are elevator shoes comfortable?
Suede care questions
Can I wear suede elevator sneakers in the rain?
Suede is not a rain shoe. A protective spray helps with light drizzle, but heavy rain or slush can mark it. If the shoes get wet, let them dry slowly at room temperature and brush them once they are dry.
Can I put suede sneakers in the washing machine?
No. Soaking and spinning can damage the suede, and the lift is built into the shoe, so it cannot be taken out first. Clean the upper by hand with a suede brush and eraser.
When should I spray new suede sneakers?
After you have decided to keep them. Returns and exchanges need unused shoes in the original box, so try them indoors on a clean floor first. Then spray before the first outdoor wear.
How do I dry wet suede shoes?
Fill them loosely with paper, leave them at room temperature and keep them away from radiators and hair dryers. Allow about 24 hours, then brush the nap back up.
How do I clean the rubber sole?
Wipe the sole with a damp cloth and keep the water away from the suede. A soft brush helps with dirt in the grooves.
Does the same routine work for suede loafers?
Yes. The Venice loafer is also suede with a rubber sole, so the same brush, eraser and spray routine applies.