Best suede protector for shoes 2023

Helping you keep your sneakers fresh for longer.

Having the best suede protector for shoes is essential to reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning your sneakers. Suede is notoriously difficult to care for, so a good protector is worth the investment.

In fact, suede is like a sponge when faced with water. But, with a top suede protector, you're able to wear your best sneakers whenever you like, regardless of the weather conditions, as protectors are designed to keep your trainers dry.

With that in mind, if you're looking for one of the best spray-on protectors on the market, like Crep Protect Ultimate, or you're after something a little cheaper, like this Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof solution, then we've got you covered with our list.

We've also answered a few of the most commonly asked questions surrounding suede protectors to help you learn a little bit more about how they work and how best to use them. Before we get into that though, here are our top picks...

Best suede protector for shoes

Crep Protect is one of the leading protector sprays around for all types of clothing, making it a go-to solution for keeping suede shoes looking fresh and clean.

What makes Crep Protect stand out is its super-hydrophobic formula. This powerful spray-on solution repels liquids and prevents stains, making it ideal for protecting your suede sneakers. Say goodbye to worrying about spills and stains ruining your favourite pair of shoes!

Read More: Best shoe cleaning kits

The best part? Crep Protect's formula dries completely invisible within just 10 minutes. This means you can safely use it on any coloured suede shoes without worrying about ruining the material.

As far as protectors go then, you won't find many as well-rounded as this spray-on solution.

Best waterproofing suede protector for shoes

Kiwi is one of the biggest names in the world of shoe care, creating some of the best suede cleaners around, but its Protect-All Waterproofer stands out to us as the ideal solution for keeping your suede sneakers dry.

The formula is designed to create an invisible spray around your shoes that prevent water and dirt from entering the surface whilst still allowing them to breathe. This is crucial in summer, for instance, when temperatures start to skyrocket and breathable sneakers are a must.

Read More: Best shoe crease protectors

Moreover, suede is a material that needs to be kept well-ventilated in order to prevent rot and mildew from developing over time as the material is known for its impressive water retention capabilities.

On the whole, we feel there's a lot to like about this Kiwi Protect-All Waterproofer, especially when it comes to keeping your suede sneakers clean in the rain.

Best budget suede protector for shoes

If you're looking for a suede protector that won't break the bank with its price tag, then this Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof spray could be for you.

Simply spray the unscented solution onto your suede kicks and the water-repellent formula should keep your sneakers stain-free whilst preserving the unique texture of the material.

Read More: Best leather shoe cleaners

It's also worth noting that the formula is water-based, non-persistent, and contains no PFCs, VOCs, or optical brighteners, making the solution relatively chemical-free and safe to use on all shoe types.

Ultimately, this Nikwax spray looks to be an excellent pick-up if you're after a relatively inexpensive suede protector.

Best suede protector spray for shoes

We've covered a few protector sprays in our list already; however, we feel the grip spray-on applicator of this Hendlex Shoe Protect helps make it one of the best spray protectors for suede around.

The formula uses nanotechnology that's designed to protect the surface of your sneakers by creating a super-hydrophobic guard layer that's completely invisible and odourless but capable of stopping water and dirt from entering suede.

Read More: Best shoe deodorizers

Moreover, the technology has been engineered to allow your shoes to breathe, which is vital as the material is known for quickly absorbing and retaining water for long periods of time. The added breathability of this spray should therefore minimise the chance of any damp turning to mould.

All in all, this spray-on formula looks to be a particularly well-round suede protector for you to consider.

Best suede and nubuck protector for shoes

Completing our list is the Moneysworth & Best Suede & Nubuck Protector, an exceptional product designed to shield suede and nubuck shoes, boots, handbags, and apparel from water, soil, and oil stains.

What sets this spray-on formula apart is its incorporation of UV protection, safeguarding your suede sneakers from fading due to prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.

Read More: Best leather shoe conditioners

Moreover, Moneysworth & Best takes pride in the quick-drying nature of their solution, providing instant protection against various elements for your shoes.

So, if you desire to prolong the lifespan of your footwear and reduce the frequency of cleaning, the Moneysworth & Best Suede & Nubuck Protector spray is your ideal choice.

A ton of questions usually emerge when trying to figure out which suede protector spray is right for you. Don't worry though, because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions right here.

Generally speaking, protectors work by filling the pores in the materials of your shoes to repel any water or dirt trying to enter. As a result, you should find any water will run straight off your shoes without leaving a mark of stain.

Sprays normally use either wax, oil, or sometimes synthetic glue to act as the repellent. That said, we'd advise looking into the ingredients before buying to double-check it's suitable for your suede shoes.

How often you apply suede protector to your shoes depends on various factors, such as how often you wear them, the weather conditions, and how dirty or stained they become. However, as a general rule of thumb, we'd recommend you apply a protector every four to six weeks as the spray may have lost its effectiveness past this point.

If you wear your suede shoes frequently or in harsh weather conditions, you may need to apply the protector more often. Similarly, if you notice any stains or dirt on your shoes, it is advisable to clean them first before applying the protector spray.

It's essential to follow the instructions on the suede protector spray you are using and to apply it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Also, remember to brush your suede shoes regularly with a soft-bristled suede brush to keep them looking their best.

There's no definitive answer to this question as it will vary depending on your available budget.

Generally speaking though, suede protectors aren't that expensive, meaning you can usually pick up some of the best protectors for a relatively cheap price.

Having a suede protector spray is also handy as it can prevent your favourite shoes from getting damaged, thus reducing how often you need to clean them.