For suede, use a suede brush, not cream: a wire brush for velour, a rubber head for nubuck. At Langer & Messmer you will find the right suede brush for every nap, to raise it and lift dirt without clogging the leather.
Brushes for suede: velour and nubuck
Napped leather is the umbrella term for leather with a sanded, velvety surface, which covers velour and nubuck; in everyday English this all gets called suede. Instead of cream it needs brushes that raise the nap and lift dirt out of the surface without clogging the leather.
Wire, rubber or crepe, which brush?
A wire brush in bronze wire raises the longer velour nap firmly. For finer nubuck, wire is too sharp; here a brush with a rubber head works more gently. The crepe brush with washable lamellae cleans velour and nubuck alike, and the suede and velour brush is the compact one for travel.
How to use a suede brush
Brush the leather dry and always in one direction, so the nap stands up evenly. Lift stuck-on dirt and pressure marks with a cleaning eraser. Only then, if needed, wet-clean and waterproof. The full step-by-step guide is in our article How to Clean Suede Shoes.
Brushes for smooth leather
Smooth business and dress shoes take different brushes: horsehair to apply and polish, goat hair for the high gloss. You will find those under brushes for smooth leather.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of brush is best for suede?
One that raises the nap rather than clogging it. For velour a wire brush, for nubuck a gentle rubber head, and a crepe brush to clean. An ordinary horsehair or cream brush is not suitable for suede.
Wire or rubber, which for velour and which for nubuck?
Wire for velour, rubber for nubuck. The longer velour nap can take the firm wire brush that lifts it back up. Nubuck is more finely sanded, so wire would be too sharp; a rubber or crepe head cleans it gently.
Can you use a toothbrush on suede?
At a pinch for small spots, but not as a replacement. A toothbrush is too soft and too small to raise the nap evenly across the whole shoe. A proper suede brush works faster and treats the leather more kindly.
How do you use a suede brush?
On the dry shoe, brush in one direction until the nap stands up evenly and loose dirt falls away. For marks, use the cleaning eraser. Heavy pressure is not needed; the brush works through coverage, not force.