There is a reason why you should wear good suede. And that reason is that it handles rain better anything else. Now when I say this, I am talking about suedes darker than Snuff suede because any sand-like color suede, or lighter, cannot withstand the rain mainly for the dirt that comes along with those wet days. And that simple fact about light suede is what has most likely given suede a bad rep. But that is just a myth.
Time and time again I have mentioned the fact that suede is better than leather when it comes to taking a beating in this adverse weather but time and time again people stand bewildered when they hear this. As if suede is as delicate as Silk. But it’s not. It’s strong and the material of choice for taking those days of downpour.
So let’s break it down. The suede used in this post is by Charles F. Stead, a very famous tannery in England, that makes some of the best and more durable suede known to man. It’s a bit thicker than your average European made suede which is what I like about it. That thickness gives that little bit more durability factor to it. And you can see that here.
Yesterday, in NYC, it was scheduled to be pouring all day long, so I knew that this would be the perfect day to show what suede can do when the weather gets tough. So you can see the 1st 5 mins of taking rain, the next 5 mins (featured atop) and this morning’s results after air-drying all night long and a simple brush down (no steam).
While not claiming to be a leather expert per se, I do believe that the nap of the hairs allows for it to not only absorb the rain better but also dry more evenly at the same time. This is what I have come to notice from all of my years of using suede in the rain. And truth be told, I have never once sprayed my shoes with any kind of “rain protectant” which I find to be nothing more than a gimmick type product. Good suede doesn’t need it and I don’t like to put things I know are made more of chemicals than of anything semi-natural, onto my high-quality shoes.
And as you can see from the pictures, the dark brown suede boots took this horrific treatment just fine. And hand over heart, I did nothing else than take off my boots, put the shoe trees in and allow to air dry overnight, on their sides. And then a quick bristle brush in the morning.
So next time it’s scheduled to rain, break out those brown suedes shoes/boots as those are what are going to serve you best!
Justin, I had another idea. Like lately EBay is full of shoes that looked ripped off stock or instagram photos from people such as your brand and Gaziano Girling to name a few (that I could instantly recognize). One thing they have in common are that they are all from Pakistan and show pictures of totally handmade shoes. However no one has done a review of this.
They all have a price point of $170ish. They promise gyw, which is just BS. But someone needs to do a review! So how about it? I think it would be amusing, educational and also to warn people what you get when you order something like this. Like review your own knockoff? Then get Tony Gaziano to see if he can recognize his own knockoff (which I’m 100% sure he will).
Thanks for sharing Sam. The problem is that I absolutely despise these companies. They should be ashamed of themselves, not only for rippping off people like me and Tony who have worked hard to get where we are but also the customers who are being duped into thinking they are getting something good. I have seen the end product and they are nothing shy of cheap shit
Justin, is it possible to know where you bought these brown suede boots? thks
Yes of course they are by my brand J.FitzPatrick footwear http://www.jfitzpatrickfootwear.com
Hello Justin,
I saw on youtube that you purchased meermin suedes for rainy weather.
I am considering purchasing a dark brown suede chukka for rainy days as you suggest, but feel unsure about what good suede is.
Did you find meermin suede to be okay for rainy days without use of additional chemicals? In your opinion, would a step up in price to Loake 1880 (or higher) be worthwhile? Sorry for asking about competitor brands..
No worries Sunny. I havent actually worn the Meermins but if they use Charles Stead Repello suede then they will be just fine. English shoes usually use good suede too. Loake should also be fine