Suede Shoes

Orthopedic comfort, stylish aesthetic

There’s a reason Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley sung about blue suede shoes.

Suede shoes can offer the perfect balance between comfort and class. Suede shoes are a smart choice for footwear that is as fashionable as it is versatile. Depending on the type of suede, they can be an excellent choice for almost any occasion.

KURU offers a lineup of pain-relieving suede shoes, including women’s and men’s black suede shoes and brown suede shoes, built with superior arch support and cushion in each pair.

woman walks in KURU CHICANE trail hiker.
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Experts Guide to Suede Shoes

What are Suede Shoes?

Suede shoes are a type of footwear made from a soft form of leather. The velvety texture of suede makes it the ideal material for loafers, boots, and as a supplemental fabric on outdoor or lifestyle shoes.

Suede is split leather that is produced from the underside of the animal skin. While suede is not as tough as full-grain traditional leather, it has a smoother surface which will give your shoes a touch of elegance.

Suede is also typically soft, so you will find suede shoes—women’s and men’s alike—comfortable to wear. Plus, they have a unique character and attractive appearance for a sophisticated vibe.

Top Selling Shoes

Our Customer Favorites

"Unique design (tongue) - like no other

True to size. Comfortable fit & very supportive of recovered plantar fasciitis problem. I love the look of the black suede & design of this shoe."

- Dolores Stuhmer

"All day comfort in Chicane moss green suede

I have worn my Chicane hiking shoes for several weeks now and find the arch support and overall comfort to be superior. Compared tp light or medium duty hiking boots, they are lighter weight and more convenient to lace and unlace. The ergonomic tongue and lace design applies tension to where it's needed for arch support and I find the shoe wearable all day. Unlike some other designs, the tongue will not shift to either side and the foot remains well centered and suspended, with the desired amount of tension on the arch. If feet swell somewhat during the day, as they will, the laces can be easily adjusted without the foot shifting position in the shoe. During a recent street fair I walked around in them on asphalt with comfort all day and experienced no tongue shifting nor sock bunching. Kudos for the innovative design and USA pedigree."

- Tom C.

Technology for a Natural Fit, Engineered for Foot Pain Relief

KURUCLOUD

KURUCLOUD is our lightweight EVA foam base layer that absorbs shock to minimize the impact of your footsteps. It serves as an ergonomic foundation for your suede shoes for all-day comfort even if you walk on hard surfaces or stand for extended periods.

KURU Footwear's KURUCLOUD base layer delivers superior cushion and shock-absorption with every step

KURUSOLE

KURUSOLE is our patented technology that helps protect and stabilize your heels. It allows your heels to dynamically flex with every footstep. This TPU plate extends from the arch of your foot and wraps around your heel to provide support and help preserve the heel’s fat pad—your heel’s natural cushioning system.

KURU Footwear's patented KURUSOLE technology cups your heel and dynamically flexes with each step

ULTIMATE INSOLE

Our ULTIMATE INSOLES are more durable compared to conventional, thin inserts. Our premium insoles are made with 5mm of long-lasting polyurethane foam, which molds and adapts to your arch gradually for personalized pain relief.
KURU Footwear's ULTIMATE INSOLE features high-quality arch support and dual-density foam that molds to the shape of your feet

How to Pair Your Suede Shoes

From the office to after-work dinner parties, it’s easy to find a great outfit that pairs perfectly with your suede shoes.

Pairing shoes well is essential to ensure a cohesive and comfortable outfit. Here are a few ways you can pair these specific suede shoes:

Black Suede Shoes: You can pair your black suede shoes with a black, navy, or gray suit, or wear black suede stilettos with your sleek glittery gown during formal events to achieve a classic look.

Brown Suede Shoes: One of the most versatile suede color options, brown suede shoes work in casual and formal settings alike. Try them with your favorite business-casual pants suit or breezy linen shorts for an effortlessly classy look.

Green Suede Shoes: Match a pair of green suede shoes with denim jeans and a leather jacket for a unique and adventurous look.

Blue Suede Shoes: You may match your blue suede shoes with white flowy cotton pants and a plain tank top to create a refreshingly casual ensemble.

man wearing KURU CHICANE trail hiker.

Suede Shoe Care Tips

Keep Your Suede Shoes Looking Great With These Cleaning and Maintenance Tips.

Ensuring your suede shoes are properly cleaned and stored is essential to the care of the shoes.

  • Store your suede shoes in a cool, moisture-free environment away from sunlight. Allow the shoes to dry in between uses.
  • Avoid using soap and water to clear your suede shoes. Instead, hand clean suede shoes with a suede-specific shoe cleaning gel or use rubbing alcohol for tough stains.
  • Gently brush away soil and remove dirt from your suede shoes using a brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching the delicate suede surface.
  • To freshen your suede shoes, sprinkle baking soda on the suede, let it absorb for 15 minutes before brushing away with a soft-bristle brush.
  • After cleaning, use a suede brush to help your suede shoes regain their texture and appearance.

Types of Shoe Suede

Curious about different types of shoe suede? We take an in-depth look at each type.

There are various types of shoe suede that serve different levels of utility and comfort. All are beneficial in their own way, but it’s useful to consider the different types when purchasing suede shoes.

Nubuck: Coming from the top grain of a hide, Nubuck has been sanded on one side to give it its characteristic “nap” and velvety texture.

Ultrasuede: This synthetic suede is created from 80% polyester microfiber and 20% polyurethane plastic.

Microsuede: Microsuede is a type of faux leather or polyester suede that has water-resistant properties and is extra soft to the touch.

Lambskin Suede: This silky, fine-grain leather is formed from the skin of a lamb.

Deer Suede: The soft, durable deer suede is the most expensive type of suede because of the complex tanning process it undergoes.

Cowhide Suede: It is rawer and rougher compared to other suedes, although the leather is finer if it is made from the skin of a calf.

Velour: It is another synthetic suede that is woven from plant-based fibers.

woman crosses road wearing KURU CHICANE trail hiker.

Why Others Love KURU

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Us

"All day work comfort

Chicane is my top favorite due to the comfort of being on my feet all day. I like the blue suede."

-- Fox1

"Most comfortable sandal EVER!

Bought these months ago and so happy with them! I needed a sandal that provided more support and comfort but still looked stylish. These delivered on all counts! The insides of the straps and thong are suede-like and didn't give me any blisters. Have been wearing Kuru almost exclusively for the past few months and plantar fasciitis is finally gone. Get lots of compliments on these. The color is more of a pewter/brushed silver which I prefer."

-- Terril

"Great fit out of the box

This is my fourth pair! I have worn Chicane for 6 years. They are very durable. I spray the suede finish to keep them clean and dry. I would like to see a leather upper in the future. Great walking shoes. They have traveled all over Europe!"

-- JanJan

FAQS

Answers to the most frequently asked questions are just a click away.

What are suede shoes?

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Suede shoes are footwear that is made from split leather that is created from the underside of animal skin. These shoes are characterized by their soft texture and sophisticated appearance. The velvety texture of suede makes it the ideal material for your loafers, boots, and other kinds of shoes.

How do I care for suede shoes?

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Always read the care label of your shoes before cleaning. To care for your suede shoes, it’s typically best to avoid soap and water.

Hand clean your suede shoes using a shoe cleaning gel specially designed for suede shoes. You can also sprinkle baking soda onto your suede shoes, allow it to absorb for 15 minutes, then brush away with a soft-bristle brush.

For stains on suede, put rubbing alcohol on a washcloth, apply to shoes, and allow to completely dry. After cleaning, use a suede brush to help your suede shoes regain their texture.

How do I take care of my KURU shoes?

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All KURU shoes are made of durable materials to ensure better performance for a long time. Still, taking good care of them helps prolong their life. Here are our top tips for taking care of your KURU leather shoes and sneakers.

- Store your KURU shoes in a cool, dry environment. Avoid keeping them anywhere with direct light or sun.

- Store your leather KURU shoes with a cedar or poplar shoe tree to help absorb moisture and odor from the leather.

- Use a moistened, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove dried mud and dirt.

- Let the mud or dirt fully dry before gently brushing them off the shoes.

- Always air dry your KURU footwear. Remove the sockliner insole to dry separately and to ensure the inside dries properly.

- Use the KURU Shield water-resistant shoe protector spray for added protection against stains, water, oils, and other substances.- 

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