Suede is the name given to the skin of cattle and small cattle, deprived of the facial layer, produced by the method of fat or formaldehyde-fat tanning. Soft and velvety to the touch, it is the favorite material of most fashion designers, as it has many positive qualities that allow you to create truly beautiful and stylish wardrobe items, accessories and shoes.
It is suede shoes that most representatives of the fairer sex prefer for their feminine and at the same time representative appearance. However, it is enough to stand in soft suede boots or shoes for more than 15 minutes in the pouring rain, and they immediately get wet and lose their shape. Modern water-repellent impregnations help to avoid such troubles.
What influences the choice of water-repellent impregnation for suede shoes
Living in a changeable domestic climate, in which heavy rains are an integral part of the spring, summer, autumn and sometimes winter, forces all owners of suede boots and shoes to acquire water-repellent footwear. In addition to the fact that creams and sprays make suede resistant to water, they also:
- protect it from the aggressive effects of reagents and salts that are sprinkled on roads in winter;
- protect the material from rapid fading;
- After treatment, suede becomes more elastic and soft.
Important! The impregnation does not weigh down the fabric, so it is suitable for protecting even weightless ballet flats and suede sandals from moisture.
When going to purchase such a necessary product, you need to focus on the following selection criteria:
- Compound. Undesirable substances in the compositions of water-repellent impregnations are toxic components. Preference should be given to products that contain natural oils and beeswax.
- Purpose. Today there are a huge number of products that have a narrow focus - suitable for a specific material (leather, suede or nubuck). You can also find universal creams and sprays that protect both natural suede and artificial leather from water and dirt.
Important! Experts recommend not buying universal impregnations. It is better to purchase a separate spray or cream for each material.
- Manufacturer. Reviews and, of course, pricing policy will help you decide on the best of the best.
Rating of water-repellent impregnations for suede shoes
The highest quality, time-tested and proven by many users are footwear care and protection products from the following manufacturers:
- Collonil. Collonil sprays have been delighting customers with their quality for many years. Available in the form of spray and cream, they perfectly protect shoes made of any natural material and even textiles. Particles of the “drug” developed using modern technologies envelop the surface of the shoe, forming a protective film that even grains of salt and various chemical reagents cannot penetrate.
Attention! Due to the fact that Collonil aerosol has a rather pungent odor, shoes must be treated in an open and well-ventilated area.
- Salamander. Salamander aerosols are in great demand due to the fact that they can be used to treat not only shoes, but also clothing, Gore-Tex products, and umbrellas.
Attention! Like Collonil, Salamander has a strong and unpleasant smell. Treatment must be carried out outdoors.
- Drywall. Drywall spray and impregnation helps protect products made from natural and non-natural leather, textiles and Gore-Tex from seasonal weather. Does not contain toxic components. One treatment is enough for a period of 1 to 3 months.
The above brands belong to the expensive luxury class. If you need something less expensive, you should pay attention to:
- for Woly Sport impregnation, suitable for both suede and other types of materials;
- for Olvist impregnation, intended for the care and protection of suede and smooth leather;
- for Nikwax suede product.
Water-repellent impregnation for suede shoes: which is better
The main properties of water-repellent impregnations depend directly on their composition and on how correctly they are used. Buyers quite often confuse products and treat suede with water-repellent impregnation for smooth leather, and vice versa.
Important! For fleecy materials, it is necessary to choose products that contain fluorocarbonate resins, which are unable to glue suede and nubuck fibers together.
Also, impregnations containing silicone are excellent for soft tanned leather. After treatment with such impregnations and sprays, water simply flows off the surface of the shoe without being absorbed into the material.
The effect of the treatment appears only 9 hours after the procedure. It is recommended to do it in the evenings.
1
