I’ve just ordered these boots

[macaroonsandgin]

Been looking for some like this for ages! One problem though - they’re suede not leather.

They’re going to look shit after five minutes in the rain/dirt aren’t they? Can suede boots ever be kept looking nice?!?!

I should just return them shouldn’t I…

Depends if you plan to wear them every day or if you have lots of other boots. If you can avoid wearing them when it's wet you should be fine.

It depends if you're the type of person to keep your white trainers white...?

I've had light coloured suede shoes that survived pretty well with intermittent cleaning (suede brush and sometimes suede cleaner). You can also get protecting sprays which help a bit.

If you got it for the sale price I'd say keep them so at least you can see whether suede works for you. And if they do get wrecked at least it wasn't super expensive!

I LOVE suede boots.!! You just need to keep a suede brush by the front door. And some suede cleaner for an occasional clean if necessary.

Black suede is a bit easier as you can buy spray to 'reblacken' it.

I think you should return them

I'm on the app and there's no picture. What am I doing wrong?

Keep them if they were only 19.99, they wouldn't suit me, but that's a total bargain

Hopefully you can try and just wear them on non rainy days

Just don't wear them on a rainy day

Suede protector is your friend. It will appear to have darkened the suede, but will dry lighter. Two coats and water will just bead off. Repeat coat as necessary. Terrible smell whilst drying, so I normally spray them outside.

There's a link in the first sentence, it's been prettified which makes it hard to see on the apps. https://www.zara.com/uk/en/split-suede-track-sole-ankle-boots-p13142810.html?v1=177666567&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9b6luPggAIV4IBQBh10BA2LEAQYASABEgJeRDDBwE

To answer the OP...well tbh I think they're hideous, but that thick sole should keep the suede out of most dirt.

Hmm, some mixed responses there! 🤔

Thanks everyone for all the advice about suede protectors etc.

Will have to see what they’re like and how they stand up to the weather when they arrive…

Thank you @ErrolTheDragon

OP, I'm not keen - the dole is disproportionally large and there's a danger they could look like comedy shoes.

OK wise S&Bers, the consensus seems to be they’re not a good look.

Please save me from the clown boots - where should I be shopping to find a chunky tan leather ankle boot that won’t make me look ridiculous?

Are they a stupid thing to even be contemplating buying and should I be looking for something else instead??

Do they make your feet look as comically massive as the model’s ? 😊

@AnyFucker 😂 not sure as they aren’t here yet…

Perhaps I should report back with pics when they arrive and people can diagnose 🤔

The model's face says it all

Are they a suede rip off of the Balenciaga ones?

I would watch out for salt/grit mostly. That's what tends to ruin suede boots in my experience

Ahh @NashvilleQueen do you mean these?

www.harrods.com/en-gb/shopping/balenciaga-leather-tractor-ankle-boots-19452925

Are these any less comedy or just as bad?? (At £825 I won’t be buying them, just wondering if I should give up on the whole thing or keep looking!)

Yes! I did mean those. I saw a group of women in Manchester before Christmas all wearing the Balanciaga (whether real or rip off) boots. I'm sure they're very comfortable and suede is harder wearing than you think.

To answer the OP...well tbh I think they're hideous, but that thick sole should keep the suede out of most dirt.

Agree with this. They might be safe as the plastic sole is massive, and extends outwards. Like being on a plinth.

Unusual choice. 😀

If you like them when they arrive, just wear them and not care what other people think!

I spotted these in M&S at the weekend.... might be worth a look ?
www.marksandspencer.com/chunky-cleated-flatform-ankle-boots/p/clp60559859?color=CAMEL#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip48g4r5c4

I quite like them, but they're very trendy. Are they something you're planning on keeping for years, or wearing intensively for a year or two and then moving on to something else? If the former, then I'd just be picky about when you wear them - don't wear them if it's chucking it down and you're walking loads. If the latter, then buy them and don't worry too much!

If you want to wear them everyday as your only pair of boots, and have them last years, then suede might not be the best choice. But in general its a great material. I have suede shoes that have lasted years!

Welp, they’ve arrived and I LOVE them!!

Thank you everyone for your tips on keeping suede looking fresh, I will be giving it my best go!

You're fine. Good quality suede is actually very hard wearing if you look after it properly.