When most people think of suede shoes, the first season that pops to mind is autumn. This is natural - after all, like leather, suede is a heavier material that tends to come in quite autumnal colours, including browns, beiges and tans. However, the truth is, there’s no reason you can’t wear suede shoes in any season, including summer. It's all about finding the right shoe for the right occasion.
The same applies when it comes to picking the best shoes for your children. While it’s easy to associate suede with colder months, children’s suede shoes can actually be a great choice for summer too - as long as you choose styles designed with breathability and comfort in mind.
In this guide, we look at the reasons why suede shoes can be a stylish and sensible option for summer, as well as explaining how to best care for them in warmer weather.
Put simply - yes, suede shoes can be a great summer option for children. Although mostly associated with the colder months, as discussed above, the soft and flexible nature of suede can in fact make them ideal summer footwear.
One of the best things about suede is how comfortable it feels. The material is naturally supple, which means it starts to mould around your child’s foot as they walk. For little children where comfort is key, this flexibility can be a huge advantage.
Another benefit of suede is that it is surprisingly breathable. Because it’s made from the underside of leather, it has a slightly more open texture that allows air to better circulate. This helps to keep little feet cool and dry, even on warmer days. When paired with lightweight soles or open sandal designs, suede can actually feel much cooler than you’d expect.
Aside from being practical, suede also looks great. For summer, lighter colours such as pale pink, sandy beige, sky blue or stone grey can feel fresh and seasonal, meaning they can pair really well with both casual play outfits and smarter looks for more formal events. Funkier patterns like our special leopard print can also add an extra touch of character to any summer outfit.
Start-Rite’s collection includes suede designs created specifically for warmer weather. From pre-walkers to easy everyday shoes and boots, each pair is made to be flexible, breathable and supportive - exactly what growing feet need for a busy summer.
Although suede is durable, your children’s shoes and boots will need a little bit of care to keep the material looking its best during summer. Luckily, it’s easy to maintain suede once you know how. With this in mind, below we run through a few small and easy-to-do habits that can go a long way in keeping suede shoes clean, fresh and ready for your kids’ next adventure.
1. Use a protective spray
Before your child wears their new suede shoes, simply give them a quick spray with a specialist suede protector. These sprays are designed to create an invisible barrier that repels water and other stain-causing fluids and dirt. During the summer months - when playtime often means grass or sand, that layer of protection really helps.
Top tip! It’s worth reapplying every few weeks, especially if the shoes are worn often.
2. Keep them dry
This one might be easier said than done. However, the reality is: suede doesn’t love puddles or heavy rain. That being said, if the shoes do get wet, don’t panic - simply let them dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight as this can make the suede stiff or cause colour fading.
Top tip! Stuff them gently with newspaper to help them hold their shape and soak up moisture.
3. Brush regularly
Brushing your child’s shoes with a specialist suede brush helps to lift away surface dirt that can amass during daily use. Doing this regularly can also revive the nap (the suede’s fuzzy texture).
Top tip! If you notice any scuffs and scrapes, try gently rubbing the texture with a special suede eraser or a pencil rubber.
4. Keep them smelling fresh
Warm weather and children’s sweaty feet more often than not leads to less-than-fresh shoes. To help with this you can try sprinkling a small amount of baking soda inside each shoe overnight before vacuuming it out the next morning. On top of this, simply let the shoes air out between wears to help prevent any build-up of odour-causing moisture.
5. Store them well
Finally, when your child’s not wearing their suede shoes, keep them somewhere cool and dry.
Top tip! One common mistake is using plastic boxes. These storage options actually trap humidity, which can lead to the shoes smelling bad. Instead, think about using a breathable cotton shoe bag or their original box.
Overall, suede shoes can be a fantastic addition to your child’s summer wardrobe - soft, breathable and always stylish. Whether needed for a special summertime event or just everyday wear, these smart options can keep little feet cool and comfortable through every adventure.
Here at Start-Rite, our suede shoes are designed to support growing feet, with lightweight, flexible styles perfect for warmer days. So, wherever summer takes them, your little ones can explore in comfort and confidence - in shoes made for sunshine and play.
Author: Click, published 01-12-2025.
