How to clean suede on adidas Samba, Gazelle and Spezial without water

Suede marks easily and does not like getting soaked, so the safest way to clean the suede on Sambas, Gazelles and Spezials is dry: a brush, an eraser and patience. This routine takes about 15 minutes per pair.

Let the shoes dry fully, then brush the suede in one direction with a suede brush to lift dust. Rub stubborn marks with a suede eraser and brush again to raise the nap. Clean the laces and gum sole separately, never put the shoes in a washing machine, and dry any wet pair on a towel out of direct sun.

• 1. Take out the laces: Unlace both shoes so you can reach the tongue and the suede around the eyelets. Set the laces aside to clean on their own. This also stops you from catching them in the brush.
• 2. Stuff the shoes: Fill each shoe with crumpled paper so the upper is firm. A firm surface makes brushing and erasing far easier and stops the suede from creasing under pressure.
• 3. Dry brush in one direction: Using light strokes, brush every suede panel in the same direction to lift loose dust and dirt. Going one way keeps the nap even, so the colour looks uniform. Pay extra attention to the toe and the heel, which pick up the most dust on Indian roads.
• 4. Rub out marks with a suede eraser: For scuffs, shiny patches or small stains, rub a suede eraser over the spot with short, firm strokes. Stop as soon as the mark fades. The eraser crumbs carry the dirt away with them.
• 5. Brush again to lift the nap: Brush away the eraser crumbs, then go over the area once more to raise the fibres. If a patch still looks flat and shiny, a few gentle strokes with the brass side of the brush can help bring the texture back.
• 6. Clean the laces separately: Laces are fine with water. Soak them in warm water with a little dish soap for a while, rub them between your fingers, rinse and hang them to dry. Keep the soapy water well away from the suede.
• 7. Brush the gum sole: Dry brush the gum rubber sole with a stiff brush to clear dust from the grooves. For greyed edges, use a barely damp cloth on the rubber only, and keep it off the suede. Wipe dry straight away.
• 8. If the shoes got wet, dry them slowly: After a monsoon shower, blot off water with a dry cloth, stuff the shoes with fresh paper and leave them on a towel in a shaded, airy spot. Keep them away from direct sun, heaters and hair dryers. Brush the suede only once it is fully dry.
• 9. Protect the suede for next time: Once the pair is clean and dry, you can apply a spray-on protector made for suede and nubuck. Test it on a small hidden area first, as some sprays can darken lighter colours slightly. Let it dry fully before wearing.