The Stylish History of Suede Shoes

Suede, from the French 'gants de Suède' (gloves from Sweden), refers to the soft, napped leather. Originally used for women's gloves, its comfort popularized suede for footwear in the 20th century.

Suede is made from the underside of animal skin, primarily lamb, although goat, calf, and deer are also used. It's sanded to achieve its characteristic soft and fuzzy texture.

Suede shoes gained popularity in the 1920s, particularly as women's fashion embraced more casual and sporty footwear, moving away from traditional leather shoes.

Elvis Presley's 1956 hit 'Blue Suede Shoes' catapulted the material into pop culture. The song made suede synonymous with cool and rebellious style in the '50s and '60s.

In the 1960s, suede became a staple for the mod and hippie movements. The material's softness and range of colors provided an alternative to the conservative leather shoe.

The iconic Clarks Desert Boot, introduced in 1950, was made with suede. Its simple design and durability made it popular among off-duty army officers and later, the general public.

Today's suede shoes benefit from advanced treatments for water and stain resistance, expanding their practicality. Vegan suede options, made from microfiber, also cater to ethical and sustainability concerns.

NASA used suede in early space boots for its durability and comfort, even on the moon's surface!