Men’s suede sneakers: they’re about as reliable in bad weather as an umbrella made of bog paper, are a nightmare to clean, and if you spill a glass of Rioja on them, it’s basically game over.

And yet, even despite boasting nowhere near the same level of practicality or, well, wine-proofness as their leather counterparts, they remain one of the most important footwear investments a man can make.

Just ask American singer Carl Perkins, who wrote his famous ode to a pair of blue suede shoes. Fuzzy footwear is light, comfortable, and if you know how to care for it, fatal stains and water damage can actually be avoided altogether.

From what to wear with them to the brands making the best ones – here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about buying a pair of the best suede sneakers for men.

Why You Need A Pair Of Men’s Suede Sneakers

People often talk about suede and leather as if the two are completely different materials. They’re not. Both are made from cowhide, but whereas leather (the exterior skin of the animal) has a smooth finish, suede (the inner layer of the skin) has a more velvety feel. Each has its pros and cons, and though it’s true that suede can be more susceptible to staining than smooth leather, it’s also less prone to scuffs and tends to be easier to break in.

Then there are the good looks. Suede has a more porous finish which holds dye well, meaning brighter and more vibrant colors are achievable than with other materials. This is something German sportswear giant Adidas has capitalized on, with three crisp white stripes set against a vivid suede backdrop having become something of a trademark in its own right.

The heightened risk staining is what tends to put buyers off. However, hydrophobic products from the likes of Liquiproof, Crep Protect and Jason Markk, which provide a sort of water and stain-repellent forcefield, have all but eliminated this problem. Now you can stand up, eating a hotdog and wearing a pair of men’s suede sneakers, safe in the knowledge that should any mustard escape, it’ll just roll right off the surface of your footwear.