Rendered in suede, Oxfords, Derbies and brogues retain a sense of elegance but shrug off some of the stuffy formality of their leather counterparts. Add to that suede’s natural texture and you’ve got yourself a pair of shoes you can easily team with your smarter denim and tailored trousers.

(Related: The men’s shoe care manual)

Meanwhile, in the sports arena, suede has repositioned trainers from comfy cop-outs to legitimate objects of desire. Sure, suede trainers are about as useful as a chocolate teapot on a treadmill, but when it comes to maximising your stunting potential, they’re nothing short of grail.

If you’re looking to slip into pure sports luxe, try a pair from Common Projects. But, for a more grounded (read: affordable) take, turn to Nike, adidas, New Balance and Puma, all of which offer classic athletic styles rebuilt in suede.

Get The Look

• Standard Forty-five Suede Driving Shoe
• Hudson London Costello Suede Monk Shoes
• Asos Oxford Brogue Shoes In Tan Suede With Contrast Sole
• Reiss Aden Suede Chukka Boots Dark Brown
• He By Mango Suede Blucher
• Kg Kurt Geiger Sparrow Suede Monk Shoes
• Nike Internationalist Lx Suede Sneakers
• Puma Suede Classic Steeple Grey & White
• Common Projects Achilles Premium Low Suede Tan
• Topman Ben Sherman Brown Suede Tassel Loafers
• John Lewis & Co. Made In England Suede Derby Shoes Brown
• Grenson Dylan Suede Wingtip Brogues

How To Care For Suede

If you’ve ever stained suede then you’ll know what abject misery feels like. Commiserations. If you haven’t – we hate to break it to you – it’s only a matter of time. So get a robust suede protection plan in motion now.

The first step in bolstering your new suede’s barriers is applying a protective spray, such as Liquiproof or Jason Markk Repel, which acts as a first line defence against raindrops and dirt stains alike. Hold at a distance of 10-15cm from the surface of the fabric and apply lightly and evenly. Allow to dry naturally (never use a hair dryer or towel), and consider applying a second coat for extra protection.