How to Care for Your FLEE Boots: Cleaning and Conditioning Tips
By Handcrafted Leather Shoes & Boots, Made in Tuscany | Buttero | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your Buttero FLEE boots looking their best with our expert cleaning and conditioning routine. Learn step-by-step care for suede and leather.
Quick answer
To care for your Buttero FLEE boots, regularly brush the copper suede upper with a suede brush, spot clean stains gently, and condition the leather sole and lining sparingly. Avoid soaking the suede or using harsh chemicals.
Why suede care differs from smooth leather care
The FLEE boot's upper is made from copper suede, a napped leather that is more delicate than smooth calfskin. Suede requires dry brushing to lift dirt and restore the nap, while conditioning products can darken or stiffen the material if applied incorrectly. The genuine leather sole and Blake construction also need specific attention to prevent premature wear.
What you'll need
A soft suede brush or a crepe rubber block is essential for daily maintenance. For deeper cleaning, use a suede eraser and a specialized suede cleaner. A leather conditioner is suitable only for the leather lining and insole, not the suede upper. Avoid wax-based polishes or waterproofing sprays not labeled for suede.
Step-by-step FLEE boot care routine
- Brush away loose dirt and dust: Use a soft suede brush or crepe rubber block to gently brush the entire suede upper in one direction. This lifts the nap and removes surface debris. For the embroidered areas, brush lightly to avoid snagging threads. Common mistake: brushing back and forth can mat the nap. Always brush in a single direction.
- Spot clean stains with a suede eraser: For water marks or small stains, rub a suede eraser gently over the spot in a circular motion. If the stain persists, apply a small amount of suede cleaner on a damp cloth and dab—never scrub—the area. Let air dry completely. Checkpoint: test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. Suede can darken temporarily when wet.
- Condition the leather lining and insole: Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather lining and insole inside the boot. Avoid getting conditioner on the suede upper. Allow the boots to dry naturally away from direct heat. Common mistake: over-conditioning can make the lining sticky. Use conditioner only once every 3–4 months.
- Protect the sole and heel: Wipe the genuine leather sole with a damp cloth to remove dirt. For the slanted Cuban heel, check the rubber insert for wear. Apply a very light coat of leather balm to the sole edge (not the tread) to prevent drying, but avoid the suede upper. Checkpoint: Blake-stitched soles are not easily resoled; consider adding a thin rubber sole guard if you walk on wet pavement often.
- Store properly between wears: Insert cedar shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Store the boots in a breathable dust bag away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Common mistake: storing suede boots in a damp closet can cause mildew. Ensure the boots are completely dry before storing.
Product facts
- FLEE: The FLEE upper is copper suede with tonal-on-tonal embroidery at the toe and shaft, and a leather-finished edge at the top. The suede nap and delicate embroidery require gentle brushing and spot cleaning to avoid damaging the finish or loosening threads.
FLEE - FLEE: The boot uses a genuine leather sole with Blake construction and a slanted Cuban heel with a rubber insert. Blake-stitched soles are less water-resistant than Goodyear-welted ones, so avoid wearing in heavy rain and condition the leather sole edge sparingly to prevent drying.
