Leather Slippers: Suede vs Smooth Leather, Linings and Care

Leather slippers come in two main finishes. Suede is soft and napped but stains easily, while smooth leather wipes clean and resists water better. Most are lined with sheepskin, pile or fleece. Keep every leather pair out of the washing machine, and choose a hardsole if you step outside.

Suede versus smooth leather slippers

Leather slippers split into two surfaces, and the difference shows in both feel and care. Suede is leather with a “fuzzy, napped finish,” made “from the underside of the animal skin,” according to Wikipedia. It is usually lamb, though goat, calf and deer are also used.

Smooth leather is the easier pick for a busy household. Suede suits a pair kept for the sofa and the bedroom.

Leather slipper linings: sheepskin, pile and fleece

Leather slipper linings decide warmth more than the outer leather does. Most pairs fall into one of three groups:

• Sheepskin. The wool stays on the hide, so the lining and the leather are one piece. It is the classic warm choice. UGG says its sheepskin is hand wash only and should never be dried in direct heat or sunlight. Our UGG slippers guide covers that brand’s styles.
• Pile. A synthetic pile lining looks like sheepskin and is common in moccasins. Our faux fur slippers guide explains how those piles are made and cleaned.
• Fleece or unlined. Lighter, for warm-footed people or warm homes.

The lining also changes how the slipper fits. A thick lining fills more of the inside, so check the maker’s size notes.

Softsole or hardsole leather slippers

Leather slippers with no separate sole feel close to bare feet. Minnetonka says “softsole indicates that the moccasin has a leather bottom and no sole.” Hardsole styles add “either a rubber sole or crepe sole.”

A softsole suits carpet and soft floors indoors. A hardsole suits trips to the porch, the garage or the mailbox, and gives a firmer base on hard floors. Our moccasin slippers guide compares the two soles in more detail.

How to clean suede slippers

Suede slipper care starts before the first wear. Minnetonka suggests two coats of a water and stain repellent, sprayed from about 6 inches, then 24 hours to dry. It suggests reapplying weekly or monthly, depending on how often you wear them.

For dirt and stains, the makers give these steps:

1. Loosen dry dirt with a suede brush, emery board or toothbrush (Minnetonka).
2. Clean with care. Minnetonka suggests a suede cleaner or mild baby shampoo on a damp brush, then a rinse with clean water. Do not submerge the slipper.
3. Treat grease with cornstarch or baking soda left overnight, then brush (Dearfoams).
4. Dry slowly. Stuff the toe with tissue and air dry away from direct sunlight. Minnetonka warns against hairdryers and radiators.

How to care for smooth leather slippers

Smooth leather slippers need less fuss. Minnetonka’s care page says to wipe smooth leather, deerskin and moosehide with a soft damp cloth and use a leather cream to condition it. These leathers are more water resistant than suede, but Minnetonka still says to let them dry naturally, without heat, and never to machine wash them.

Insoles need their own care. Minnetonka suggests mild soap and a damp cloth, and says “we do not advise you immerse them in water.”

Choosing your leather slippers

Leather slippers suit anyone who wants a pair that shapes to the foot; Minnetonka says its moccasins stretch to the contours of your foot over time. Pick the surface for your household, the lining for your feet and the sole for your floors. Our men’s slippers guide covers outdoor soles and wide fits, and our slippers guide compares every style.