No, you should not use regular shoe polish on nubuck leather.
Using regular shoe polish on nubuck leather is highly not recommended and can cause irreversible damage to the material's unique texture.
Why Avoid Regular Shoe Polish on Nubuck?
Nubuck is a type of leather with a soft, velvety surface created by buffing the grain side to raise a slight nap. Unlike smooth leather, which benefits from the conditioning and protective properties of shoe polish, nubuck's delicate fibres are easily damaged by standard polish formulas.
As highlighted by experts:
"Have you ever used regular shoe polish on suede and nubuck? If so, you probably learned the hard way why we recommend material-specific products. 😂 To prevent the fibres on your textured leather shoes from getting glued down, try our specially-designed suede and nubuck products. Your shoes will thank you." - [Source Information/Date if Available, e.g., Shoe Care Blog, 04-Jun-2020]
Applying wax- or oil-based shoe polish to nubuck essentially glues down the delicate fibres, flattening the nap and ruining the signature soft, fuzzy texture. This not only changes the appearance but also makes the leather stiff and less breathable.
What to Use Instead
To properly care for your nubuck shoes or items, always opt for products specifically designed for suede and nubuck.
Recommended Nubuck Care Products:
- Nubuck Cleaners: These are typically sprays or foams that lift dirt without saturating the leather.
- Nubuck Conditioners/Protectors: Sprays that help restore moisture and protect against stains and water.
- Nubuck Brushes: Special brushes with brass or nylon bristles designed to gently lift the nap and remove surface dirt without damaging the fibres.
Using the correct material-specific products ensures that your nubuck items remain clean, protected, and retain their characteristic soft texture for years to come.
