Sneaker materials: suede, canvas and nappa

A sneaker's material shapes its appearance and the care it needs. FoogaPlan offers suede, canvas and nappa designs, including styles that combine different materials. Use these examples from our collection to compare the finishes.

Suede: a textured, velvety finish

CHUCK Desert Suede is made by hand in Spain from brown suede. Its product description explains that small variations in colour and texture are part of the material's natural character.

ICON Smoke combines grey suede with a burgundy synthetic nappa heel detail. Check individual components: one sneaker can contain several different materials.

Read our suede care guide before cleaning. Do not use a smooth-leather treatment without checking that it is suitable for suede.

Canvas: a textile upper

For a woven finish, CHUCK Shadow features grey canvas and is handmade in Spain. Compare it with CHUCK Desert Suede to explore textile and suede finishes within the same sneaker family.

A canvas upper does not mean the whole shoe is leather-free. CHUCK Shadow's description specifies a leather-covered memory foam insole. Check the full composition if this matters to you.

Nappa: a smooth finish

VICHY Rose, from FoogaPlan x Petite Mafalda, features white cowhide nappa with pink details. It is handmade in Portugal, with a microfibre lining and a leather-covered memory foam insole.

This cowhide nappa differs from the synthetic nappa used on ICON Smoke's heel detail. The word “nappa” alone does not identify the composition: read the model's description.

Which material should you choose?

• Suede: for texture and subtle variations.
• Canvas: for a visible textile finish.
• Nappa: for the smooth appearance of styles such as VICHY Rose.

Compare the lining, insole, sole and size as well as the upper. None of these materials alone makes a sneaker waterproof.

Before the first wear

Read our product care guide and follow the manufacturer's directions for any cleaner or protector. Our Tarrago Universal Protector is listed for protecting suede from water and dirt. Check compatibility and test an inconspicuous area first; a protector does not make footwear waterproof.

Check the size guide and explore FoogaPlan sneakers to compare available colours and sizes.