Nubuck
Top-grain leather sanded on its outer surface to a fine, velvety nap — suede's sturdier cousin, with a subtly different look and feel.
By Ambrogio Shoes Editorial, in consultation with Ambrogio's Spain-based shoemaking team
· Updated July 9, 2026
Nubuck is top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed on its outer (grain) side, rather than the flesh side used for suede, to create a fine, short, velvety nap. Because it starts from the stronger outer grain layer rather than the flesh side, nubuck is generally more durable and slightly firmer than suede, while still sharing suede's soft, matte, non-shiny appearance and the same general care requirements around brushing and moisture sensitivity.
Sanded From the Stronger Side
Nubuck is top-grain leather sanded or buffed on its outer, grain side to produce a fine, short, velvety nap. This is the key distinction from suede, which is worked from the flesh (inner) side instead — a difference that gives nubuck a generally sturdier structural foundation.
A Similar Look, a Different Foundation
Despite starting from a different side of the hide, nubuck shares suede's soft, matte, non-shiny visual character. The difference is mostly felt in durability and hand-feel rather than overall appearance, making the two easy to visually confuse at a glance.
Care That Mirrors Suede
Like suede, nubuck can't be polished with traditional wax without flattening and damaging its nap, so it's maintained through brushing and specialized protectant sprays instead. It remains more vulnerable to water staining than smooth leather, even with its somewhat sturdier construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nubuck the same thing as suede?
No, though they're closely related — both have a soft, napped surface, but suede is created from the flesh (inner) side of the leather while nubuck is sanded from the grain (outer) side, generally making nubuck sturdier.
Does nubuck require different care than suede?
Care is broadly similar — both benefit from brushing and specialized protectant products rather than polish, and both remain more vulnerable to water staining than smooth leather, though nubuck's slightly firmer structure can offer a bit more resilience.
Why choose nubuck over suede?
Nubuck offers a similar soft, matte aesthetic to suede while generally providing somewhat better durability, since it's built on the leather's stronger outer grain layer rather than the weaker flesh side.
Can nubuck be polished to a shine?
No — like suede, nubuck's nap texture isn't compatible with traditional wax polishing, which would flatten and damage its distinctive soft surface; it's maintained through brushing instead.
Sources & further reading:
Leather Dictionary — Nubuck Leather Guide: https://www.leather-dictionary.com/
