Phrases › At the Shoe Shop › Come si puliscono le scarpe di scamosciato?

Come si puliscono le scarpe di scamosciato?

How do you clean suede shoes?

Pronunciation

'Scamosciato' — 'ska-mo-SHA-to'. Five syllables. The 'sc' before 'i' = 'sh'. Stress on third syllable.

When to use it

Before buying suede shoes — they require specific care. Italian shop staff are very knowledgeable about leather care and will advise properly.

What it means

'Scamosciato' = suede (from 'camoscio' = chamois). Also called 'nubuck' for a similar finish. 'Come si puliscono' = impersonal reflexive for 'how are they cleaned'.

Variations

Il nubuck richiede cura speciale?

Does nubuck require special care?

Nubuck is similar to suede — buffed full-grain leather

Ha una spazzola per scamosciato?

Do you have a suede brush?

Buying the correct brush for suede maintenance

Lo scamosciato si macchia facilmente?

Does suede stain easily?

Practical concern before buying

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Come si puliscono queste scarpe di scamosciato? Commessa: Con la spazzola apposita — in un senso solo per non rovinare il pelo. E lo spray protettivo prima del primo utilizzo. Cliente: L'acqua le rovina? Commessa: Sì, eviti l'acqua diretta. Con lo spray, resistono alla pioggia leggera.

Customer: How do you clean these suede shoes? Assistant: With the special brush — in one direction only to not damage the nap. And protective spray before first use. Customer: Does water damage them? Assistant: Yes, avoid direct water. With the spray, they resist light rain.

Cultural Note

Suede shoes ('scarpe di scamosciato') are beloved in Italian autumn/winter fashion. Italian suede care is considered an art — the 'spazzola per scamosciato' (suede brush) is a household item for Italian men who care about their shoes.

← Previous

Ha scarpe in pelle di coccodrillo?

Quanto costano in totale?

← All phrases: At the Shoe Shop