Suede vs Nubuck

Both suede and nubuck have a soft, napped surface, but from different layers. Suede is made from the underside (split) of the hide — softer, thinner, and less durable. Nubuck is full- or top-grain leather buffed on the outer surface to raise a fine nap — more durable and structured than suede, and more expensive. Both mark and water-stain more easily than smooth leather and benefit from a protector spray. For boots that see weather, nubuck generally outlasts suede. The distinction matters for both durability and care, and the two are easy to confuse from a photo alone.