Bearpaw, a subsidiary of Romeo & Juliette, Inc., debuted in 2001 with a line of boots and shoes. The company's products are made primarily of sheepskin and suede. Bearpaw recommends a specific care and cleaning regimen to preserve and protect its suede boots.

Bearpaw recommends selecting a waterproofing spray to treat shoes and boots prior to exposing them to the elements. Look for a product specifically formulated for sheepskin. Products made to protect suede may not be safe for sheepskin, and the spray will likely touch sheepskin elements of your boot. A sheepskin-appropriate product is safe for both materials.

To apply, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of the spray protectant. A typical treatment involves spraying the product in a well-ventilated area to cover the entire exterior of the boot. Apply the protectant evenly and allow your footwear to thoroughly dry before wearing, or before applying an optional second coat.

Oils and other stains will degrade the condition of the suede upper of a Bearpaw boot. Even after a boot is treated, it may require surface cleaning. Regular cleaning protects the boot from permanent stains and deterioration. Use suede cleaner, which generally comes in cream form, for this task.

Dampen the entire outside of the boot. Since suede is prone to water spots, moistening the entire area will prevent water rings. Create a lather by rubbing a small amount of suede cleaner and water on a clean cloth. Gingerly clean the boot by wiping it down with the sudsy cloth, then thoroughly rinse it with a clean, wet cloth. Be careful as you rinse the boot not to transfer suede shampoo to its sheepskin portion.

Bearpaw suede boots often feature sheepskin footbeds or linings, but some designs also use sheepskin on the exterior. The Altai boot, for example, is a mixture of suede with sheepskin trim. To cleanse sheepskin trim or lining that is soiled, look for a sheepskin shampoo. Dilute the shampoo with water on a non-abrasive sponge. Remove cleaner with a saturated soft cloth.

After cleaning, do not wear your boots until they have dried thoroughly. To maintain the shape of a tall boot as it dries, crumple pieces of a brown paper bag or paper towels and stuff the boot. In addition, the paper may absorb residual moisture. Air drying is superior to blow drying or otherwise artificially heating the boots. This allows the surface to dry evenly without cracking or developing water spots.