**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.**

[Munky]

Agreed. I don’t do anything to my hand painted or patina shoes. It’s not such a good idea there.

But these are country boots. And I am quite comfortable with boots darkening over time. Actually I look forward to them developing patina over time. And I do intend to use them harder than my dress shoes.

Since these were combination tanned, I didn’t have any concern of taking off the finishing. I had emailed trickers about conditioning the boots as well. They said no problem

Regards. AJ

I know those boots and they are beautiful! I have them in their 'shoe' form. It is good that Tricker's supported your plan. They are a great company to deal with. Very best wishes, Munky

 

[BXpress]

Guys i need some advice on dye. I'd like to buy these braces but i find the brown leather straps less useful so i want dye them black. Any tips on what i should use?

 

[ShoeWho]

Guys i need some advice on dye. I'd like to buy these braces but i find the brown leather straps less useful so i want dye them black. Any tips on what i should use?

Leather varies so much that it's very hard to advise on dyeing without inspecting the item. An extra consideration here is that any dye transfer after the job would be disastrous - you'd be getting black dye on your suit and your shirt. So I can understand the advisors in this thread being reluctant to get involved. Given the time it takes for successful preparation and dyeing, and the cost of materials, and the risk, I think you should consider just buying some braces in the colour you want.

 

[BXpress]

Leather varies so much that it's very hard to advise on dyeing without inspecting the item. An extra consideration here is that any dye transfer after the job would be disastrous - you'd be getting black dye on your suit and your shirt. So I can understand the advisors in this thread being reluctant to get involved. Given the time it takes for successful preparation and dyeing, and the cost of materials, and the risk, I think you should consider just buying some braces in the colour you want.

Many thanks. I will just have to pass. I could easily replace the front straps with other detachable black ones but the Y-piece and back straps would remain brown which then looks stupid if i should take the jacket off. Much Appreciated.

 

[Zeke90]

So say you’ve been conditioning/high shining the shoe for awhile and you need to do a thorough cleaning to strip off all the waxes and polishes. Would you use saphir renomat? some kind of alcohol/water solution? or is saddle soap better? Provided the leather is nourished with mink oil and left overnight?
I know this process should not be done very often

 

[ShoeWho]

I'd use Renomat. I'd test it on an inconspicuous area and not rub very hard.

 

[StanleyWingtip]

Hey guys, looking for some advice here. Recently wore a pair of boots in less than ideal conditions.

Very fun day. But not for my boots...rain, booze and pissing in urinals...am not sure of the culprit or how to treat. Would you guys agree these look like water spots compared to something else?

Also what’s the best way to make these raised bumps go away (if possible) or be less noticeable? I had previously applied 5-6 rounds of hard wax polish on the toes and heels and had them to a mirror shine, then after each wear gave them a quick brush over....is it possible that this liquid ate through that wax and I’m now back to the factory finish?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[aj2603]

Hey guys, looking for some advice here. Recently wore a pair of boots in less than ideal conditions.

Very fun day. But not for my boots...rain, booze and pissing in urinals...am not sure of the culprit or how to treat. Would you guys agree these look like water spots compared to something else?

Also what’s the best way to make these raised bumps go away (if possible) or be less noticeable? I had previously applied 5-6 rounds of hard wax polish on the toes and heels and had them to a mirror shine, then after each wear gave them a quick brush over....is it possible that this liquid ate through that wax and I’m now back to the factory finish?

Any help is appreciated!
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well, ur in luck that these shoes are black.

First, u need to clean the shoes. In this case if u have, u can use saphir's renomat or any good leather cleaner. strip everything off. go 2-3 rounds if u have to. Allow it to rest and dry for some time (2-3 hours)

If the leather looks a bit dry u can apply a leather conditioner, if not u can skip this step and move on to the next

Then u can use any black cream polish. I would recommend Saphir Medaille d’Or in black. Apply the cream polish with a cloth with medium pressure in circular movements. Let the polish sit there for 15-30 mins, let it absorb. give it a good brushing using a horse hair brush (the more u do the better). Repeat this 2-3 times.

U can now apply ur wax polish.

 

[StanleyWingtip]

I happen to have renomat. My only saphir polish/wax are neutral right now. Been waiting on an order from pediwear for 10 weeks now (shoes+saphir products).

After seeing the marks on them I used renovateur to see if it would smooth over, along with just a damp cloth. Looks better but not great.

I will Reno them in the AM but all I have for black pigment on hand is kiwi. Should I hold off?

well, ur in luck that these shoes are black.

First, u need to clean the shoes. In this case if u have, u can use saphir's renomat or any good leather cleaner. strip everything off. go 2-3 rounds if u have to. Allow it to rest and dry for some time (2-3 hours)

If the leather looks a bit dry u can apply a leather conditioner, if not u can skip this step and move on to the next

Then u can use any black cream polish. I would recommend Saphir Medaille d’Or in black. Apply the cream polish with a cloth with medium pressure in circular movements. Let the polish sit there for 15-30 mins, let it absorb. give it a good brushing using a horse hair brush (the more u do the better). Repeat this 2-3 times.

U can now apply ur wax polish.

 

[aj2603]

I happen to have renomat. My only saphir polish/wax are neutral right now. Been waiting on an order from pediwear for 10 weeks now (shoes+saphir products).

After seeing the marks on them I used renovateur to see if it would smooth over, along with just a damp cloth. Looks better but not great.

I will Reno them in the AM but all I have for black pigment on hand is kiwi. Should I hold off?

i think u should hold off then. wait till u get ur black cream polish.

The problem with wax polish is comparison to cream is that wax has a lower concentration of pigments. so it won't help much.

With all due respect to KIWI, its one of the lower / lowest end wax polish.

Renovateur will also not help much in covering those stains and neither will neutral polish. u need something with a high concentration of pigments. a good black shoe cream from a good company should do the trick.

Regards. AJ

 

[Lancaster]

Howdy all. I understand that Saphir MdO is best used for better quality leathers and BdC for lower quality leathers. How do I tell whether my leather deserves MdO or BdC? I assume that Bontoni is MdO, as are Stuart's Choice and EG. What about Sutor Mantalesi, Tod's and Testoni mainline?

Thanks!

 

[Lancaster]

Also, anyone have any idea on resoling Bontoni shoes? I posted on the Bontoni thread but it's been silent so I thought to ask here.

 

[StanleyWingtip]

Stuart’s choice are by EG yes? Personally anything over $3 bills... I will use my best stuff on or if thrifted but originally above that level. already paid for the shoes and the care products are cheap enough to avoid making a permanent mistake by going dirt cheap on care

 

[Poshak Man]

Stuart’s choice are by EG yes? Personally anything over $3 bills... I will use my best stuff on or if thrifted but originally above that level. already paid for the shoes and the care products are cheap enough to avoid making a permanent mistake by going dirt cheap on care

Stuart's Choice are by Grenson. Edward Green has not made for Paul Stuart in a few decades.

 

[keeno]

I just noticed this stain and have no idea what to do about it. Any thoughts?