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

[florent]

I mean, in terms of the types of separations I have had on my shoes, I was easily able to apply glue there; however, the stitching was still intact.

Yeah sure, as long as the stitching is good it's just a cosmetic issue. But broken stitches need a more serious repair or it will quickly deteriorate.

 

[Gustaf]

I’m in search of a nice, high quality leather apron and was hoping for some recommendations.

Is this the right place to discuss this, or is there a more appropriate thread for shoe care related gear?

 

[Duke Santos]

I’m in search of a nice, high quality leather apron and was hoping for some recommendations.

Is this the right place to discuss this, or is there a more appropriate thread for shoe care related gear?

Not sure if it's leather, but I think Trenton & Heath sell a quality shining apron. They seem like good guys to support too.

 

[MrBaho]

Not sure if it's leather, but I think Trenton & Heath sell a quality shining apron. They seem like good guys to support too.

If you want a cheaper leather apron check out Harbor Freights welding apron.

 

[Gustaf]

Not sure if it's leather, but I think Trenton & Heath sell a quality shining apron. They seem like good guys to support too.

Thanks. Couldn’t find a website. You know what sales channels they use?

If you want a cheaper leather apron check out Harbor Freights welding apron.

Thanks. I think a welding apron could work really well. I would prefer smooth leather, but that’s an attractive price.

 

[Koratokva]

Hi , can a cobbler fix this tear from these Alden?

 

[marlinspike]

Is there a best type of awl to be buying to allow me to set nails in the heel?

 

[JFWR]

Hi , can a cobbler fix this tear from these Alden? View attachment 1806265

If those are calf, yes; if shell, possibly.

 

[Koratokva]

If those are calf, yes; if shell, possibly.

It is Cordovan (Alden 664)

 

[JFWR]

It is Cordovan (Alden 664)

Maybe, maybe not. Shell tears can be terrible.

 

[CWL317]

What causes the inside leather lining of the upper to disintegrate? Is it friction with wear over time? Sweat / moisture with wear? How best to prevent it?

 

[JFWR]

What causes the inside leather lining of the upper to disintegrate? Is it friction with wear over time? Sweat / moisture with wear? How best to prevent it?

All of the above.

Condition the insides of shoes once a year and keep shoe trees in them when not worn.

 

[CWL317]

All of the above.

Condition the insides of shoes once a year and keep shoe trees in them when not worn.

Thanks JFWR for the sage advice as always. I never thought of conditioning the leather on the inside of the shoes - no one ever seems to mention it but it makes sense.

i wonder if a looser fitting shoe is more likely to cause frictional wear than a snug fit?

 

[JFWR]

Thanks JFWR for the sage advice as always. I never thought of conditioning the leather on the inside of the shoes - no one ever seems to mention it but it makes sense.

i wonder if a looser fitting shoe is more likely to cause frictional wear than a snug fit?

No problem.

If your foot is moving a lot it would likely cause more damage and you're likely to get blisters. So yes, I'd imagine so. You'll notice that most of the wear occurs on the heel where everyone experiences some slippage.

In regards to conditioning: generally shoes only need conditioning about once a year so doing some in and out is always good. I'd actually imagine that conditioning the insides can be slightly more important as the leather constantly gets wet and wet leather loses its moisturizing agents.

If you ever get your shoes really soaked let them dry then condition.

 

[marlinspike]

My toddler has decided the shoes she wants to wear are my old baby shoes, which have leather soles (and full leather heel stack lol). However, the soles are totally dried out, like wood. Is there anything I can do to soften 35 year old sole leather other than have it resoled? Renovateur didn't phase it.