Show us your new shoes

[FreeLitres]

13m said:

Question chaps:

I've got some mid brown leather Chelsea boots which I've been using Kiwi polish on. However, whilst they polish up well the polish cracks along the creases and goes powdery.

Is there something I can use to strip off the Kiwi and is there something better? I use Parade gloss on my black shoes, is that worth a shot or should I use a cream? I think brown is less forgiving than black.

Don't use wax polish on any areas that flex. Only use it on the toe and perhaps the heels.

To remove the old wax, you can use some 100% pure acetone on a cotton wool ball but dont apply too much or rub too hard as you might strip off some of the leather colour finish.

A cream polish would be better to use all over the shoe/boot. I highly recommend the Saphir cream that comes in this shape jar;

[13m]

FreeLitres said:

13m said:

Question chaps:

I've got some mid brown leather Chelsea boots which I've been using Kiwi polish on. However, whilst they polish up well the polish cracks along the creases and goes powdery.

Is there something I can use to strip off the Kiwi and is there something better? I use Parade gloss on my black shoes, is that worth a shot or should I use a cream? I think brown is less forgiving than black.

Don't use wax polish on any areas that flex. Only use it on the toe and perhaps the heels.

To remove the old wax, you can use some 100% pure acetone on a cotton wool ball but dont apply too much or rub too hard as you might strip off some of the leather colour finish.

A cream polish would be better to use all over the shoe/boot. I highly recommend the Saphir cream that comes in this shape jar;

Is acetone a bit harsh? Would surgical spirit be less aggressive?

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

[FreeLitres]

13m said:

Is acetone a bit harsh? Would surgical spirit be less aggressive?

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

It's a case of finding the best solvent to melt the wax. Acetone seems to be the default answer.

Neutral shoe cream will also help to remove the old wax
http://www.styleforum.net/t/12359/how-to-remove-sh...

[bob-lad]

13m said:

Question chaps:

I've got some mid brown leather Chelsea boots which I've been using Kiwi polish on. However, whilst they polish up well the polish cracks along the creases and goes powdery.

Is there something I can use to strip off the Kiwi and is there something better? I use Parade gloss on my black shoes, is that worth a shot or should I use a cream? I think brown is less forgiving than black.

I use products from https://www.renapur.com/ on my shoes and boots.

[InductionRoar]

13m said:

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

That is because they are trying to sell you their products not prolong the life of your shoes.

[13m]

bob-lad said:

I use products from https://www.renapur.com/ on my shoes and boots.

What a fking awful website. Makes Ling's Cars look sensible.

[13m]

InductionRoar said:

13m said:

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

That is because they are trying to sell you their products not prolong the life of your shoes.

You're a man to whom shoes are important. What would you suggest?

[bga]

Halb said:

For health, comfort and deadlifts, they cannot be beaten!

I can't argue with that. What I can argue with is the plonker who catches my morning commuter train and wears them with a suit and tie.

[InductionRoar]

13m said:

InductionRoar said:

13m said:

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

That is because they are trying to sell you their products not prolong the life of your shoes.

You're a man to whom shoes are important. What would you suggest?

I am in agreement with Freelitres. I use cream on flexible parts and wax polish on the toe and heel caps.

Renovatuer is a very good product in the Saphir range and will remove some of the pigment from the top layer of wax whilst feeding the leather. It does however contain Mink Oil which is not condusive to a mirror shine if that is important to you.

Personally I have never felt the need to strip the wax off though equally I subscribe to less is more with shoe care.

Most leather uppers will benefit from a good brushing more than a polish.

[13m]

InductionRoar said:

13m said:

InductionRoar said:

13m said:

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

That is because they are trying to sell you their products not prolong the life of your shoes.

You're a man to whom shoes are important. What would you suggest?

I am in agreement with Freelitres. I use cream on flexible parts and wax polish on the toe and heel caps.

Renovatuer is a very good product in the Saphir range and will remove some of the pigment from the top layer of wax whilst feeding the leather. It does however contain Mink Oil which is not condusive to a mirror shine if that is important to you.

Personally I have never felt the need to strip the wax off though equally I subscribe to less is more with shoe care.

Most leather uppers will benefit from a good brushing more than a polish.

Thsnks.

I have some shoes that rarely see a brush, but others that need more attention. My brown chelsea boots fall into the latter category. I will look into Renovator.

[FreeLitres]

I used to be a big fan of Renovateur but I have since switched to Bick4 (as a leather conditioner) and neutral Saphir cream polish as my 2 main shoe care products. Bick4 is water based and really penetrates into the leather whereas Renovateur sits more on the surface.

I find the latter is particularly useful for re-finishing a freshly polished shoe if you have picked up a minor scuff in the polish. Still good for a quick once-over as it is so quick and easy to apply/buff.

[FreeLitres]

InductionRoar said:

I subscribe to less is more with shoe care.

This is important.

I completely messed up the surface of my first pair of Barkers by getting too enthusiastic with "shoe care". I think most of the damage occurred when using Saphir Renomat to strip off the previous wax layers, which didn't really need doing in the first place. The shoes still look passable with a fresh layer of wax on, but underneath the leather surface is completely butchered.

Don't do more than you need to. Regular brushing with a horsehair brush and the occasional thin application of conditioner/cream/wax is all that most shoes need.

[Halb]

Goaty Bill 2 said:

errr
Yee Haw!?
You have shown great restraint Halb.

It happens sometimes.
Just to make sure, this oil is just for the sole, not the whole boot?

bga said:

I can't argue with that. What I can argue with is the plonker who catches my morning commuter train and wears them with a suit and tie.

Bet he has healthy arches!

[Goaty Bill 2]

Halb said:

Goaty Bill 2 said:

errr
Yee Haw!?
You have shown great restraint Halb.

It happens sometimes.
Just to make sure, this oil is just for the sole, not the whole boot?

Yes! Just the soles.
Dependent on planned use, and the current finish, it's not a bad idea to carefully do the sides of the soles for best protection. Make sure to do whatever protection/waxing/polishing you have chosen to do on the uppers first. This being a car forum, I'm sure I don't have to tell you how much you don't want your waxing/polishing cloth to pick up recently applied oil from the sole as you are polishing the upper.

[Goaty Bill 2]

Halb said:

Goaty Bill 2 said:

Halb said:

Had my old VFFs out for a blast this week.

For health, comfort and deadlifts, they cannot be beaten!

I think I will just take your word for that

[Goaty Bill 2]

FreeLitres said:

13m said:

Is acetone a bit harsh? Would surgical spirit be less aggressive?

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

It's a case of finding the best solvent to melt the wax. Acetone seems to be the default answer.

Neutral shoe cream will also help to remove the old wax
http://www.styleforum.net/t/12359/how-to-remove-sh...

I use Cutex nail polish remover; principal ingredient acetone.
No issues on black calf, patent or tan calf.

Dependent on shoe colour, I usually use the neutral polish all over, unless there are marks to cover up.
Following a 3-4 coat wax and dab of water polish, I do get a small amount of whitening in the areas of flexing across the vamp.
It seems to appear quite quickly, i.e. a short walk around the house will do, but a light wipe with a cloth normally removes it once and for all.

I have tended to follow the advice of the The Shoe Snob, but I'm always open to new suggestions.
He's got a couple of youtube videos that may entertain you.

[13m]

Goaty Bill 2 said:

FreeLitres said:

13m said:

Is acetone a bit harsh? Would surgical spirit be less aggressive?

I have wondered about Saphir. But their take on shoe care seems to verge upon the obsessional.

It's a case of finding the best solvent to melt the wax. Acetone seems to be the default answer.

Neutral shoe cream will also help to remove the old wax
http://www.styleforum.net/t/12359/how-to-remove-sh...

I use Cutex nail polish remover; principal ingredient acetone.
No issues on black calf, patent or tan calf.

Dependent on shoe colour, I usually use the neutral polish all over, unless there are marks to cover up.
Following a 3-4 coat wax and dab of water polish, I do get a small amount of whitening in the areas of flexing across the vamp.
It seems to appear quite quickly, i.e. a short walk around the house will do, but a light wipe with a cloth normally removes it once and for all.

I have tended to follow the advice of the The Shoe Snob, but I'm always open to new suggestions.
He's got a couple of youtube videos that may entertain you.

Thanks for that link Bill. I'll take a look.

[Tony Angelino]

Speaking of cleaning, I have a pair of tan barker brogues that I have neglected a touch over the months and they have a sort of black streak/stain in places, mainly on the crease in front of the toes. Can't get pics at the moment but any ideas what could get rid ?

Thanks

[InductionRoar]

Tony Angelino said:

Speaking of cleaning, I have a pair of tan barker brogues that I have neglected a touch over the months and they have a sort of black streak/stain in places, mainly on the crease in front of the toes. Can't get pics at the moment but any ideas what could get rid ?

Thanks

I think a pic would be helpful. I'm struggling to imagine what could cause a streak unless they have been submerged (which I assume they haven't).

Worst case scenario would be darkening and blending the affected area and using the streak(s) as a foundation for a "patina".

[InductionRoar]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

Well(ies)

If we are talking maintenance - I've a lowly non-Cotswold-weekend-retreat pair of Toggi leather wellies. They are always good for a quick walk out with the dog in the cold with thin work socks to keep the feet warm.





Treated every now and again, I think the leather is still waterproof, but the 'welt' (is it ?) the joint between the leather and the sole must be letting in water. I've tried smothering with dubbin type products, without joy.





What next? Some hardy bush people say use 'Toilet ring wax' ? ? what's that? And leave in front of the fire.
Alternatives?

Toggi don't repair, and I'm loathed to a) throw out, b) make a pair as patina'd and comfortable - never mind the costs.

Those are very nice and utilitarian and I too would be loathed to throw them out.

They are not welted and the stitching may even be entirely cosmetic - it's hard to tell but I would expect the soles are bonded to the uppers. The seal between the rubber and the leather is the issue and no product I am aware of will remedy that issue, no amount of wax or dubbin will provide a watertight seal.

My advice would be to use them for merely damp days rather than full on saturation. Leather has its limitations and one of them is the requirement of seams which is always a weakness (from water ingress). A moulded rubber one piece wellington will always be superior from a weatherproof aspect though will never develop the character of leather.

Leather has its place and for all but the most extreme weather would still be my preference.