A bit of a random one, but you're a knowledgeable lot on here so I thought I would tap into that.
Just bought my first pair of decent shoes (some Barker brogues) and been reading up on taking care of them. Not sure when I last polished some shoes, probably measured in decades.
Shoe trees (cedar) seem to be a no-brainer.
In terms of care and polishing, the below seems to be the approach:
Sound about right?
Saphir products seem to be king of the hill, but any suggestions for other alternatives? Especially for the leather conditioner as the renovateur strips polish as I understand it.
Some people seem to apply the leather conditioner to the sole as well, a wise idea?
Anything else I'm missing?
TIA
Just bought my first pair of decent shoes (some Barker brogues) and been reading up on taking care of them. Not sure when I last polished some shoes, probably measured in decades.
Shoe trees (cedar) seem to be a no-brainer.
In terms of care and polishing, the below seems to be the approach:
- Remove laces and insert shoe trees
- Brush clean with a horse hair brush
- Using a cotton cloth, apply a leather conditioner (such as Saphir Renovateur or Lotion)
- Allow to dry and remove excess with horse hair brush
- Using a cotton cloth, apply a neutral or coloured cream
- Allow to dry and buff/remove excess with a horse hair brush
- If you want a high shine, apply a wax polish using a cotton cloth
- Allow to dry and buff with a horse hair brush/pair of nylon tights/cotton cloth
- For a mirror shine, work an area with a combination of polish and water
Sound about right?
Saphir products seem to be king of the hill, but any suggestions for other alternatives? Especially for the leather conditioner as the renovateur strips polish as I understand it.
Some people seem to apply the leather conditioner to the sole as well, a wise idea?
Anything else I'm missing?
TIA