**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.** - Page 230

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Doble 


Hmm, this is interesting. I guess I've never seen sole conditioning included in shoe care guides, so even if it is beneficial, it's probably not essential.

Well the specific products made by manufacturers to condition soles require re-application after each wear, as they are not intended to saturate the sole as the aformentioned products do.

The results of using these sole oil type products is inconclusive at best.

It's entirely up to you.

Putting in my own experience here. I've used mink oil on the soles of one of my shoes and they seem to have held up well. I should note that at one point, I also gave the soles a round of Kiwi neutral polish. The soles are pretty seasoned at the moment and the mink oil doesn't appear to make them any softer. The soles have become quite hardwearing by now.

By the way, I've just started using Renovateur a few weeks ago and my experience hasn't been up to expectation so far. I've tried applying with both a cloth and also with bare fingers and I find it tends to make the leather feel sticky and look a bit matte.

Is this normal? Or perhaps am I applying too much of it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by razl 


Sounds like you're applying too much ("a little goes a long way!") and not brushing/buffing enough afterwards.
ps - I thought it was crazy when I first heard it, but I am now a finger applier too. Much better control, less wasted product, and I feel more zen with the process.

Thanks, that was my gut feel too after inspecting the leather. I'll try to keep it to a minimal amount in the future.

Having said that, after leaving the Reno for the specified ~3 minutes, is there a difference between brushing with a horsehair brush or buffing with a soft cloth? I tend to prefer using the brush myself as I find it easier than a cloth.

How many time should I use Saphir Saddle Soap on my shoes? I mean this soap has the same function as the Saphir Reno Matt, is this true? I read on Hanger website that the Reno Matt should only be used once or twice a year.