Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread 2017- News, Pictures, Clothing, accessories, etc.

[ace13x]

What cleaning/care products do I need to obtain? I have a Cole Haan travel kit that I bought when I got some loafers from them (which despite their reputation, fit amazingly, are full-grain leather, and are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever put on), so I have black shoe cream from that, but I haven't bought a conditioner, yet. Which probably means I'm not caring for the loafers properly, either, but I've only had them a couple months. Saphir Renovateur seems recommended, but I'd imagine there are cheaper options.....although I will pay that if it's the best value.

Here is what I would suggest, I'm sure others will disagree. Thats fine, everyone has to feel their way to what they believe works best for them.

A good horsehair brush (or three): AE's are pretty good (though not perfect); Someone on here posted some good ones available on Amazon (I forget the brand); even Kiwi from Walmart/Target is better than nothing.

A general purpose light conditioner: Lexol Conditioner, Bick 4, AE Leather lotion. I use Lexol and AE primarily, I prefer the Lexol. Never tried Bick 4 but I've heard good things (probably try it when I'm out of Lexol. I only condition maybe once every 6-8 wears if that.

Edge dressing: Get the AE in the little bottle. They call it travel size. Its much easier to apply with than the big bottle.

Polish: AE polish (squeeze tube) is very good. Its what I use.

Wax: IMO, you only need it if you want to bull your caps and heels. I've used AE and have no issues getting a mirror shine, others find it easier to achieve with certain brands (like Lincoln).

A heavier conditioner: Like AE Conditioner Cleaner, Saphir Renovatuer, etc. Definitely not needed in the beginning. I only use something like this maybe once for every 4 or 5 times I condition with a light conditioner. I would suggest only using more often if you put your shoes through a lot. Caution with AE CC, it will strip the burnishing, use it at your own risk.


The first 3 are the most important to start. Polish only if you need to bring back a stronger shine or restore some color.

 

[DaveCPA]

Great responses, guys! Thanks so much for the help!

I'm not seeing many of the AE products online. Am I overlooking? I'm a shoprunner member, so ordering small stuff from them is a non-issue since shipping is free anyways.

 

[ace13x]

Sorta, it was pretty complicated to make it happen.

I'm kind of pissed. I knew it was going to be a hassle to get them done back then, and was hoping an in house AE trunk show would soon follow. Now I wish, I had attempted at least one pair.

 

[ace13x]

Great responses, guys! Thanks so much for the help!

I'm not seeing many of the AE products online. Am I overlooking? I'm a shoprunner member, so ordering small stuff from them is a non-issue since shipping is free anyways.

Under the Shoes "tab" --> Shoe Care

 

[DaveCPA]

Under the Shoes "tab" --> Shoe Care

Thanks, I was looking under accessories.

 

[liuzerus87]

A general purpose light conditioner: Lexol Conditioner, Bick 4, AE Leather lotion. I use Lexol and AE primarily, I prefer the Lexol. Never tried Bick 4 but I've heard good things (probably try it when I'm out of Lexol. I only condition maybe once every 6-8 wears if that.

[...]

A heavier conditioner: Like AE Conditioner Cleaner, Saphir Renovatuer, etc. Definitely not needed in the beginning. I only use something like this maybe once for every 4 or 5 times I condition with a light conditioner. I would suggest only using more often if you put your shoes through a lot. Caution with AE CC, it will strip the burnishing, use it at your own risk.

So if I'm reading this right, the Leather Lotion should be safe to use on burnishing? But not the Cleaner Conditioner?

 

[DaveCPA]

Think that does it? I have edge dressing, a brush (that I've been using on brown, so this one's for black), and shoe creams from the CH kit.

 

[ace13x]

So if I'm reading this right, the Leather Lotion should be safe to use on burnishing? But not the Cleaner Conditioner?

Some people have experienced issue with that too, though I have not. In general, conditioning will remove some surface wax/pigments so over use is not recommended. For example on my Walnut shoes I will pull up a small amount of color on a clean cloth with AE Lotion or Lexol. Its not a lot, but I don't rub very hard. When the color gets weak, I use AE polish in Walnut and Bourbon alternately and that seems to work pretty good.

Either way test on a small area of the heel if your not sure.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I'm yet to buy the edge dressing. I've always just used a damp cloth with a little conditioner or leather lotion on the sides of the sole. But do you guys think the dressing really make a big difference?

I mainly use AE's conditioner cleaner, AE color polishes, Crockett and Jones color wax polishes, and Saphir neutral cream polish. I occasionally use the leather lotion or renovatuer, but I was told not to use those too often. I found that the leather lotion can also strip off some burnishing, but it's not as bad as the conditioner. But out of all this stuff, all I really need is some conditioner, AE polish and Saphir neutral cream wax. Take a damp cloth after the polish/wax has dried and you'll start to get a good shine.

 

[dfwcowboy]

Some people have experienced issue with that too, though I have not. In general, conditioning will remove some surface wax/pigments so over use is not recommended. For example on my Walnut shoes I will pull up a small amount of color on a clean cloth with AE Lotion or Lexol. Its not a lot, but I don't rub very hard. When the color gets weak, I use AE polish in Walnut and Bourbon alternately and that seems to work pretty good.

Either way test on a small area of the heel if your not sure.

I've never owned any shoes with burnishing, so I don't know what does or doesn't remove it, but Bick4 is the mildest leather lotion/conditioner I've used. To me it's basically odorless, which means there's few if any volatile solvents.

 

[ace13x]

I'm yet to buy the edge dressing. I've always just used a damp cloth with a little conditioner or leather lotion on the sides of the sole. But do you guys think the dressing really make a big difference?

I mainly use AE's conditioner cleaner, AE color polishes, Crockett and Jones color wax polishes, and Saphir neutral cream polish. I occasionally use the leather lotion or renovatuer, but I was told not to use those too often. I found that the leather lotion can also strip off some burnishing, but it's not as bad as the conditioner. But out of all this stuff, all I really need is some conditioner, AE polish and Saphir neutral cream wax. Take a damp cloth after the polish/wax has dried and you'll start to get a good shine.

It does a lot if you have black edges. With Antique or natural edges I'm sure what your doing will work for a long time. Some people really beat up the edge of they're shoes, especially the tips; and with black it really shows.

 

[dfwcowboy]

I'm yet to buy the edge dressing. I've always just used a damp cloth with a little conditioner or leather lotion on the sides of the sole. But do you guys think the dressing really make a big difference?

I haven't used edge dressing in quite some time. I just use cream polish. The problem I always had with edge dressing is screwing up and getting it on the uppers or on everything else besides the sole edges.

 

[quickonthetree]

Today was dark chili Daltons with the maiden voyage of my new Guarded Goods flat laces. I really need to polish these after the last few wears in nasty weather.

I got home from work and was happy to open my box that was waiting.
New never worn Bayfield firsts. These things are flawless. I'll get better pics tomorrow and try them on. I couldn't be happier.

 

[mreams99]



What cleaning/care products do I need to obtain? I have a Cole Haan travel kit that I bought when I got some loafers from them (which despite their reputation, fit amazingly, are full-grain leather, and are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever put on), so I have black shoe cream from that, but I haven't bought a conditioner, yet. Which probably means I'm not caring for the loafers properly, either, but I've only had them a couple months. Saphir Renovateur seems recommended, but I'd imagine there are cheaper options.....although I will pay that if it's the best value. 

Black shoe cream is a conditioner with black pigment, so technically you do have a conditioner. For times when you don't need to add any coloring though, neutral cream, Bick, or Lexol are all options.

 

[middlepP]

To chime in on the conditioner conversation, I apply Bick 4 with my bare hands. Seems that free of harsh chemicals. Wouldn't do that with any of the others...

(Then again, I also catch myself "holding" galvanized nails/screws in my mouth while working on outdoor projects.)