Are My Loakes Ruined?

[Al Shosty]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in distress right now. I'd purchased these burgundy Loakes about a year ago, back when I was such a shoe novice that I couldn't tell the difference between oxfords and derbies. As such, it was only recently that I discovered that the plastic shoe trees that I'd inserted into these shoes over the past year have been completely useless at helping them retain their shape. I have only just inserted proper wooden shoe trees today, but I fear it may be too late to save them. Is there anything I can do to repair the damage? Thank you in advance.

Picture 1 of the shoes:
Picture 2:

 

[beargonefishing]

Where is the damage?

 

[Al Shosty]

Where is the damage?

Aren't they extraordinarily creased for shoes that have only been worn for a year?

 

[beargonefishing]

Aren't they extraordinarily creased for shoes that have only been worn for a year?

Dosen't look abnormal at all or damaged. Leather shoes will crease, it's impossible to avoid. My St. Crispin, Alfred Sargent, Vass and Zonkey all have creases.

 

[beargonefishing]

Aren't they extraordinarily creased for shoes that have only been worn for a year?

This is a 2 month old Zonky Boot derby that I have worn 6-8 times.

 

[Al Shosty]

This is a 2 month old Zonky Boot derby that I have worn 6-8 times.

View attachment 1005774

Thanks for the photo! It's good to know that creases are inevitable. I'm just a bit upset with myself - I've *only* worn these shoes about 25-30 times, and I feel that I could've done more to prevent them from creasing to SUCH an extent in such a small amount of time. Anyway, I guess your comments indicate that it's really not that big of a deal, so I won't put too much thought into past regrets ...

However, I am wondering whether there are any techniques I could use to prevent any further creasing, or to at least slow down the rate of future creasing. Would the shoe trees be enough?
Should I just chill out about it and stop worrying so much?!

 

[beargonefishing]

Thanks for the photo! It's good to know that creases are inevitable. I'm just a bit upset with myself - I've *only* worn these shoes about 25-30 times, and I feel that I could've done more to prevent them from creasing to SUCH an extent in such a small amount of time. Anyway, I guess your comments indicate that it's really not that big of a deal, so I won't put too much thought into past regrets ...

However, I am wondering whether there are any techniques I could use to prevent any further creasing, or to at least slow down the rate of future creasing. Would the shoe trees be enough?
Should I just chill out about it and stop worrying so much?!

Yes, always use shoe trees and don't wear them two days in a row. Condition every couple of months and brush after every wear. That will keep the creasing to a minimum, but won't stop it.

Welcome to the forum! Here are my St. Crispin in russian calf showing some more creasing, and this is a lasted shoe tree.

 

[beargonefishing]

Thanks for the photo! It's good to know that creases are inevitable. I'm just a bit upset with myself - I've *only* worn these shoes about 25-30 times, and I feel that I could've done more to prevent them from creasing to SUCH an extent in such a small amount of time. Anyway, I guess your comments indicate that it's really not that big of a deal, so I won't put too much thought into past regrets ...

However, I am wondering whether there are any techniques I could use to prevent any further creasing, or to at least slow down the rate of future creasing. Would the shoe trees be enough?
Should I just chill out about it and stop worrying so much?!

Here is a good video with some more comprehensive info.

 

[madhat]

Thanks for the photo! It's good to know that creases are inevitable. I'm just a bit upset with myself - I've *only* worn these shoes about 25-30 times, and I feel that I could've done more to prevent them from creasing to SUCH an extent in such a small amount of time. Anyway, I guess your comments indicate that it's really not that big of a deal, so I won't put too much thought into past regrets ...

However, I am wondering whether there are any techniques I could use to prevent any further creasing, or to at least slow down the rate of future creasing. Would the shoe trees be enough?
Should I just chill out about it and stop worrying so much?!

Shoe trees will help, but leather type, fit, gait, and care (don't let them dry out) will also affect how much creasing and the pattern of such will exist. Avoid excessively bending your toes; don't let your toes bend 90 degrees like when you squat on the balls of your feet.

Had you not used trees at all for a year, they'd probably be in much worse shape. You can do a water soak to reduce creasing, but it'll come back as you wear.

Basically, it's just part of life. Learn to enjoy the patina of wear.

Here's a how to, but I really think it's unnecessary in your situation as it's more for very abused shoes.
https://vcleat.com/reshaping-shoes-with-water-and-heat/

 

[eagleman]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in distress right now. I'd purchased these burgundy Loakes about a year ago, back when I was such a shoe novice that I couldn't tell the difference between oxfords and derbies. As such, it was only recently that I discovered that the plastic shoe trees that I'd inserted into these shoes over the past year have been completely useless at helping them retain their shape. I have only just inserted proper wooden shoe trees today, but I fear it may be too late to save them. Is there anything I can do to repair the damage? Thank you in advance.

Picture 1 of the shoes:
Picture 2:

There’s nothing wrong with your shoes other than they need some conditioner and polishing. Spend a little time with them and they’ll look great.

 

[Cassadine]

They look fairly normal to me, all things considered. But cedar trees will prove much more beneficial.

 

[Al Shosty]

Thank you all for your responses. I definitely feel more at ease now!