Best polish for AE Strand in walnut calf?

[theriel]

Hello,
Thank you all once again for your help in my previous crusade for a new pair of shoes. Ultimately I have decided to buy AE Strand in walnut calf. It seems, however, that it's only the beginning of my journey...

I have a question to all the owners of this pair of shoes or of any other shoes in the same colour... Which wax polish do you use? I am looking for the best colour match or slightly darker (to give the nice patina over time).

For black shoes I have very successfully used Saphir wax - but taking into account the multitude of brown shades I am totally lost...

Thank you for your time and help!

Best,
Theriel

 

[Shawl Lapel]

I just use the polish AE sells since I wasn't sure where to find something else that would match.

 

[Texastyle]



I just use the polish AE sells since I wasn't sure where to find something else that would match.

Same here. They had a sale on their site last month and I got the walnut polish, a cloth, brush, and shoe trees for about 39 bucks with shipping.


Edit: It's weird how much darker the color is on their site than in person.

 

[CJG_NYC]

Would anyone trust a shoe shine/cobbler shop to shine/condition the Strand's in Walnut?

I have a pair and I've been debating going there - I have them do my black Park Avenues and my burnished calf Fifth Avenues, but was unsure if I should go with Walnut color shoes.

Thoughts?

 

[theriel]

@Texastyle - IMO in real life the colour looks *much* nicer. But it is true - I was surprised when I saw them at the store!

@CJG_NYC:
To be honest... I generally do not trust anyone to do the polishing/conditioning of my shoes. Firstly - I haven't come across anyone so trustworthy. Secondly - I try to use the top products (e.g. Saphir). I would worry that cobbler might want to decrease his operating costs by using sub-prime product. You might not see the difference initially - after some time you will. Thirdly - when I condition and/or polish the shoes I pay attention to the details and I know what exactly I am doing. I don't have this confidence regarding a cobbler...

Now, having said that - if there is (and I am sure there is) a really good cobbler who uses high quality products and who knows his stuff - I cannot see anything wrong with regularly using his services. Keep in mind, though, that "simple" black shoes are more forgiving in short-term than Walnut shoes with broguing...