Bought my first pair of decent shoes. Now need shoe care help.

[GGA]

They are the AE Harrison's in brown. I was reading some old threads and almost nobody uses the same exact items/method. I want to minimize scuffs and creases, not have a military shine, and for them to last a long time. Are the following items enough, too little, or too much for shoe care?

1. AE conditioner/cleaner
2. AE heel and sole dressing
3. Lincoln wax or AE premium shoe polish?
4. AE shoe cream
5. soft cotton cloth
6. moisture protection...do I need this? If yes, what is a good product?
7. shoe trees. If you had to choose from the following, which would it be and why?

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalo...re&PLOID=23363

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/catalo...re&PLOID=32862

http://www.allenedmonds.com/webapp/w...98&imageType=2

http://www.allenedmonds.com/webapp/w...98&imageType=2


Is the following method good?

1. Wipe dust and dirt off. Let dry.
2. Apply the conditioner/cleaner. Let dry.
3. Apply shoe cream. Let dry.
4. Apply a polish or wax. Let dry.
5. Buff with soft cotton cloth.
6. Apply heel and sole dressing...should this be after the first step?

 

[kitonbrioni]

Sounds like you are ready to offer a master class in shoe care.

 

[URMarc]

GGA,

I too was concerned that I wanted to do all that is available to preserve my shoes. However, I've come to the conclusion that less (or moderate), is better. Ask yourself -- is it really necessary to go through a 6-7 step protection process with brand new shoes?

Here's what I do:

(1) inspect my new shoes for any defects. Then I try them on and walk around a bit.

(2) Wipe off excess dirt or dust. Apply a shoe cream (I use Meltonian). Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, I use a horsehair brush to rub in. The horsehair really brings out a nice shine (not military).

And, that's it. The shoe cream will also moisturize the shoe, so there's no need to apply a separate moisturizer or conditioner. No need to use cleaner on a brand new shoe, either. I used to apply a spray-on water repellant, but there's really no need for this unless you live in very rainy environment. The cream will provide water protection, too. I only use heal dressings if I nick my shoe. Other than that, I use shoe trees in all my shoes and use shoe bags when travelling.

The important part is wearing and enjoying the shoe. You bought a good quality shoe, and not much needs to be done before you wear it. Enjoy

 

[lawyerdad]

I agree with UMarc's point about moderation, but I would definitely go with a wax polish after the cream (and probably would skip the spray-on water repellant). Wax polish provides much more protection and nicks and scratches than cream polish does, and over time the repeated polish/wear/polish/wear (generally no need for repeated applications of the cream) will develop into a nice patina. Wax polish also gives the option of going with the fabled "mirror shine" (don't sue me sysdoc!) if you're so inclined.

 

[designprofessor]

A tip: When you apply the heel / sole dressing. Hold the shoe up, but keep the shoe right side up. That stuff is quite concentrated, so if any drips, it falls down - away from the shoe.

 

[GGA]

URMarc: I should've been more clear. That method is what I would use after extended wear. How long I have no idea (I would guess every 3 weeks or whenever it looks like it's needed).

lawyerdad and designprofessor: Good tips.


Still need help on the shoe trees. Will a $15 tree from Marshall's do the same job as a $35 one? The $35 one i'm talking about is on the 2nd link and I read it was one of the best.

I don't live in FL, but in Boston and it can get really wet sometimes (this Spring sucked). I think I will need a water repellant. I use the following for my Timberland boots and was wondering if it's okay for my AE's?

http://www.timberland.com/product/in...entPage=family