Care for patent leather

[zjpj83]

I took what I thought was good care of my old evening shoes. But long before the soles needed replacing, the patent leather cracked along the creases.

How do you care for patent leather shoes? Could I do anything differently to avoid this in the future?

thanks,

 

[summej2]

I've always been told that a light coat of petroleum jelly should be used, but I have not really given this method the test of time.

 

[zjpj83]

interesting suggestion - thanks

 

[LSeca]

Originally Posted by summej2

I've always been told that a light coat of petroleum jelly should be used, but I have not really given this method the test of time.

Years ago, I was in the honor guard for the air force. We used patent leather combat boots (yes, patent leather with white laces!), spent hours upon hours marching in them. I used a very light coat of petroleum jelly on them for maintenance, never had issues.

 

[ChicagoRon]

THe key is LIGHT coat. First time I did it I went a little overboard and it was a pain to clean up / buff it all off.