caring for pebble grain

[migo]

I've a pair of Alden monkstraps in pebble grain...how does one shine/polish/clean/whatever this material? Perhaps this can be added to the forum wiki as well

Also, are trees necessary for monkstraps, and where can i find Alden ones?

 

[speedster.8]

aldenshop.com? http://www.aldenshop.com/Accessories...&CategoryID=80 Could try Alden of Carmel to, there are others that have good trees, do a search. there are some French that are a steal @59€ for 5 i think. good tips for care: http://www.saint-crispins.com/e_bespoke/index7.html good tips for polish & maintenance:

 

[TCN]

On my C&J pebble grains, I polish them as if they were regular calf, and I've noticed that in the higher wear or higher abrasion areas, the pebble graining seems to be wearing a bit smooth, so I suppose I would urge you to be a bit more gentle.

 

[Manton]

^^^ Same here, and I have not noticed any difference.

 

[JayJay]

Same here. I'm actually wearing my pebble grain calf wingtips today. I noticed this morning that they're a bit smooth around the toe area. But I've only worn them 3 or 4 times so I don't think it is from buffing them too much.

 

[migo]

hmm thanks

anyone know if there's a brick and mortar in DC that I can get Alden trees from? If not I might just get some standard ones

 

[tonylumpkin]

Originally Posted by migo

I've a pair of Alden monkstraps in pebble grain...how does one shine/polish/clean/whatever this material? Perhaps this can be added to the forum wiki as well

Also, are trees necessary for monkstraps, and where can i find Alden ones?

http://www.aldenshoe.com/store.asp

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by migo

hmm thanks

anyone know if there's a brick and mortar in DC that I can get Alden trees from? If not I might just get some standard ones

Yeah, there's an alden store in dc, it recently moved but the new store should be open. Theres a possibility ou might have to get them special ordered, but they should have them.

In any event, I just use plain old woodlore or rochester shoe trees with most of my shoes.

 

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I noticed this morning that they're a bit smooth around the toe area. But I've only worn them 3 or 4 times so I don't think it is from buffing them too much.
That's got nothing to do with buffing at all.

When the shoe gets lasted (pulled over the last), there are enormous stresses in operation,
hence the greater smoothness in the toe area. The pebble grain gets smoothed out from being heavily stretched.

An effect, I rather like.

Here is a "Bunbury" ankle boot from Edward Green. Notice how the grain is smoother in the toe area.

 

[TCN]

Very interesting Bengal, thank you.

 

[atomicranch]

Originally Posted by migo

hmm thanks

anyone know if there's a brick and mortar in DC that I can get Alden trees from? If not I might just get some standard ones

Sky Valet on Wisconsin carries Alden shoe trees. The Alden store wasn't open at the new location last time I checked, but it may be now.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by bengal-stripe

That's got nothing to do with buffing at all.

When the shoe gets lasted (pulled over the last), there are enormous stresses in operation,
hence the greater smoothness in the toe area. The pebble grain gets smoothed out from being heavily stretched.

An effect, I rather like.


Makes sense.... thanks.