Damaged my shoes?

[SkinnyGoomba]

A while back i wore my shoes out into some crappy weather, they got a bit salty. I cleaned them up, but could see portions around the soles that needed some extra help.

So i picked up Saddle soap, soaped them up nice and gave them a good rub down. The salt stains were removed, but the top of my one loafer appears to be very dried out.

The dyness will polish out, but two problems arise, the first being that as soon as i walk in them the dryness returns and starts to form very minute check marks across the surface of the leather, which really looks like ****.

The second problem, is that the one shoe really darkens up alot in the area where the check marks form, which, of course is right on the top of my loafer.

Any suggestions on how to cure this, or did i royally screw the pooch on this one?

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

also i've tried shoe cream and shoe lotion, and neither fixed it.

All products by kiwi, maybe thats the problem?

 

[bigbris1]

You have to really condition them, then recondition them again & again to add the oils you stripped out back into the leather. Then try using creme polish followed by wax polish to try to lock in the moisture.

I think Kiwi sells a rejuvenating dye you might want to try if all else fails.

 

[Chicago Guy]

Hard to tell without pictures. If you have actual cracks in the leather, you're probably in trouble. Definitely get a shoe conditioner and use that if you haven't already. Your problem seems to be more with discoloration, which I'm not sure how to fix.

At this point it may be best to take your shoes to your nearest cobbler/shoe repair person. They can usually help with these things.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

i'm thinking i might just put a ton of conditioner on them, and let it sit and soak in for a good 1/2 hour or so....what do you think?

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Originally Posted by Chicago Guy

Hard to tell without pictures. If you have actual cracks in the leather, you're probably in trouble. Definitely get a shoe conditioner and use that if you haven't already. Your problem seems to be more with discoloration, which I'm not sure how to fix.

At this point it may be best to take your shoes to your nearest cobbler/shoe repair person. They can usually help with these things.

no cracks, just check marks.

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by SkinnyGoomba

i'm thinking i might just put a ton of conditioner on them, and let it sit and soak in for a good 1/2 hour or so....what do you think?

no need to wait so short. douse them and let them sit for a few days.

 

[polar-lemon]

Originally Posted by Tarmac

no need to wait so short. douse them and let them sit for a few days.

And reapply when it is absorbed. Putting them in the sun or near a mild heat source will also help the absorption.

 

[Chicago Guy]

Agree with above. Definitely start with conditioner. Apply, let dry and re-apply. Still not sure about the color problem you have, but at least that will help with the 'check marks'

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

the color doesnt bother me much, just a bit strange, hopefully this will help.

thanks guys, i'm conditioning them like crazy.