Dealing with dark spots on shoes

[Alias]

Remember those cool C&J handgrades I posted pictures of a while back? Well, my right shoe met the curb today, and there's a scratch right on the toe of the cap. I tried polishing it over, and now the scratch is surrounded by a nice, dark spot which I can't seem to remove. Help.

 

[Steve B.]

If all else fails, send them to Shoe Service Plus in Manhattan. When I get back to my home office I'll post contact info. They've saved three pairs of my shoes so far.

 

[Alias]

I think I'll just blend the spot into the surrounding antiquing. I should be less fussy about these sorts of things, because shoes are made to be worn, and sometimes they're kicked around. I think I'll be happier that way instead of constantly aggravating over a small blemish.

How often should one polish his brown shoes with brown shoe polish? (As opposed to using neutral, for instance.)

 

[BjornH]

Interesting question. I've thought about switching to neutral polish or cream on one of my darker brown shoes just to see what happens. They could use some highlights and perhaps that would give it to them. It's a sort of reverse antiquing (sp?) I would think.

B

 

[Alias]

I know someone posted some info on C&J recrafting, but I can't find the post. It said something about price and what was involved in their recrafting process.

 

[Phil]

Maybe im in the minority, but those scratches are what adds character to shoes, in my opinion. As long as the scratch isnt absurdly big or deep, then just put some polish on it and blend it in as best you can.

 

[AlanC]

Interesting question. I've thought about switching to neutral polish or cream on one of my darker brown shoes just to see what happens. They could use some highlights and perhaps that would give it to them. It's a sort of reverse antiquing (sp?) I would think.

I wonder if perhaps alternating between different shades during several different polishings might help with antiquing. Has anyone tried that?