First pair of shell cordovan shoes

[Shoe City Thinker]

I'm a proud owner of a pair of AE Bancroft shoes (thanks interlockingny!). I realize that creme waxes and paste waxes are not the best thing for shell cordovan. Where can I get waxes and polishes that are formulated for shell cordovan (brick-and-mortar stores preferred)?

 

[rebel222]

If you are talking about the black ones that have been for sale for a while in the B&S, just use normal kiwi parade black... Make sure you only use a very small amount and don't polish often.

 

[Shoe City Thinker]

Originally Posted by rebel222

If you are talking about the black ones that have been for sale for a while in the B&S, just use normal kiwi parade black... Make sure you only use a very small amount and don't polish often.

Kiwi Parade Gloss has silicone in it. I don't feel comfortable using it on my AE shoes. I would use it on my J&M cap toe shoes.

 

[sho'nuff]

dont worry about the silicone. you can use generous amounts to no ill effect.


actually for shell, you dont have to wax polish it too much. just do a minimal upkeep with leather conditioner every once in awhile.

 

[JayJay]

Wax, used sparingly and rarely, is recommended by many shoe companies for shell. I've used it for several years with great success.

 

[Shoe City Thinker]

That's interesting. I read the opposite on AAAC.

 

[zjpj83]

I have cared for shell cordovan for years and years as I do any other pair of shoes with no ill effects. My father swears by polishing his shell cordovan shoes after each wearing, and they are some of the shiniest I have ever seen (with no gunky buildup). It's all about thin layers.

 

[mg428]

One of our friends, JayJay, recommends something called cordovan cream sold by Allen Edmonds. He says it is better than regular cream and regular wax.

 

[kolecho]

OP,

Don't use too much cream or polish. I don't use any of that anymore as shells do not take it any of it. Just get a stiff horsehair brush and brush like hell till it shines the way you like. Beware, you might get hooked to shells and there is no return after that

 

[knittieguy]

I have a pair of shells and I brush them vigorously before wearing, and always use moisturizer and brush after wearing, and yet whenever I wear them they lose their shine by 2-3 pm and end up looking kind of dull. If this is normal, I really don't understand the shell attraction. Yes, they are indestructible and can be worn in the rain, but mine, at least, don't seem as attractive as my regular calf. Is there some trick?

 

[rebel222]

Sorry. I feel that I need to chime in. This is the second post about moisturizer or conditioner. I own 6 pair of shell shoes. IMHO, you shouldn't condition shell.

 

[Shoe City Thinker]

There only one more pair of shell cordovan shoes I covet:

OMGPONIES! Look at the perf detailing!! Especially next to the bottom lace hole. I haven't seen detailing like that since Hanover were making perf cap-toe semi-brogue Bluchers. Hanover has been out of business for more than a decade.

I can think of at least five outfits I can wear those Alden's with.

... sorry, I get easily distracted by this stuff ...

I just buffed my new AE's with my hand-held battery-powered buffer. They look sharp! How long can I expect them to keep a shine?