Help Polishing Alden 975 Shell Cordovan LWBs

[gt0279a]

This is my first post, so please excuse my ignorance.

Long story short, I recently purchased a pair of Alden 975s second hand and they needed some TLC. I liked the fact these have some character and are not super dark burgundy.

After visiting my local haberdashery, they recommended Saphir Reno'mat and Renovateur

One shoe untouched so far, other shoe as it is now after using the Saphir products (the one without laces):

I used both products as directed on the right shoe only, there are some cloudy areas on the shoe, most noticeable on the one area below the laces. So far, I am unable to get this area to look like the rest of the shoe. Any attempt to polish/buff the area just pulls all the lint from the cloth.

Matte / cloudy area below laces:

I tired a second go of the reno'mat after the shoe dried for a few hours and I still get burgundy stains on the cloth as if it either removing old polish or dye? No improvement of the look of the area. Any recommendations? Did I screw up?

Overall, the shoe looks great compared to the untreated one and the leather feels nicer, but I am hesitant to go any further until I can get this area fixed. I also noticed some dark / black marks as well on the area above the toe.

Dark marks on upper toe area:

 

[jerrybrowne]

I would stop what you are doing. It looks like you've removed the finish. Renomat is a bit hardcore for shell.

 

[inimitable]

With second hand shoes, you don't know how the previous owner has taken care of them, using the wrong polish, wax etc. Could be lots of build up. I would start by cleaning them thoroughly with Lexol cleaner, some water and a brush.

My care routine for cordovan is to wipe with a wet/damp cloth, leave to dry and then polish to a shine with a horsehair brush. I periodically use some Saphir cordovan cream.

 

[gt0279a]

Thanks for the replies.

I agree, the reno'mat seemed intense. But, the shoe looks great except for this one area. Crease are minimized, the vast majority of the old polish is gone.

I found this thread regarding the finish. I suppose I could try the Angelus Acrylic Finisher to restore the shine?
http://www.styleforum.net/t/85589/the-official-alden-thread/76845

 

[SoGent]

This is my first post, so please excuse my ignorance.

Long story short, I recently purchased a pair of Alden 975s second hand and they needed some TLC. I liked the fact these have some character and are not super dark burgundy.

After visiting my local haberdashery, they recommended Saphir Reno'mat and Renovateur

renomat on shell ? NEVER take that persons advice again.