How to you prepare new shoes + nyc shoe repair?

[Trackmane]

Hi SF members,

First, I'm new to the forum and happy to have found a proper work distraction, so thank you all!

I stumbled onto SF while searching for opinins/sizing on Loakes (they aren't Church's, that I know.) I've recently completed my order with HerringShoes and the Loake Kew has already been despatched!

I've read several posts about proper shoe repair/maintenance but was wondering what you do to new calfskin shoes when they are fresh out of the box? Do you apply waterproofing spray, condition, and/or shine before they hit the pavement? Get toe taps put on?

Also, any shoe repair shops recommendations in NYC would be appreciated? I've been going to Cesar's Shoe Repair in Chelsea http://cesarsshoerepair.com/Home_Page.php which I think is a quality cobbler, but am open to suggestions? I live in Chelsea and work near Wall Street.

Thanks

 

[Harrydog]

I do not spray with a water proofing spray...definitely not.

I treat with a leather conditioner..like Lexol or Crema Alpina.

Then polish with paste wax.

Don't wear the new soles on wet pavement the first few times out. the soles need to get scuffed up a bit and that will help them deal with the wet.

 

[TheDryCleaner]

I was never satisfied with any shoe repair service in NYC so I hired a wonderful craftsman and now take care of shoes out of Jeeves of Belgravia, 39 East 65th Street, between Madison and Park, 212-570-9130.

Gerald Von Pozniak
Managing Director
Jeeves of Belgravia

 

[Nick V.]

1. You may or may not like sole guards.
If you do, the best time to have them applied is when the shoes are new.
2. Same applies for toe taps (with or without the sole guards).
3. Waterproof with "Meltonain Water and Stain protector".
4. Polish with cream or wax. Wax will give a brighter shine while cream will penetrate deeper into the grain and will not cake up over time.
5. ALWAYS use a shoe horn and cedar trees.
6. Use overshoes in inclimate weather.

 

[fredfred]

Learn to use the search function. Multiple threads already on the repair in NYC topic:


http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=11229

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=45733

http://www.styleforum.net/archive/in...p/t-35984.html

 

[lee_44106]

Here's my regimen for new shoes:


suede: waterproof spray (don't really care what brand, I buy the $5/can ones from Footlocker) and heel plastic taps (I apply and nail myself)

Calfskin: polish with shoe cream, then shine just the toebox with wax, then apply and nail heel tap myself.

shell cordovan: polish with Alden #8 wax only. I don't have and don't plan on having black shells so that's not a problem. I use #8 wax for all colors of cordovan (brown/mahogony and #8), then apply heel taps myself.



As far as shoe repair, I've actually not have to do any yet. But when times come, I'll use Alden resoling for my Aldens/Brooks Brothers, AE resoling for AE's, and B. Nelson in NYC for everything else.

 

[Groover]

Here's my process with new shoes:

Buy them
Take them out of the box
Wear them

Polish regularly.
Always use a shoe horn
Always use shoe trees

Never had a problem with any shoes for over 20 years using that method.