Light tan leather shoes and upkeep

[swiego]

I recently bought a pair of tan Cole Hann Collection leather shoes. The leather is a very light tan. Taking it to my cobbler, he told me that I would have to be very careful with the shoes as they will stain very easily due to the nature of the leather. I did notice when putting on a leather balm that they darkened easily when moist and that a spot where I left a small blob of balm (for even 5-10s) became dark. (Though, it faded within a few minutes.) He advised me not to wear the shoes in the rain, through wet grass, etc.

Any feedback on whether this is true? Do lighter, tan leathers require different kinds of upkeep or care than darker brown or black shoes that I am more used to wearing?

 

[Milhouse]

It really depends on what you want.

I like to buy lighter browns so that as I cycle through wearings and polishings and they age, they take on "character". I think there is a large population here that finds that appealing. If this is your goal, do not worry, just wear the shoes and enjoy them.

Then there is the school of thought that the shoes should maintain their original appearance as long as possible. Lots of folks here prefer that. If that is your goal, you will have to be very careful indeed. Even neutral waxes can darken up lighter colors.

 

[acidboy]

I have a pair of tan Sutor Mantellasis and I use the closest color shoe cream and Kiwi mid-tan shines on them. They do get that temporary stain when I apply stuff on it, but it doesn't last a few minutes. I also have worn them in the rain and wasn't water damaged at all.

 

[Cary Grant]

w/Milhouse



Time to get some rubbers for your shoes if you must where in inclement circumstances.

 

[Eccentric]

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

w/Milhouse



Time to get some rubbers for your shoes if you must where in inclement circumstances.

Yes, but who likes wearing rubbers?

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by Eccentric

Yes, but who likes wearing rubbers?

Heh- well- if you mean on shoes... yeah, kinda a pain but I'm hard enough on my shoes in minnesota winters that I do try to wear them... Tingleys.