Maintaining Antiqued Leather Shoes?

[Kenneth Cole Haan]

Ok, another dumb question for the stylists on here: Those shoes they sell that have an antiqued finish on the leather, how to do you maintain the shine and leather? If you use cream won't it be ruined? Do you use neutral polish only ? Is that enough?

 

[rebel222]

Here's my take. People worry too much about the care of their shoes.

I polish my antiqued shoes like normal. If they change colors slightly, so be it. I don't beat up my shoes, but I don't stress over little issues such as the finish changing. It's not like you are putting acetone on the finish. It's not going to make that much of a difference to worry about.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by Kenneth Cole Haan

Ok, another dumb question for the stylists on here: Those shoes they sell that have an antiqued finish on the leather, how to do you maintain the shine and leather? If you use cream won't it be ruined? Do you use neutral polish only ? Is that enough?

Any time something is done to the finish of a shoe that is very noticeable like the factory antiquing it is going to take A LOT to change it. I wouldn't worry, but using something darker on the heel quarters and toe and lighter on the vamp and rest of the shoe is probably your best bet. Even if you didn't with regular care it would probably take years to change the finish substantially. Good polishes don't cover up color easily, that is a large reason why they are "good", they don't cover up the natural look of the leather.

 

[Kenneth Cole Haan]

What does "Something darker" mean, polish or cream? The cream should dye the finish shouldn't it?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Something darker refers to the color or shade of polish used. Cream will deposit more pigments, however you need to rub very hard leave it on for a really long time or it to be permanent. Using a conditioner will usually take a good deal of it off as conditioners like Renovatuer have ingredients that act has subtle solvents to remove dirt and buildup.