Paging all shoe experts: re-dressing the sole edge

[benjamin831]

I decided to sand down the sole edge of my Aldens to reduce the chunkiness. The overall silhouette has improved drastically. However, now I have the problem of re-dressing the sole edge. I want to retain as much of the natural color as possible, so applying paint is a no-no. In a one of the MarcellHUN videos on how to make a shoe, you can see the craftsman pressing the sole edge with some sort of iron tool before applying wax. The video doesn't show a lot of detail. Anybody got any clues as too how I should re-finish the sole edge?

 

[samurai]

I would start with a neutral, colorless wax polish, giving it about 4 or 5 coats. This will seal it so it doesn't absorb unwanted dirt or whatever. If the look isn't what you like, you can easily go from there with a light colored polish.
Personally I would stick with wax polish, not the heavy paint in a bottle.

 

[sho'nuff]

apply edge dressing and buff it clean on. dont put any wax polish on there.

 

[Tomboys]

Take it to a cobbler that you trust and go from there. He should be able to tell you what needs to be done/how to do it, or it just may be easier to have him do it.

BTW, great color shoes. I just bought a pair of suede pennys in a similar color for summer. I wear them with jeans and khakis without socks. I love the look and feel.

Good luck.

 

[bigbris1]

Clear varnish.

Post pics of the whole shoe, please.

 

[benjamin831]

Originally Posted by bigbris1

Clear varnish.

Post pics of the whole shoe, please.

Yes, my cobbler advised on using shellac or some sort of hardening resin. Brush it onto the edge and let it harden until impermeable to moisture. Coat and buff with wax to finish.


I'll post the pics as soon as I get hold of my Gf's camera.

 

[talldesk]

Ben831 ,

Very nice. I would like to sand the sole edge of my shoes as well, for the same reason as yours. Did you do it by yourself or by the cobbler ?

About your question on sole edging, maybe try with Meltonian leather balm, or Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Neutral.

 

[The Deacon]

Originally Posted by talldesk

Ben831 ,

Very nice. I would like to sand the sole edge of my shoes as well, for the same reason as yours. Did you do it by yourself or by the cobbler ?

About your question on sole edging, maybe try with Meltonian leather balm, or Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Neutral.

Acryllic was the solution given when I posed similar question when visiting the supplier of shoe repair shops in Indianapolis last summer. It worked like a charm on the natural edges of my Revello shell cordovans.