Please Help, Mirror Shine Abnormality: from a guy who's good at it.

[olliechill]

OK, to preface, I can mirror shine without any issue at all, every time. I use Saphir products, in this case, mirror shine and the softer waxes combined.

I have a pair of non cap-toe shoes, which are roughly 5 years old. I've always mirror shined them, and they looked great. However, in the last 6 months, my left shoe always develops cracks all throughout the toe. This never happened before 6 months ago, and now it happens every time that I wear them, only in the left shoe, after correcting the cracking. I've removed the wax and started the mirror shine from scratch, twice. It didn't help.

Can anyone tell me why? The interior toe support feels intact and smooth. I'm totally at a loss here, and I was hoping someone could assist.

 

[dieworkwear]

Just seems like you've built up too much wax.

Are you sure you've removed all the wax?

 

[olliechill]

Just seems like you've built up too much wax.

Are you sure you've removed all the wax?

Yes, I did. I airbrushed the toe last time that I stripped them. However, I'm way better at giving a mirror shine with less wax now, constantly improving my technique.

I'll give it a shot after my Renomat comes in. I don't want to screw the toe coloring up with acetone. I'll be back if it still give me issues.

 

[maxalex]

It does sound like wax buildup as Derek suggested, but it also sounds like you've been careful. If the Renomat doesn't work, maybe take it to a good cobbler. I assume the shoes are cowhide and not cordovan, which requires different care and products. Also I am always amazed by what a really good pro shoeshine stand can do. When I lived in NYC I could never get my shoes as polished as the pros at Grand Central...

 

[dieworkwear]

I would be careful with Renomat. Depending on your leather, that can change the color of your shoes. If you Google "Saphir Renomat StyleForum," you can pull up some examples.

 

[maxalex]

I would be careful with Renomat. Depending on your leather, that can change the color of your shoes. If you Google "Saphir Renomat StyleForum," you can pull up some examples.

Good advice Derek, Renomat does contain solvents. Best to test first on a part of the tongue that doesn't show.

 

[olliechill]

In case you gents care, it looks like I didn't dye this toe box when stripped it last. There were crevices in the toe leather of the left shoe, which were the culprit. I broke out the acetone and stripped the shoe down. I lightly sanded the toe area with high grit sand paper, and I'm waiting on a light brown dye. I should have these back in my rotation next week.

This pair is one of my favorites, fairly cheap, and they are, in all honesty, my first practice pair with different colors, antiquing, etc. They are a store branded Chukka, made by Loake, Blake stitched. I have one pair of AE Stands that I bought on eBay for $25 that are also a practice pair.

I appreciate the feedback, gents!