Removing/Preventing Water Stains on Shoes

[Sartorially Challenged]

I recently switched from wax polish to cream, and noticed that my shoes are more prone to getting water drop stains.

What is the best way to remove them without too much stress on the shoes (calf)?

I prefer the look cream imparts, but wax seems to protect the shoes better. Is there a way I can continue to use cream, but protect the shoes a bit better without using wax?

 

[stach]

Try doing the cream, then put a coat of neutral colored wax on top of that. See if you like it.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

I'll try that. But what about the existing water stain marks?

I am using neutral, and that does not seem to cover up the existing stain very well. Any advice on how to remove them?

 

[j]

IIRC, it's not water that stains but what else is in the water. It's been recommended to use clean water or diluted rubbing alcohol to clean the spots off, or you could try something like AE cleaner/conditioner. I can't say for sure as I have very little experience with this, having always used wax. I'm not sure what it is about wax that you don't like, but if it's the gloss, you can avoid that by using a very light coat, removing almost all of it and not buffing it with a soft cloth at the end.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

Thanks for the response.

I like the gloss fine, but it's more that wax seems to me to show creases more sharply, perhaps because of the gloss or perhaps because it doesn't soften the leather like cream.

Doesn't wax, in fact, dry out shoes over time?

 

[j]

Originally Posted by Sartorially Challenged

Thanks for the response.

I like the gloss fine, but it's more that wax seems to me to show creases more sharply, perhaps because of the gloss or perhaps because it doesn't soften the leather like cream.

Doesn't wax, in fact, dry out shoes over time?
People say that, but others say no. I haven't owned/worn dress shoes for long enough to say personally, but I've seen many shoes that I doubt ever had any treatment but wax for many years and never dried out. I'm not worrying about it on mine. If they start to look dry I will strip the wax and use cleaner and cream on them, then more wax. I just can't imagine going without the protection of the wax.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Lexol cleaner and leather treatment should be a help in restoring your shoes and protecting them also.

 

[Sartorially Challenged]

And how do you strip the wax?

 

[sho'nuff]

you can use a leather conditioner lotion/cleaner or acetone to strip off wax.

horsehair brush can strip off excess wax that is caked on.

polish (neutral) can strip off the color that cream imparts on the leather.

and vice versa (cream stripping polish) dont know why, but ive had this happen, so when using both (usually cream first then wax) i have to be careful with the wax to prevent dragging of wax and/or taking off the color of the cream.