Shell cordovan + rain = ???

[Mr. Moo]

Guys, regarding brushing: I brushed my boots for a few minutes each and didn't really see any difference. I then buffed with a soft cloth and noticed a difference almost immediately. What is the point of brushing?

 

[My View2]

My Carmina shell cordovan whole cut has developed many ugly water marks because of rain. I am really disappointed at this outcome.

 

[HHD]

Originally Posted by My View2

My Carmina shell cordovan whole cut has developed many ugly water marks because of rain. I am really disappointed at this outcome.

Is this accumulated damage or a recent soaking? I was caught in a heavy snowfall in my new Carmina cordovan boots and the little raised welts took almost a month to disappear completely.

I let them dry properly over several days, well away from heat sources. Take off any white water marks (potentially caused by salt) with a clean damp cloth (rub dry afterwards). Buff them now and again with a soft cloth. Brush them with a stiff horsehair brush for a few minutes every couple of days, then buff again.

Mine are as good as new; well, better than new, as brand-new cordovan can be slightly characterless, like new trainers.

 

[mg428]

Can someone please help me with the rain spots formed on my RL Marlow/Darlton dark brown shell cordovan PTBs?? The shoes were subject to rain just for 10 seconds! I cannot imagine what would have happened if they were exposed longer!! This happened about 10 hours ago. Based on the advise "wait and see" I expected that they would disappear but unfortunately they did not! I buffed the shoes (with a towel) to no avail. In terms of wax, all I have is Alden cordovan wax, which does not conform to the color of these shoes. I don't know what to do!!

 

[srivats]

^ Take a horsehair brush and brush vigourously for 10mins - the spots will start to fade away ... you might want to apply the tinest of paste wax polish (color does not matter but don't use neutral) and apply it evenly. Let it dry, brush for some more time and buff ... With regular wearing and brushing the spots will disappear. This is what gives your shoes patina - nothing to worry about ...

 

[forex]

I wore my BF longwings in the rain the other day,nothing happened. No spots whatsoever,I was expecting those little stains,but fortunately,nothing happened. I usually have shoes assigned for rainy weather so would probably avoid wearing anything nice in the rain anyways.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by prajna12

I just ordered a pair of Cordovans, and am wondering what is a good recommended creme for them? I checked the francos web site but they seem to be out of the Cordovan color.
Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Originally Posted by JayJay

AE has a creme for cordovan that's also very good. Kiwi wax works, too, and is also recommended highly by Alden.

To be clear, you do NOT want to put cream-style polish on shell cordovan shoes. Only use wax-based polish (which is what the Alden product is).

 

[mg428]

Originally Posted by srivats

^ Take a horsehair brush and brush vigourously for 10mins - the spots will start to fade away ... you might want to apply the tinest of paste wax polish (color does not matter but don't use neutral) and apply it evenly. Let it dry, brush for some more time and buff ... With regular wearing and brushing the spots will disappear. This is what gives your shoes patina - nothing to worry about ...

Thanks, Sri. Brushing with Alden horsehair brush solved the problem. So was your suggestion to apply wax a general suggestion or in relation to the rain spot problem in addition to brushing?

 

[srivats]

Originally Posted by mg428

Thanks, Sri. Brushing with Alden horsehair brush solved the problem. So was your suggestion to apply wax a general suggestion or in relation to the rain spot problem in addition to brushing?

It was in relation to the spots - incase they bothered you too much even after brushing.

Cordovan is wonderful leather. Brushing usually takes out most water spots and scratches on cordovan. I brush my shoes before and after every wear. Paste wax after 15-16 wearings (or if they are exposed to too much water). Brushing generates heat and brings out the waxes/oils in the cordovan to the surface (there is plenty from the way it is tanned). Very crucial to maintaining shell.

 

[srivats]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

To be clear, you do NOT want to put cream-style polish on shell cordovan shoes. Only use wax-based polish (which is what the Alden product is).

Mostly, this is true ... alden boot cream (Or AE's for that matter) is useful once in a while to remove polish build up (e.g. if you apply too much or if they are exposed to a LOT of water). I usually condition my shells with alden boot cream twice every year.

 

[emptym]

Either I haven't had any probs in the rain w/ my Rider boots, or I'm just not as finicky about spots, but I wear them regularly in the rain and haven't noticed a thing. They really do get better w/ age too. I've used Renovateur, cream, and polish on them. I think Renovateur is best for conditioning and polish for polishing. Prob. won't use cream on them again, though I don't think it did them much harm, and I use it pretty much exclusively for calfskin shoes.

 

[mikesduc]

FWIW I've worn my shells (#8 and black )throughout this winter in snow, rain, slush and salt. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth when I reach my destination. Vigorous brushing and polish every 15 to 20 wears and they look better every time. Not a single water spot.

 

[Akeem]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but my cordovan shoes got completely drenched in the rain today. Should I let them dry with or without shoe trees?

 

[Shikar]

Originally Posted by Akeem

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but my cordovan shoes got completely drenched in the rain today. Should I let them dry with or without shoe trees?

Stuff newspaper or shoe trees in them and let them dry indoors. Brush the exterior and you are good to go.

Regards.

 

[deveandepot1]

Originally Posted by srivats

It is rain-friendlier than calfskin for sure.

That has been my experience too.