Shoe Care Starter Kit

[pfr0g]

I apologize in advance as I am sure this is information is scattered all over the board but I just got done with Midterms and a major consulting gig and feeling lazy.

I have 5 pairs of AE a few pairs of Magli's and a pair a SF tramezza in varying colors. Can someone recommend a shoe care kit and some polish/cream brands? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Also if anyone has recommendations on obtaining EG at discount I would appreciate some info on that also. I really like the 82 last and want to pick up some back shoes like these for my wedding:
http://styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=30749

 

[DocHolliday]

Basic shoe kit:

Lexol conditioner
Kiwi polish in brown, black
Old white T-shirt

Add more colors/creams as needed. Shoe creams do a better job moisturizing than do polishes, but polishes shine up better. I use Meltonian creams.

If you want to get fancy, Saphir makes a nice polish that smells great and makes polishing a pleasure. (Though I find it easier to get a high shine with Kiwi.) Available through francos.com.

As for EGs, they go on sale twice a year, though not all styles are included and popular sizes go extremely fast. Also, you can sometimes find the RLPL shoes on sale at Polo.com, or on clearance through eBay. Grapevinehill sometimes gets them.

 

[jml90]

For polish I use Kiwi, Angelus and Lincoln. I prefer the latter two as you get more for the price and it gives a better shine.
http://www.shoecaresupplies.com/Sear...lts.asp?Cat=59

I use Meltonian for shoe cream as it covers well and can be found easily and cheap.

I usually wipe down my shoes before cream/polish with a bit of mild water and saddle soap.

I also use Lexol conditioner if the leather is dry.

Edge dressing: I use Kiwi Honor Guard again like my women cheap and easy.

For buffing I use a horse hair brush for a not very glossy shine and a wool fleecey brush (from the PX) or a flannel cloth. And ladies hose

If you can find a local cobbler (the older the better) you can probably get the best prices.

EDIT:I guess Doc beat me

 

[pfr0g]

Thank you so much gentlemen.

What about some brushes?


I wonder how this kit is?

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...9&&imageType=2

 

[DocHolliday]

Brushes are essential if you own shell, handy if you don't. But you can get by with just a soft cloth.

Originally Posted by pfr0g

I wonder how this kit is?

Way overpriced.

 

[alexei]

Originally Posted by pfr0g

I wonder how this kit is?

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...9&&imageType=2

You'd be better off to buy the contents individually.

Rich leather case contains:
01 two wood-backed horsehair shine shoe brushes ($7.00 each x 2 = $14.00)
02 two horsehair polish daubers ($3.00 each x 2 = $6.00)
03 two cotton flannel polishing cloths ($2.00 each x 2 = $4.00)
04 Allen-Edmonds conditioner/cleaner ($7.50)
05 carnauba wax shoe polish (black and brown) ($5.00 each x 2 = $10.00)

Total for accessories: $41.50
Price for "rich leather case" to put accessories in: $53.50

 

[pfr0g]

Originally Posted by alexei

You'd be better off to buy the contents individually.

Rich leather case contains:
01 two wood-backed horsehair shine shoe brushes ($7.00 each x 2 = $14.00)
02 two horsehair polish daubers ($3.00 each x 2 = $6.00)
03 two cotton flannel polishing cloths ($2.00 each x 2 = $4.00)
04 Allen-Edmonds conditioner/cleaner ($7.50)
05 carnauba wax shoe polish (black and brown) ($5.00 each x 2 = $10.00)

Total for accessories: $41.50
Price for "rich leather case" to put accessories in: $53.50

So true, thank you so much.

 

[jml90]

Don't use daubers, just a t-shirt,socks,rag, etc.; with daubers you waste a lot of polish.

 

[billiebob]

I love those red round Kiwi sponges for applying polish. They make it easy to get an even thin film with no streaking. They're cheap if you use them multiple times each.

couldn't find a better pic than this in the 5 seconds I looked...
http://doitbest.com/DoItBest/Main.as...=64&SKU=802545