Shoes that take and hold a shine well?

[nomad4]

I've got a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes and it feels like they don't hold on to a shine very well. I've tried shining them myself as well as sending them to Eddie's in Rockefeller Center. The thing is that the wax seems to just flake off. I'm not sure if it's because of the unconditioned leather or it's just the nature of the leather itself (perhaps it's low quality?).

With that said, does anyone have any tips for either
A) Getting my Allen Edmonds to hold a better shine

or

B) Finding a reputable brand that's known for holding a shine well.

Thanks.

 

[Don Carlos]

Never trust a Lebanese to shine your shoes. I learned this the hard way when my lover Mr. Daoud suggested he try to shine my shoes one morning after we had just finished a lovely repast of hummus and fresh baked flatbreads of various grain compositions.

Well, imagine my surprise and horror when he used a tiny droplet of his own spittle to rub into the fine grained leather of my Allen Edmonds Strands! I slapped him fiercely across the cheek, causing him to cry. Then I delivered a series of three rapid, effective blows to the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of my opponent. Then I cried.

 

[voxsartoria]

OP: does your grandmother make jam?


- B

 

[nomad4]

B, your'e a riot lol... I've tried a military spit shine on the Allen Edmonds before, same results...it just flakes off. Unfortunately, I haven't got any grandmothers anymore, but you guys must be pulling my leg or something, because I haven't got a clue what jam's got to do with this

 

[Don Carlos]

What does jam not have to do with this? That's the better question.

I would eat some delicious jam and toast right this moment if my lazy Frenchman of a chef, Henri-Francois, were to get off his fat, lumpy behind and prepare me some bread. He claims he is too tired, as I have kept him up for four days in a row to entertain and feed a series of houseguests. There's no excuse for sloth in my book, however, so old Mr. Henri-Francois will soon know the sting of my whip and the even greater sting of his own wounded pride.

 

[nomad4]

Okay, I'm getting the sneaking suspicion that there's some sort of conspiracy against newbies asking questions about shining shoes

AB, you should keep a compilation of these very whimsical and chuckle-worthy microfictions

 

[Don Carlos]

Fiction?