**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.**

[cbfn]

Yep, those look good.

 

[solelover]

I'm cool with the crease in leather. But the rolls seem odd? Maybe not a good fit for my feet?

 

[atia2]



I'm cool with the crease in leather. But the rolls seem odd? Maybe not a good fit for my feet?

I don't see anything other than normal creasing here. Furthermore, the creases run horizontally, which is is a good sign. Non-horizontal creasing is an indicator of poor fit.

 

[cbfn]

Do you mean that there are tops and bottoms between the creases? That might be an indicator that it actually is a good fit. If you are used to there only being only one line of creasing, that might be a result of too much space in the vamp and a bad fit. Not always, but sometimes.

 

[ace13x]



I'm cool with the crease in leather. But the rolls seem odd? Maybe not a good fit for my feet?

To a casual observer the rolls make them look more like shell.

 

[mosy]

Are creases like these indicative of low quality leather?

 

[cbfn]

Well, the leather in itself may not be bad quality, but it is cut from a marginal part of the hide as far as I've understood.

 

[DeadBoy]

I purchased some deadstock shell cordovan boots that are dry and, I guess, in dire need of conditioning. I read Horween recommends VSC for shell conditioning. Was also looking into Renovateur or Saphir cordovan cream. My cobbler suggested mink oil instead, because he said the others would be more for protecting and polishing. Can anyone advise?

 

[rbhan12]



I purchased some deadstock shell cordovan boots that are dry and, I guess, in dire need of conditioning. I read Horween recommends VSC for shell conditioning. Was also looking into Renovateur or Saphir cordovan cream. My cobbler suggested mink oil instead, because he said the others would be more for protecting and polishing. Can anyone advise?

Bick4 or Lexol conditioner. I've read Lexol does a great job penetrating

 

[jerrybrowne]



I purchased some deadstock shell cordovan boots that are dry and, I guess, in dire need of conditioning. I read Horween recommends VSC for shell conditioning. Was also looking into Renovateur or Saphir cordovan cream. My cobbler suggested mink oil instead, because he said the others would be more for protecting and polishing. Can anyone advise?

Do not use mink oil! Also I would not suggest renovateur- it isn't great for shell IMHO.

Bick4 or Lexol conditioner. I've read Lexol does a great job penetrating

+1 for Bick4.

 

[DeadBoy]

Thanks so much. So would mink oil damage it? Or just not be effective?

I'll look around for Bick4.

 

[M635Guy]

I purchased some deadstock shell cordovan boots that are dry and, I guess, in dire need of conditioning. I read Horween recommends VSC for shell conditioning. Was also looking into Renovateur or Saphir cordovan cream. My cobbler suggested mink oil instead, because he said the others would be more for protecting and polishing. Can anyone advise?

I don't know anyone who owns more shell or has a nicer-looking collection than MDubs - his recommendation on care is in the first post of the Alden thread. I'd go with VSC or more likely the Saphir Cordovan Cream personally.

I'd also give them a nice long brushing...

 

[davidVC]

I agree about not using mink oil. The mink oil I have is appropriate for working boots or golf shoes.

I have used VSC and Saphir Renovateur and they are comparable products. I use Lexol NF on old, dry Shell.

 

[cbfn]

Well, it is difficult to say what is the best way to treat shell cordovan. However, my take on non-acrylic-finished shell (everything else than Alden), is to condition it with Lexol conditioner (brown bottle) or Bick4. After that, use some wax to get the shine back.

 

[BostonHedonist]

Woe is me. I ordered a pair of cordovan trainers from Epaulett in November and finally received them. But unfortunately, the heel counter seam was utterly botched in manufacturing. Given that these had a six-month turnaround time, I'm sure an exchange isn't an option. Haven't heard back from them yet...

Please spare me any "this is what happens" commentary. I wanted cordovan trainers.

But is there any hope of repair if I find someone good?