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

[walker]

actually, there is a very fine line between just stretching shoes and adjusting the fit of a shoe. I assume, you know that, right?

One balance, though, I wouldn't want to stretch my shoes.

 

[ShoeWho]

Funnily enough they arrived yesterday. Turns out they are riding boots, worn by officers. Hard to get on and off (unless you have an orderly/manservant) because they are so close-fitting. Definitely not designed for marching in, just for strutting around in. I paid so little for them (6 Euros!) that I'm thinking I might cut off the shafts and make them into DIY ankle boots. And strip the polish, because they're very light coloured leather underneath. Maybe even sand off the surface to have the rough out look.

 

[saskatoonjay]

hey, but not the munky guy, sheez. he is not very bright, unfortunately.

Are you taking the piss? I think I'm not only speaking for myself when I say it's not appreciated.

@Munky is one of the most illuminating personalities on this thread. And, not for nothing, he's unfailingly charitable. Humbling in his graciousness.

Sincerely,
Jay

 

[Kwaker]

No need to feed the troll who just joined today to sully this particular thread.

 

[benhour]

I just picked up some Saphir Renovateur (Beaute di Cuir line) and trying it on some disposable brown leather shoes. How do you avoid getting the leather all blotchy and dark as if you just walked in the rain and got the shoes wet? Looks like the leather soaked in the oil and you can't get it out even just after the recommended 3 mins before buffing.

Generally when you are using renovateur have in mind "les is more" with it!! you are going to need a tiny amount for every shoe and spread it evenly but a little fast ! the darkening ll go off after 4-5 days(most of it)! If you want to minimise that effect try using a product which is water based or has very little amount of oils in it( Bick 4 or 1909 cream ll do the trick)!

To be honest, I think waiting 3 minutes is too long. I have found that if reno dries too much it is very, very difficult to brush to a shine. 2 minutes tops, ime.

I totally agree !! most of the time 1,5-2 min and i buff the shoes when i use renovateur

I hopped i helped a little bit!

Ps: Calling Munky names, teaching DWFII about shoe making, telling patrickBooth about vinegar solutions and shoes trolls never stop to amaze me !

 

[Luigi_M]

Calling Munky names, teaching DWFII about shoe making, telling patrickBooth about vinegar solutions and shoes trolls never stop to amaze me !

Wait, my friend, just wait: next time someone will say that your shoes are dull

 

[Munky]

Thanks, guys but over forty years in the field of psychiatry has given me a hide like an ox. And probably a brain like one! Now...what was that about Renovateur? Every good wish, Munky.

 

[Reiver]

Thanks, guys but over forty years in the field of psychiatry has given me a hide like an ox. And probably a brain like one! Now...what was that about Renovateur? Every good wish, Munky.

A hide like zug more like it.

 

[Munky]

Benhour, I hope you are feeling a lot better. I thought that Renovateur was water based. Is this not the case?

Talking of zug, I managed to find myself another hog hair brush on Amazon. I bought the first one to brush my zug shoes and the latest one for my new suede chukka boots. You have to dig around in Facebook to find the brush and there seems to be only one type available. Sincerely yours, Munky.

 

[ShoeWho]

For fans of Renovateur, of which I am one, I have started buying Tarrago Mink Oil for shoes which are not swanky enough to deserve Renovateur. Here in the UK the Tarrago stuff is £4.20 per 100 ml including shipping, compared to £16.00 or more per 100 ml for Renovateur excluding shipping....quite a difference if you have an addiction like me and can't stop buying really decrepit boots which need rescuing. Saphir also sells mink oil for £14.40 per 100 ml. It's impossible to tell how concentrated the various products are. So maybe the Saphir ones have a bigger contribution from those poor dead mink. But the Tarrago stuff seems powerful...a little goes a long way.

 

[ShoeWho]

I thought that Renovateur was water based. Is this not the case?

Yes - accordiing to the manufacturer it's an "aqueous formula" https://www.valmour.com/renovator-saphir-medaille-dor.html,AVEL-GB

 

[patrick_b]

A little shoe care on a pair of EG Galways. Certainly not a difficult job but because of the burnishing, it's not as simple as slathering on heavy layer of dark brown cream. Had to be careful to fill in the nicks while maintaining the burnished effect.

Started by cleaning with a damp cloth to remove salt and other impurities. Brushed, used a bit of renovateur to clean. Since I've waxed the toe, I need to remove that wax, so the new layer of cream absorbs into the leather nick, not just sits atop the old wax. Applied dark brown cream sparingly and accurately, followed by a bit more wax to seal and protect.

I've worn these boots a lot this winter. I think the damage occurs on planes from the seat in front of me. I end up wearing them for 2-3 days consecutively due to travel. It's not ideal but I'm not losing sleep over it either. I wipe down, brush and tree them at night. I don't want to travel with 2 pair of dress shoes for 1-2 night trips. Next step is a little edge trim care.

 

[ShoeWho]

Wow, you've done a fantastic job with those nicks. 1000% professional. I hope I can achieve similar results on my boots and shoes.

 

[horseman40]

Hello: I have a question. Is the Allen Edmonds Cleaner Conditioner as good, comparable to and as effective as the Saphir Renovateur? I have always used the AE products but now I'm seeing so much written about Renovateur that I'm wondering. Thank you

 

[aj2603]

Hello: I have a question. Is the Allen Edmonds Cleaner Conditioner as good, comparable to and as effective as the Saphir Renovateur? I have always used the AE products but now I'm seeing so much written about Renovateur that I'm wondering. Thank you

i have never used Allen Edmond's cream. But i am a big fan of Saphir Renovateur. it is quite simply the best, especially if u dont want any alteration to the color of ur shoes. i have tried a lot of conditioners from a lot of companies but the Saphir Renovateuris the best