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

[fredrikkm]

Mostly reno, and wax or cream if needed. I'm pretty lazy with my shoes. I don't like my shoes too shiny, and I find using reno regularly, and occasionally wax/cream gives it the level of shine I like. My regimen would probably not work to well if you bull your shoes etc..

 

[cbfn]

I'm the complete opposite by wanting various degrees on shine on my shoes; mirror-like on my black cap-toes, and a lovely luster on my brogues. I also mix different colours of cream and wax to create an individual patina, and I know the cream helps with some conditioning of the leather.

 

[fredrikkm]

I use a layer of cream in various colours on the shoes I want a bit of colour variation on. That's pretty much the only time I use cream, other than when I get deep scuffs.

 

[cbfn]

Well yeah, that's about the only time cream is needed. With cream and some wax, if wanted, on the toes, I almost exclusively use Reno until I want to strip the shoes or they get some damage.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I have begun to use Obaneufs LP in small amounts on the vamps of my shoes as conditioner. For regular daily stuff, just reno. Over the years I have treated all my shoes pretty much the same way with a lot of variation in the results as far as longevity goes. I feel that the variables inherent in leather itself being that it came off of a living creature offers much more heaches than products you use on them. For example I have a bunch of crockett and jones shoes on the same last. None of them see bad weather. One pair is cracking badly. Why? Maybe that cow had a smoking habit, or maybe a dude at the tannery was hungover and lazy, who knows?

 

[cbfn]

I use some OLP as well, but only on the shoes I use In the rain and waxy calf shoes. Is OLP anything like Saphirs Dubbin? Good idea with using it on the vamp, I have been tempted on trying that as well, but the thought of ruining my chances of getting the level of shine I want is holding me back. The properties of the different leather is of course something to also take into consideration, and what might work for someone can leave a whole other result for others.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I imagine the result of dubbin would be similar, however Obaneufs is all plant based, whereas Saphir's dubbin has mink oil in it I believe. They probably have a bunch of overlapping in ingredients though. One thing that Kirby in his tutorials stresses, which is equally important for Obaneaufs is letting it sit for a few days to soak in. Obaneufs as well as dubbin soaks in better if a lot of the wax is removed already and letting it sit and soak makes a big difference. After it sits you can wipe any residue of and apply a bit of reno, then polish. You get a very nice luster. You shouldn't be mirror shining the vamps on your shoes anyway, so to have them slightly matte with a luster in the vamp area is not only good for the shoe, but it gives them a bit of character with the whole, shiny toe, matte vamp, shiny quarters look.

I mean firefighters use this stuff on their boots that get covered in water and are exposed to high heat. Firefighters swear by the stuff. That says a lot for somebody who is just walking through some rain.

 

[fredrikkm]

Sounds like a good idea to do from time to time. I'll be sure to try it.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Montana Pitch Blend is also good stuff.

 

[cbfn]



I imagine the result of dubbin would be similar, however Obaneufs is all plant based, whereas Saphir's dubbin has mink oil in it I believe. They probably have a bunch of overlapping in ingredients though. One thing that Kirby in his tutorials stresses, which is equally important for Obaneaufs is letting it sit for a few days to soak in. Obaneufs as well as dubbin soaks in better if a lot of the wax is removed already and letting it sit and soak makes a big difference. After it sits you can wipe any residue of and apply a bit of reno, then polish. You get a very nice luster. You shouldn't be mirror shining the vamps on your shoes anyway, so to have them slightly matte with a luster in the vamp area is not only good for the shoe, but it gives them a bit of character with the whole, shiny toe, matte vamp, shiny quarters look.
I mean firefighters use this stuff on their boots that get covered in water and are exposed to high heat. Firefighters swear by the stuff. That says a lot for somebody who is just walking through some rain.

Thanks for the tip, will be absolutely be used!

No, I absolutely don't mirror shine the vamp, I actually don't use wax on the vamp at all. Here's a pic of my C&J to show how they look after some wear:

 

[hendrix]



I imagine the result of dubbin would be similar, however Obaneufs is all plant based, whereas Saphir's dubbin has mink oil in it I believe. They probably have a bunch of overlapping in ingredients though. One thing that Kirby in his tutorials stresses, which is equally important for Obaneaufs is letting it sit for a few days to soak in. Obaneufs as well as dubbin soaks in better if a lot of the wax is removed already and letting it sit and soak makes a big difference. After it sits you can wipe any residue of and apply a bit of reno, then polish. You get a very nice luster. You shouldn't be mirror shining the vamps on your shoes anyway, so to have them slightly matte with a luster in the vamp area is not only good for the shoe, but it gives them a bit of character with the whole, shiny toe, matte vamp, shiny quarters look.

In my experience dubbin is more waxy than a conditioner/cleaner. You'd want to apply it after, not before conditioner as it's more of a protector.

I use it on the soles of my shoes and the uppers of some of my more rugged work boots.

 

[patrickBOOTH]



In my experience dubbin is more waxy than a conditioner/cleaner. You'd want to apply it after, not before conditioner as it's more of a protector.
I use it on the soles of my shoes and the uppers of some of my more rugged work boots.

Hell, maybe before and after?

 

[SHS]



Well to elaborate, If I wish to condition shoes I use Nivea face cream - the standard, original formula and to lightly clean shoes I use a baby wipe.

Anyone who thinks they use fancy products during manufacture is misguided.

You should have said this some 2000+ posts ago. It would have saved us all a lot of time, money and trouble.

 

[hendrix]

Nivea face cream is kinda expensive.

 

[Winston S.]



Nivea face cream is kinda expensive.

No as expensive as Reno'er.