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

[Axxl]

Thanks, I gave it a shot and it does look better. After a few minutes, the color is less grey but it seems as if some of the suede there has gotten "shorter" (the "nap"?). I don't believe this happened now but was already there. Perhaps somehow in my walking, that spot got extra friction with something? Still weird, as it hasn't happened with any of my other loafers.

Before going about it with sand paper you might rather try a brass brush and then some Saphir Suede Renovateur to bring back the original colour.

 

[nevaeh]

I haven’t had any resoles since the pandemic. Are J.R. soles still considered the best quality? What’s the going rate for a good resole (trying to make sure my local cobbler is in the right ballpark)?

 

[JFWR]

I haven’t had any resoles since the pandemic. Are J.R. soles still considered the best quality? What’s the going rate for a good resole (trying to make sure my local cobbler is in the right ballpark)?

In NYC, it's about 125, and yes, JR soles are still considered top of the line.

 

[Gonzogonzo]

Does anybody have any advice on how to clean Natural Vegetable Tanned Nubuck? I have a pair of Hender Scheme MIP-17 (Van's Slip-on) need a refresh. Thanks!

 

[JFWR]

For a hole like this in double leather soles, is it possible to just repair with a toppy?



I'm mad because this is, as noted, double leather, and these haven't even seen that much wear.

 

[Webbo]

My Church’s Ryder chukkas had horrible dirty white crepe soles. Andy at Ingmans of Chesterfield in the UK replaced the welt and then installed a light weight Vibram sole . A stunning job that has transformed them. Cannot recommend this passionate family team of craftsmen enough. Thanks guys.

 

[JFWR]

How difficult would you say gluing rubber half soles would be?

 

[florent]

How difficult would you say gluing rubber half soles would be?

Not very difficult but it would also depend on your own requirements in terms of finishing

 

[Duke Santos]

Is there any way to spot clean suede without shampooing the entire shoe. I got a couple of spots of grease on these last night. They were sprayed with Saphir protectant, but it was no match for the braising liquid of my lamb shank. I tried a light spray of distilled water, wiping amd then brushing but nothing.

 

[JFWR]

Is there any way to spot clean suede without shampooing the entire shoe. I got a couple of spots of grease on these last night. They were sprayed with Saphir protectant, but it was no match for the braising liquid of my lamb shank. I tried a light spray of distilled water, wiping amd then brushing but nothing.

View attachment 1971477

Try a suede eraser, but if not, you might need to shampoo it. Suede can be so finnicky.

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

These norwegers from Vass fit a tad snug (hand lasting + thick leather + thick soles) so a shoe stretcher is needed. Looks a tad cyborg but is very effective.

 

[MrPogi]

Just scored these Ferragamos on one of those apps where people sell second hand stuff. Pretty beat up, but it’s amazing what some bick 4, a shoe brush, and some brown cream polish can do.

 

[FredAstaire1899]

Hi All, I'm seeking advice on possible repairs to a torn leather upper. As per the image, the leather has torn or is about to tear on a roughly 2 inch section adjacent to the upper seam. It's not the stitches, it's the leather. It's along the ball of the foot, where my wide foot presses out. The leather lining remains intact underneath and the damage is minor for now.

My instincts suggest a patch would be quite an ordeal and any glue would be temporary and messy. But happy to be corrected.

The shoes are otherwise good, but have seen plenty of wear, so I didn't mind using them for rainy days until they fail.

 

[MrPogi]

Hi All, I'm seeking advice on possible repairs to a torn leather upper. As per the image, the leather has torn or is about to tear on a roughly 2 inch section adjacent to the upper seam. It's not the stitches, it's the leather. It's along the ball of the foot, where my wide foot presses out. The leather lining remains intact underneath and the damage is minor for now.

My instincts suggest a patch would be quite an ordeal and any glue would be temporary and messy. But happy to be corrected.

The shoes are otherwise good, but have seen plenty of wear, so I didn't mind using them for rainy days until they fail. View attachment 1998555

I believe a good cobbler can patch them from the underside and then stitch the seam so that it wouldn’t be visible, but I’m not sure if adding a patch to the inside, especially in that high wear area, would affect the comfort or cause rubbing on your foot. I’d ask the cobbler what your options are, but I think those are salvageable.

 

[JFWR]

Hi All, I'm seeking advice on possible repairs to a torn leather upper. As per the image, the leather has torn or is about to tear on a roughly 2 inch section adjacent to the upper seam. It's not the stitches, it's the leather. It's along the ball of the foot, where my wide foot presses out. The leather lining remains intact underneath and the damage is minor for now.

My instincts suggest a patch would be quite an ordeal and any glue would be temporary and messy. But happy to be corrected.

The shoes are otherwise good, but have seen plenty of wear, so I didn't mind using them for rainy days until they fail. View attachment 1998555

The reason you got this tear is that this shoe looks visibly dry as hell and otherwise untaken care of.