It's generally recommended to NOT use saddle soap on finished calfskin......it is far too alkaline. Besides, technology has rendered traditional saddle soap almost useless even in the tack business. There are far better options with a much higher glycerin content. Saddle soap has history on it's side, but most pro's avoid it.......and most brands have turned to a formula that is mostly rendered pig fat now. Anyway, the ph of saddle soap is usually around 9-10, and that is far too high for any productive results. Actually, when you use products that are that far off on the ph scale from the leather tanned for footwear (ph usually around 4-5, or acidic) it has a degrading effect over time.
Besides, ignoring all of that, there is a reason we all put horses on the tins - saddle soap is for tack, not shoes.
Thanks for the response, it was that in part your post that lead me to ask my question.
For further clarification.You pointed out that in theory, saddle soap's oils would balance out the sulfides and lubricate the shoes, and is probably safe to use on thicker leather (like that of the McTavish). Also, that it would be a quicker and cheaper way to keep shoes clean. I would like to know, if you where to use C/C anyways, would you not get the cleaning and lubricating effect anyways?
AE recomends using first C/C and then SS. Is it necessary to use the SS? And what did you mean by quick and cheap?
Another question, AE doesn't say to use polish on McTav's. I have a black pair, and it has contrast stitching, should I be using any polish?
It's generally recommended to NOT use saddle soap on finished calfskin......it is far too alkaline. Besides, technology has rendered traditional saddle soap almost useless even in the tack business. There are far better options with a much higher glycerin content. Saddle soap has history on it's side, but most pro's avoid it.......and most brands have turned to a formula that is mostly rendered pig fat now. Anyway, the ph of saddle soap is usually around 9-10, and that is far too high for any productive results. Actually, when you use products that are that far off on the ph scale from the leather tanned for footwear (ph usually around 4-5, or acidic) it has a degrading effect over time.
Besides, ignoring all of that, there is a reason we all put horses on the tins - saddle soap is for tack, not shoes.