Very strange problem, my shoes turn matte/dull after a service

[arthur1616]

Hi gentlemen,

This is my very first post on the forum, first of all, thanks so much for your time.

Earlier this year, I got a pair of very nice oxford shoes from Zegna couture ($1000+) and I loved it very much. One day I found some fairly deep scuff on the toe and I sent it to a shoe specialist for repair. The repair was very successful but my shoe turned very dull/matte/eggshell after the service. I was in a rush and didn't have time to ask why. Today I used my Saphir renovateur to try to condition it, but even after a great amount of application, it still look very dull. I wonder if this guy used some bad chemicals to my shoes. Also, the leather becomes very stiff, also feels matte to touch (like a matte screen protector). I've attached this photos, any thoughts?

Attached another picture for easier comparison, as you can see, the insole stays the same sheen, but everywhere else is completely messed up. Is this reversible?

Thanks,
Arthur

 

[maxalex]

Renovateur is very strong and can strip away the actual dye on some shoes. You can find a lot of cautionary tales on SF. If you’re lucky it just stripped off the polish and they’ll need a good polishing. I can’t explain why they were returned in that condition, but I would go back to the cobbler first.