shoe care supply checklist

blazingazn · May 20, 2010

is edge dressing necessary is there any alternatives?

are most sole edges black?

bapelolol · May 22, 2010

Am I supposed to apply the shoe cream to the shoe so it has a matte finish, let it sit for 10 minutes, then brush/buff it off?

wetnose · May 22, 2010

Originally Posted by bapelolol

Am I supposed to apply the shoe cream to the shoe so it has a matte finish, let it sit for 10 minutes, then brush/buff it off?

Yes. Generally I always do 2 pairs of shoes at 1 go. Apply cream to 1 pair then cream to 2nd pair. Have a drink, then buff off 1st pair, followed by 2nd.

vincerich · May 23, 2010

Originally Posted by dah328

- Shoe trees ($20/pair)
- Show cream (Meltonian is good, can also be used as edge dressing, $3/tin)
- Shoe polish (Kiwi is good, $3/tin)
- Cotton or flannel cloths (old t-shirts work fine)
- Cleaner/conditioner (optional, $5 or so)

There's my list.

contactdo · May 26, 2010

Originally Posted by dah328

- Shoe trees ($20/pair) - Show cream (Meltonian is good, can also be used as edge dressing, $3/tin) - Shoe polish (Kiwi is good, $3/tin) - Cotton or flannel cloths (old t-shirts work fine) - Cleaner/conditioner (optional, $5 or so)
Im getting some products to take care of my shoes, but I'm a little confused about whether I need both a shoe cream and a shoe cream polish. I'm confused b/c I saw this picture: http://www.cedarshoetree.com/images/large/MELTC.jpg Newb question. Is that a shoe cream or a cream polish like it says on the tin or are they the same thing? If they are the same thing, does that mean I apply this first, then apply a wax polish such as Kiwi on top of it? Thanks in advance.

bapelolol · May 26, 2010

Is using something like a cleaner/conditioner adequate enough to take off old layers of wax? http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...p_category=216

blazingazn · May 26, 2010

Originally Posted by bapelolol

Is using something like a cleaner/conditioner adequate enough to take off old layers of wax?

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...p_category=216

i'm also intersted in knowing about this.

talldesk · May 27, 2010

No. Cleaner/conditioner is inadequate to take off old layers of wax. Use rubbing alcohol, get a bottle. If you're dealing with expensive shoes, you might want to mix with some water.

blazingazn · May 27, 2010

Originally Posted by talldesk

No. Cleaner/conditioner is inadequate to take off old layers of wax. Use rubbing alcohol, get a bottle. If you're dealing with expensive shoes, you might want to mix with some water.

what is an easy way to tell if they have old excess wax?

blazingazn · Oct 8, 2010

bumping this up for fall/winter prep.

any tips on waterproofing, treating for overexposure to moisture, etc?

mostly I won't be wearing mine until I get into the office.
while on the street, i'll be wearing rain boots, Tretorn.

blazingazn · Oct 29, 2010

first time i used a horsehair shoeshine brush (been using rags before now).

dare i say, amazing.
gives it a great shine.

so satisfying seeing it go from muddy and matte to pure shine.

goodlensboy · Nov 13, 2010

Hello. Got these Gravati's (new in box, wrapped in tissue, with shoe bag) from Zappos. However they came with dust deposited on them, had somewhat stiff leather, and overall looking very dull from the outside. The insoles and lining is perfect, with golden gravati logo.

I tried Creme Alpina (cleaner/conditioner), Kiwi shoe polish, and then 1 more coat of Creme Alpina which improved the condition. However still not like new shining shoes. Any suggestions how to nourish/polish it before I wear please? The split toe feels more 'smooth' and is shining more than the rest of the uppers.

Also any comments on quality - it has grains which I think are a sign of good leather?

Many thanks.

koolhistorian · Nov 13, 2010

Saphir Renovateur (or apply liberally Crema Alpina), let sit for one night, brush and buff, wear for 2-3 hours - just to see where the creases start to form - and then apply wax.
Those are pebble grain, so they will not shine as plain calf, but you can spit shine the toe and the back quarters.
Pebble grain is not full grain, it is a kind of corrected grain (the grains are stamped on the leather), but they seem good quality.

goodlensboy · Nov 15, 2010

Many thanks for the useful advice koolhistorian. It worked. However, I just noticed there are scuffs all over the vamp stiching, might be a manufacturing defect. I would probably unfortunately return them now.

Your help is really very much appreciated.

Re leather type, wondering if it is tumbled calf that gravati uses on many of its models.

GBer · Nov 15, 2010

Originally Posted by blazingazn

first time i used a horsehair shoeshine brush (been using rags before now).

dare i say, amazing.
gives it a great shine.

so satisfying seeing it go from muddy and matte to pure shine.

I use a soft horsehair brush, then a rag. Similar result.

shoe care supply checklist

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