Ralph Lauren Darlton Wingtips

Flimsychicken · Mar 31, 2011

Originally Posted by NAMOR

Had to pack for a flight so I thought I would shine the shoes while I was up.

Leather looks good. Doesn't look like it was dried out. I assume the color matches (looks like it from the photos?). The eBay seller's photos must have been done in poor lighting. Not sure how much you know about Cordovan, but just make sure you don't use too much polish, and polish very very infrequently. Many members (myself included) simply brush vigorously. I will also use a slightly damp cloth every now and then. I also have used a small (emphasis on small) amount of Saphir revovateur, and that has worked well. I know the Darltons are not the sleekest in the world, and the EGs in a previous post are great, but I always get compliments when I wear mine, and they are my favorite non-balmoral. Congratulations.

g.michael · Mar 31, 2011

Originally Posted by Joenobody0

I don't have any pictures, but I've found that C&J shells tend to be extremely caked with polish. This is my observation from 3 different pairs. I rubbed them down with a damp cloth about 50 times. Eventually the actual shell appeared. They are very nice now.

I've found the same thing with mine. The polish cakes around the creases--using a brush just smears it. Rubbing with a damp cloth each time until you stop getting polish on it, then buffing with a flannel rag does the trick. Until you wear them a few times and have to start over.

Don Carlos · Apr 1, 2011

People on SF really overdo it with the Renovateur in general, but especially on cordovan. The material has a lot of oils and waxes packed into it already, and the "blooming" of those lipids is what causes the whitish discoloration at the creases and stress points on the vamp. A thorough brushing and/or light wipedown with a damp cloth should shine them right up.

I use a tiny bit of Creme Cordovan or Renovateur very sparingly and infrequently. Maybe every 10 wearings, assuming I wear the shoes once or twice a week.

NH_Clark · Apr 1, 2011

is there a "stiffer" bristle brush out there made especially for cordovan? Seems like my standard brush isn't working the horsehide as much as I'd like it or need it to.

TRA8324 · Apr 1, 2011

Originally Posted by NH_Clark

is there a "stiffer" bristle brush out there made especially for cordovan? Seems like my standard brush isn't working the horsehide as much as I'd like it or need it to.
I have actually wondered this before too.

sf_esq · Apr 1, 2011

Originally Posted by Joenobody0

I don't have any pictures, but I've found that C&J shells tend to be extremely caked with polish. This is my observation from 3 different pairs. I rubbed them down with a damp cloth about 50 times. Eventually the actual shell appeared. They are very nice now.

This was the best thing I've read in this forum this year. Such a simple proposition, yet I hadn't even realized it. I brushed the hell out of mine and now they look amazing. What a difference. It's like a completely different pair of shoes. Props to you, kind sir.

NAMOR · Apr 1, 2011

Originally Posted by sf_esq

This was the best thing I've read in this forum this year. Such a simple proposition, yet I hadn't even realized it. I brushed the hell out of mine and now they look amazing. What a difference. It's like a completely different pair of shoes. Props to you, kind sir.

+1. The horse hair works great on horse ass. Not so much with the calf

sf_esq · Apr 3, 2011

Originally Posted by NAMOR

+1. The horse hair works great on horse ass. Not so much with the calf

Seems perfectly logical. Perhaps I need a cow hair brush for my calfskin shoes.

NAMOR · Apr 3, 2011

Originally Posted by sf_esq

Seems perfectly logical. Perhaps I need a cow hair brush for my calfskin shoes.

I love a good Cordovan shoe. Especially one made by C&J.

g.michael · Apr 3, 2011

So much talk, so few real pics.

Took these right after i purchased them last November. Wore them around the house to break them in--you can see the bloom on the creases. The finishing of the shoe is incredible. The sunlight washes out the color a bit--they are the color of a Hershey bar in real life.

SpooPoker · May 7, 2011

Originally Posted by g.michael

So much talk, so few real pics.

I agree. Bump for more used/worn pics to help me talk myself in/out of these..... anyone?

aj_del · May 7, 2011

You are trigger happy on green shoes and thinking about these ?

SpooPoker · May 7, 2011

Originally Posted by aj_del

You are trigger happy on green shoes and thinking about these ?

Im trying to decide if they are too blobby for me or not. Thats the thing. The Corthays are sleek like I like them, there was zero decision to be made there.

NAMOR · May 7, 2011

Originally Posted by g.michael

So much talk, so few real pics. Took these right after i purchased them last November. Wore them around the house to break them in--you can see the bloom on the creases. The finishing of the shoe is incredible. The sunlight washes out the color a bit--they are the color of a Hershey bar in real life.

[/SPOILER]

nice shoes. whats the sizing difference between the penny and the wingtip?

NAMOR · May 7, 2011

Originally Posted by Mr. Moo

I think shell cordovan is fantastic. It's easy to care for and has a depth that calf does not, IMO. Example: C&J for RL Darlton bluchers. Worn for something like 8 months with maybe one or two brushings along the way. Today I had some time so I applied Saphir Renovateur and then brushed it out. The results, I think, speak for themselves. Before:

Top after, bottom before:

Before in foreground:

After:

Both after:

not a big of the color here but these have aged well. I would have like a little more brown

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