shoe maintenance

[ZippyDan]

what do you guys use to keep your shoes in good order? looking for recommendations on things like shoe polish and stuff. like everything else, im sure that there are some brands that are better than others, but only known to those who take the time to find the best of everything...

 

[EvilYoda]

The polish and stuff doesn't necessarily have to be great (I use Coach stuff, but I had them throw it in with my purchase), it's more so the constant attention. Wipe them clean, keep them on cedar shoe trees and I'd say to polish them every quarter...but just do a few pairs at a time so it's not a huge task. Also, the fact that you're polishing/cleaning them will hopefully make you wear them if you tend to keep them in the closet. I have shoes that I haven't worn in months...they either get tossed or I make a note to wear them more often.

 

[doze]

Kiwi brand shoe polish, black and netural and saddle soap if shoes are dirty. A soft cotton cloth and a zippo are also useful for your shoeshine kit. You use the zippo to melt the polish into the leather and smooth the surface if your shoes have pits or other damage from excessive use.

 

[TechnoPro]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
The polish and stuff doesn't necessarily have to be great (I use Coach stuff, but I had them throw it in with my purchase), it's more so the constant attention. Wipe them clean, keep them on cedar shoe trees and I'd say to polish them every quarter...but just do a few pairs at a time so it's not a huge task. Also, the fact that you're polishing/cleaning them will hopefully make you wear them if you tend to keep them in the closet. I have shoes that I haven't worn in months...they either get tossed or I make a note to wear them more often.

Pretty much my regimen as well. I'll also inspect my shoes for wear at this point and take to the cobbler if necessary. Some shoes are just worth the expense of a cobbler's skills.

 

[Conky]

I tend to buy new shoes to replace my old shoes.

I do have some elephant skin cowboy boots(don't worry, I only wear them to club baby seals, lol) that will be resoled should I wear them out.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

go with paste in a jar. Any brand will do. No the dry kind in a tin eaither. You want a thick creamy texture that will moistuize the leather and polish/shine. Nordstroms carries it. About $4/jar. Comes in many colors.

Also, get yourself a nice horsehair brush for the shining part. I use an old sock as an applicator for the polish. Sit until dry, a real thin coat. Then use the brush with long strokes to get a nice shine.