Enter for a chance to win a FREE Saphir Shoeshine Starter Kit. Sign Up Here: www.hangerproject.com/giveaway/ This comprehensive kit contains everything you need to begin taking the best care possible of your shoes. Giveaway ends January 29th. Good luck!
@@psilocybemusashi I'm not Kirby but he (Kirby) did a video with other brands, even high-end polishes. What sets Saphir aside is it uses a natural pine turpintine, not a petroleum based one. Petroleum at first might look great but over time will lead to cracking...I've learned from the pro Kirby!
Thank you for always mentioning the warning about over waxing in areas where the shoe flexes, which causes the cracked white appearance, more people need to know about that
These shoe cleaning videos by Kirby are absolutely outstanding. He explains WHY processes are necessary which is so important. Everything he says has a clear, precise meaning and is in a logical sequence. I have learned a huge amount from them. Many thanks to you Kirby.
What a really well explained presentation! I was especially in the Saphir range … I have been polishing my shoes since I was about 8 years old (I was born in 1970). You are quite right to point out the quality differential that exists for shoe care products. There are some very expensive and beautifully made shoes, sadly many of the owners have no idea how to care for them. Dress shoes are quick and easy to care for and they look fantastic when they are well cared for. Thanks for the clear and calm stylistic delivery. I will definitely be buying some Saphir products … I am a sucker for high shining my leather footwear. 😂
I actually did cause damage to my sites using Saphir cream by leaving it on overnight. It turned out that, while I attempted to apply the cream liberally, it wasn’t even, and in places where it was thicker, the dye created stains that left the shoes blotchy.
Hi Kirby: Loe your Saphir polish. However you keep talking about "nourishment", how this magic potion nourishes and feeds the leather. This is a no-no. The leather is completely DEAD. You can't nourish something that's dead; ask network TV clearance department about the word "nourish". And you can't FEED a completely dead object; try feeding the concrete in your walkway. So I commend your Saphir polishes and you have a story to tell, but the right words need to be used! Tom in Florida.
The big soft ones.. after a harder one filled with polish... even with KIWI will being out an AMAZING shine... I just did that in 5 minutes with a shine kit I found at a Vintage Store.. I highly suggest it..
Kirby, so refreshing to get this kind of advice from someone who isn’t a total prick or a class warrior or any of that. You come across as a well spoken gentleman who enjoys fine attire and looking good (and having fun with it). Stumbled upon your site and blog as I was researching Saphir shoe products. So glad we have you out there. Aces!
Mr. Allison's recommendation (presumably after cleaning and conditioning the leather): - Apply the cream to the entire shoe. After it dries, brush it off with a horsehair brush. Do it 2 or 3 times. 0:27 - Apply light wax to the entire shoe, 1 or 2 coats. Apply multiple layers of wax only to the toe box and hind quarters . 1:13 Mr. Allison showing the result of: - 1 application of cream and brushing. 5:25 - 1 coat of wax and brushing. 8:35
Love this guy ,, I can believe how many young men don't know how to polish a pair of shoes. " unbelievable " great video. Young men don't know how to dress like a gentleman these days.. Nice to see someone still knows how it's done..fantastic teaching aid.
dude, you totally dominate the show shine videos on this site, props to you sir, you found an empty niche and wasted no time in total occupation of the topic, you should just start your own website, ill bet you have a pretty loyal following as it is - u can call it like... shyouShine or ShuShine.com or U-shine.com or YouBuff, since "shoe" and "you" rhyme you know, it should be something clever like that cuz one key component to make it successful is giving it a witty clever domain name; something ANYone can remember, and since nearly everyone knows youtube, you can take advantage of that build on its already established name
Carl Schumacher with cream as well? I find it not good enough for recolouring the sides of the sole. But I admit that im using a burgundy cream on dark brown soles xd
Its great to use a Cream Polish to nourish and enhance colour richness. But using waxes thereafter is outdated and unnecessarily laborious. Since you want the wax to give a great gloss and repel water, simply spray any silicone-based spray on top of that leather. Buff with a soft dry cloth. Easy and quick. No more cracking due to flexing. No more thick buildup of old wax layers. No more messy hands and hard labour work.
Perhaps the most important lesson here, don’t apply too much hard wax, it’s easy to overdo it and difficult to remove and those white cloudy lines are very unsightly. I put way too much on a pair of Fiorentini+Baker boots, it multiple de-applications and two bottles of Renomat to remove the redundant layers. It’s also a good idea to watch all these videos as otherwise you might not learn that all old waxes have to be removed once or twice a year, shoes cleaned to their leather so there’s nothing left and then the whole regimen applied again; Renovateur, Pommadier, Pate de Luxe (or Mirror polish).
Is no one else bothered by the cut at 4:08 ? It switches which shoe and which polish he's using and then switches back in the next clip... It's honestly got me so bothered and I don't see any comments mentioning it.
I’ve always applied hard waxes with water-dampened cotton balls. After sitting a few minutes I’ll then go over the shoes with new damp cotton balls; more-or-less the classical “spit shine” technique. Once you master the technique then your shine, just like mine, will challenge the best, most mirror-like shine in the world. You can do that maybe ten or so times before you then strip all the polish and then repeat as desired.
Thank you for this video! I started working trades and getting into leather boots and wears a few years ago. I was always hard on my tennis shoes as a kid. I ran them into the dirt. My parents hated how frequently I would destroy them.... But my leather boots last for years! And I actually quite enjoy taking care of my leather. It's a nice way to clear my head and ground myself, shampooing, conditioning, and polishing my leather. I've been wondering if I've been doing it correctly all this time, because my parents are simple city folk who don't know much about leather or how to care for it. I polish with a layer of neutral cream polish, a layer of colored cream polish, and then I finish off with 1 or 2 layers of wax polish. It made sense to me, since like you said cream is primarily for conditioning the leather and wax is used for a protective layer. I'm so glad to finally get confirmation that this is a good method to polish!! Thanks again!!
I'm with you, Andrew! I always remove the laces when polishing shoes. I apply a high-shine wax to the toes, flank, AND where the laces are (throat?). I also put some polish on the tongue. I wear colored laces, so removing the laces is something that I do every time, but I removed them when I was polishing my military shoes and boots with black laces. The Elegant Oxford also removes the laces before each shine. (Check out his RUclips videos for how to get that mirror polish shine.) No criticism Kirby, this was an on-camera polish about the products. I love your posts, and this one answered a series of questions that I had about Saphir products!
I know this is an old comment, but for anyone else reading: Don't apply polish with your fingers. Polish is very cheap, even the Saphir. A can will last you a lifetime. Applying it with your fingers will stain your fingers and under your nails. Use the same rag each time, and you won't have to reload it each time. But even if you do reload a fresh rag each time, it is pennies worth of polish.
Andrew Delashaw the guy who won best shoe polisher in the world uses his bare fingers. He says you feel it absorb better, and again he has won many many awards for his polishing so, he’s not wrong.
read the instructions on the labels of the saphir - they specifically mention to use gloves, otherwise you would have skin irritation. so better use a cotton shammy at least
Excellent, informative video! I have my first pair of high-quality dress shoes (Allen Edmonds Byrons) on their way. They're used and slightly damaged, but I thought that would be an excellent place to start, considering I don't want to make beginners' mistakes on a new pair. (And also, price! I got an excellent deal.) I have two questions concerning their care. First, there appears to be some cracking along the back lip/rim of the shoe (that is, the rim of the hole your foot goes in), though it may be just be puckering of the leather. It's hard to tell from the picture. For proper hydration, to prevent further breakage, is a cream polish left overnight sufficient, or should I use a more specific hydration cream? If so, what do you suggest? (Most, if not all, hydration creams I've found have been formulated for couches, boots, etc., so I don't know what they might do to shoes.) Second, you mentioned leaving little wax along the creasing part of the vamp, so as to avoid wax cracking lines. You suggest just 1-2 layers of wax. My question is: how often should I re-apply that coat along the creasing? Or, how many wears until I should? Or finally, how might I know when to? In case it helps, here is the listing for the pair I bought: www.etsy.com/listing/654153640/allen-edmonds-byron-black-10e-leather?show_sold_out_detail=1 Thank you!
The directions on most creams and waxes will tell you to buff the excess before leaving the shoe to dry. This is because wax drying on top of wax leaves a film; you want the wax drying on top of leather. It's ok to use a lot of product, so long as you buff the excess off before it dries. If you don't wish to do so, then be less liberal with the initial application. Use just enough cream to penetrate rather than saturate. The reason, likely, that this began after you switched to a more boutique brand of cream is because most commercial shoe creams are essentially petroleum solvents with a little bit of tallow and leather dye thrown in. They're essentially idiot-proof in application and do little to nourish leather. Using a professional grade wax cream composed primarily of beeswax and mineral spirits is a different ballpark altogether.
I'm waiting anxiously for a pair of shoes I ordered from TLB Mallorca. I've never spent $400 on a pair of shoes, so I have high expectations. My question is this: If the shoes are brand new, is it necessary or advisable to apply a pigmented cream polish? Wouldn't a neutral polish actually be better for the shoe?
For smooth leather boots, what are the proper steps and products? Are those right? 1.clean 2.renovateur conditioner 3.colored medaille d'or 1925 beeswax cream. 4.medaille d'or wax. 5.mirror gloss wax on hard parts. 6.finish with water resistant spray.
I'm a bootmaker and footwear repairman; retired after 40 years in the shoe retail and repair business. My best advice to preserve and care for your shoes or boots is to never use any product that soaks into the leather. Products like shoe creams, waterproofing oils or sprays are harmful to the leather if used regularly and a waste of money. The only product to put on shoes is wax polish. I always told my customers use it often but lightly. The best way to polish shoes is to spritz the outside of the shoe with water to remove the dust and slight dirt. If the shoe or boot is quite dirty then rinse it under a faucet with cold water, never warm or hot water. Before the shoe dries add a light coat of wax polish (I recommend Lincoln was polish but Kiwi is ok). Use a horsehair polish dauber or a cotton cloth and use a polish that is color similar. Though a neutral polish will protect it will add a slight white discoloration if applied to darker colored shoes. Neutral polish works best on white, beige or light grey tones. After applying the polish buff with a horsehair brush or a cotton cloth. I recommend this method for all leather shoes or boots no matter the environment. Polish often but lightly and the leather will respond even better in time and the process will become easier.
My tube of black Meltonian cream must be 50 years old and still produces a beautiful shine that, unfortunately, is somewhat less durable than harder paste polishes.
what is Meltonian Cream MADE of? I just found my Dad's unopened glass container - sealed and fresh - probably 60 years old or even older!! I'll look for a date on it. thanks
Thanks Mr Allison this was very helpful I’m 18 and was just shining my boots to this it helped went for the cream cause it’s all I had but next time will applie a wax aswell
You changed my life when it comes to high quality shoes and shoe care - thank you :) At the moment I'm enjoying a new pair of Berwick (handmade in Spain) cap toe oxfords in Saphir's 910 Parisian brown. A pity they don't have the Pate de Luxe equivalent , but the neutral one is alright.
Hi Kirby, i absolutely love your channel. I have these pair of loafer that the color keeps coming off (scratching would be a better description). Would it be possible to repaint or cover it up with some sort of polish or shoe cream?
Thank you for the great video! I have two questions. have Allen Edmonds in walnut that I use the Saphir light brown creme polish. Could I get away with a incolor (neutral) pate de lux? Or should I always match the creme and polish? Additionally, I bought a pair of Florsheim from Macy’s. They have “leather upper” and are already shiny but probably not the best quality. How would I maintain the factory shine?
Anthony Mcmanus , neutral creme will do the job for conditioning and shine, though it won’t help as much to cover light scratches - for that you’d be better off with color matched creme. For the Florsheim question - if you got them recently, they’re likely “bookbinder” leather, which isn’t porous and therefore doesn’t really absorb creme. So I’d stick with light wax brushed and then buffed.
I am from India. These products are very costly to get in india and saphir products are not available in everywhere. I loves your video to watch but cant shine my shoes like you do due to lack of these sufficient product.
White built up on the area where the shoe flexes, how can you remove those? I have those after conditioning and then invulner spray. Is it the spray? It looks good until I walk and crease them, then the white shows. I never used wax on it
With light coloured boots or shoes I never use a colour polish… Only block there’s no going around the block can’t give it up that way but not tan boots or shoes I will never use colour cream - Shoe moisturizer I met
I heard turpentine is dangerous for your health and that even absorbing it through your skin is dangerous? Should I be using gloves when working with these creams?
At 4:08, it shows you using the hard polish, not the cream you started out with. You gave a caution about using the hard wax at the bend point-- I guess that doesn't apply to the cream?
Great video ,I wanted to ask is there a kit that has the brush, and all the components to clean my Wolf And Shepherd black ? Also , those shoes have a white soul and side , is there something that can be use to prevent dirt or scuffs on that.
Best use an old washed out, soft cotton t-shirt. That is any soft smooth lint free cotton. Wrap a double layer around your index finger. Rub all over the toe cap in tight circular motion. Dab on a few drops of water and gently rub around again in repeating tight circular motion. When a slight shine is starting to appear. Add some more wax and repeat the circular motion. When the wax surface begins to dull, add a few drops of water and gently rub around again in repeating tight circular motion. Repeat and repeat again. Then with you later watering reduce the pressure. Lastly don't add more wax but reduce the pressure and when dry add one or two last drops of water and gently rub around again in repeating tight circular motion. You should now have a 'Bulled' boot or shoe with a mirror shine. If it's not quite as good as you hoped for, just wear them and enjoy. Then after they have rested for a day or two, very gently dust or brush, and repeat the whole above process. You can get a very nice high shine with a soft bristle brush. But never that mirror effect.
After using the hard was, can I use the mirror gloss on the cap toe to make it even more shiny? Or better use the mirror gloss first and then the hard wax you had in your last step?
When applying the polish or paste, should the rag be dry or wet? I always thought the rag should be a little damp for more even distribution of the wax or paste.
Kirby, Are there any difference between shoe manufacturer sold wax/creams vs saphir? For example, what's the difference between alden wax/creams vs saphir branded? If no differences, is it the case that saphir supplies alden branded wax/creams? P.S. do wax/creams have best-if-used-by dates?
Just to be certain, that cut at 4:08 to your using the wax polish was an editing error, right? You stuck with the cream polish for the entire first portion, correct?
I have a question. Whenever I use a brush to buff off the Polish it doesn't bring back a shine. It does the opposite actually. I get better results with a microfiber towel. Am I doing something wrong?
John fedele you’re not doing anything wrong. If you want your shoes to be stupid shiny use a balled up nylon stocking to buff it. Look it up, there’s quite a few tricks like that.
Could you help me out? I have a slew of colored creams of various products b/c I used to rehab older handbags. Living in Hawaii now and not using as much. Concerned they will dry out b/4 I use again. I feel like it would make sense to keep them in my freezer, to fight them drying out. Good idea? I called Tarrango, they didn’t know and suggested I call the manufacturer......in Spain....but maybe you could assist me? Mahalo?!!!!!!
Kirby! You are going to have to begin stocking deeper. I went to order some basics, and you're out of stock once more. Love your channel and site, but I'm forced to go to Amazon to get the products I need today. I'd rather buy from you Kirby, and be able to tell my friends to as well. I'm in love with this stuff and giving it as gifts now, it truly is like nothing else out there.
James Bryce James - like what? We ran out of a few things because the winter storm knocked one of our deliveries off. But we do need to work on better in-stock percentages.
Today, it was... Renovatuer, Dark Brown cream Polish, Black Cream Polish, small welt brush. Those are the ones I remember, and just double checked. OOS. I know they are more obscure, but I've been wanting the Deer bone, and basic horn shoe horn for a while as well.
Hi, what's the best way to speed up patina on my tan shoes? I have a black cream polish and dark brown wax polish. And if ever I don't like the color, how can I remove them? Thanks! I hope you could make a patina tutorial soon :)
Enter for a chance to win a FREE Saphir Shoeshine Starter Kit. Sign Up Here: www.hangerproject.com/giveaway/
This comprehensive kit contains everything you need to begin taking the best care possible of your shoes. Giveaway ends January 29th. Good luck!
Kirby, Have you ever tried Griffin shoe polishes. I was surprised by the nice finish it produces for something I found randomly in a grocery store.
I've grown up with commonly found Kiwi products but now know Saphir is really in a whole other league.
@@psilocybemusashi I'm not Kirby but he (Kirby) did a video with other brands, even high-end polishes. What sets Saphir aside is it uses a natural pine turpintine, not a petroleum based one. Petroleum at first might look great but over time will lead to cracking...I've learned from the pro Kirby!
Kirby, no shoe trees? You must put shoe trees in your shoes the moment you take them off. It will help,retain the shape as they dry out. We do sweat
What hair product do you use???
Why am I on a watching spree of shoe polishing videos at 2 am - if I dont even take care of mine?
Exactly!
Yup 2am for me here too
It's relaxing some call these behaviour ASMR response
Because self improvement never sleeps.
@@jt0851 exactly. I also did not take care of my shoes so watching these videos is a means of learning them.
Thank you for always mentioning the warning about over waxing in areas where the shoe flexes, which causes the cracked white appearance, more people need to know about that
How do you remove those?
@@metamorphomisk he says at the end of the video you can just brush them off with the same brush
These shoe cleaning videos by Kirby are absolutely outstanding. He explains WHY processes are necessary which is so important. Everything he says has a clear, precise meaning and is in a logical sequence. I have learned a huge amount from them. Many thanks to you Kirby.
Like Reviewbrah’s older brother.
What a really well explained presentation! I was especially in the Saphir range … I have been polishing my shoes since I was about 8 years old (I was born in 1970). You are quite right to point out the quality differential that exists for shoe care products. There are some very expensive and beautifully made shoes, sadly many of the owners have no idea how to care for them. Dress shoes are quick and easy to care for and they look fantastic when they are well cared for.
Thanks for the clear and calm stylistic delivery. I will definitely be buying some Saphir products … I am a sucker for high shining my leather footwear. 😂
It's so good he even puts it in his hair
😂
4:08 - anyone else noticed, that he switched the side view to the wax polish here? :-D :-D
exactly my point
That's a mistake made by editing
yeah. Did a double take myself. Had to rewind it just to double check
me too @@grabtharandhishammer8251
Yes, but now my shoes are so shiny, they reflect the sun onto approaching airplanes... I might have too much shine now?
This guy is awesome! He's like a young/old guy lol. Thank you so much for the tutorial and invitation for help 👊
I keep waiting for the trollie to ride by in the background and then have him walk over and feed his fish.
I always remove the laces AND I clean the tongue with cream but not wax
Melting them together gives very satisfying mix.
Mr. Rogers with the boot swag
I came here for the “Mr. Rodgers sweater” comment. Left satisfied! 👍
I thought so too
Thanks for your shoe shine videos. I have found them all to be significant sources of information.
I actually did cause damage to my sites using Saphir cream by leaving it on overnight. It turned out that, while I attempted to apply the cream liberally, it wasn’t even, and in places where it was thicker, the dye created stains that left the shoes blotchy.
That may just be buildup of the cream, there is a product (Reno Mat I think) that removes the wax finish which may contain most of the dye
I think there's a mistake in the editing of the video. 4:08 shows the use of polish where you are at the creaming phase.
Great videos by the way ;)
Maxime good catch
Hi Kirby: Loe your Saphir polish. However you keep talking about "nourishment", how this magic potion nourishes and feeds the leather. This is a no-no. The leather is completely DEAD. You can't nourish something that's dead; ask network TV clearance department about the word "nourish". And you can't FEED a completely dead object; try feeding the concrete in your walkway. So I commend your Saphir polishes and you have a story to tell, but the right words need to be used! Tom in Florida.
A very good tutorial, I will invest in one of those large horsehair brushes ! Thanks.
The big soft ones.. after a harder one filled with polish... even with KIWI will being out an AMAZING shine... I just did that in 5 minutes with a shine kit I found at a Vintage Store.. I highly suggest it..
Discovered your channel just recently, great content! Keep up the good work, God Bless!
“ use the lid as a palette” and then never use the lid again!!
I noticed that as well
☺️
Kirby, so refreshing to get this kind of advice from someone who isn’t a total prick or a class warrior or any of that. You come across as a well spoken gentleman who enjoys fine attire and looking good (and having fun with it). Stumbled upon your site and blog as I was researching Saphir shoe products. So glad we have you out there. Aces!
Wimp
Mr. Allison's recommendation (presumably after cleaning and conditioning the leather):
- Apply the cream to the entire shoe. After it dries, brush it off with a horsehair brush. Do it 2 or 3 times. 0:27
- Apply light wax to the entire shoe, 1 or 2 coats. Apply multiple layers of wax only to the toe box and hind quarters . 1:13
Mr. Allison showing the result of:
- 1 application of cream and brushing. 5:25
- 1 coat of wax and brushing. 8:35
Excellent summary! Thanks!
Rocking that Mr Rogers outfit!
That is exactly the information I was searching for. Fantastic explanation with demonstration.
Love this guy ,, I can believe how many young men don't know how to polish a pair of shoes. " unbelievable " great video. Young men don't know how to dress like a gentleman these days.. Nice to see someone still knows how it's done..fantastic teaching aid.
Brilliant! Fantastic advice! Quite a variety of colours you have for this, I should try them sometime
dude, you totally dominate the show shine videos on this site, props to you sir, you found an empty niche and wasted no time in total occupation of the topic, you should just start your own website, ill bet you have a pretty loyal following as it is - u can call it like... shyouShine or ShuShine.com or U-shine.com or YouBuff, since "shoe" and "you" rhyme you know, it should be something clever like that cuz one key component to make it successful is giving it a witty clever domain name; something ANYone can remember, and since nearly everyone knows youtube, you can take advantage of that build on its already established name
I want to start "ShoeShineForum.com" What do you think? Community for all of us shoe lovers.
Well said Sir, thank you.
great tutorials, so easy to follow!
I like to apply the waxes with my bare fingers. It’ll requires less polish and actually melts the wax onto the leather and leaves a nice shine.
Do you need a different shining brush for every colour?
monobg antonina Two brushes - one for dark polishes, like black, and a second for light polishes, is all you need.
Thanks a lot for the quick reply!
don't forget to polish the sole's and heal of the shoe's.
Carl Schumacher with cream as well? I find it not good enough for recolouring the sides of the sole. But I admit that im using a burgundy cream on dark brown soles xd
Its great to use a Cream Polish to nourish and enhance colour richness. But using waxes thereafter is outdated and unnecessarily laborious.
Since you want the wax to give a great gloss and repel water, simply spray any silicone-based spray on top of that leather. Buff with a soft dry cloth.
Easy and quick.
No more cracking due to flexing. No more thick buildup of old wax layers. No more messy hands and hard labour work.
Excellent video.
Perhaps the most important lesson here, don’t apply too much hard wax, it’s easy to overdo it and difficult to remove and those white cloudy lines are very unsightly. I put way too much on a pair of Fiorentini+Baker boots, it multiple de-applications and two bottles of Renomat to remove the redundant layers. It’s also a good idea to watch all these videos as otherwise you might not learn that all old waxes have to be removed once or twice a year, shoes cleaned to their leather so there’s nothing left and then the whole regimen applied again; Renovateur, Pommadier, Pate de Luxe (or Mirror polish).
Is no one else bothered by the cut at 4:08 ? It switches which shoe and which polish he's using and then switches back in the next clip... It's honestly got me so bothered and I don't see any comments mentioning it.
It is best to wear disposable gloves for this job.
@4:11 looks to use a different polish? Am I wrong? Just looking for clarification.
I’ve always applied hard waxes with water-dampened cotton balls. After sitting a few minutes I’ll then go over the shoes with new damp cotton balls; more-or-less the classical “spit shine” technique. Once you master the technique then your shine, just like mine, will challenge the best, most mirror-like shine in the world. You can do that maybe ten or so times before you then strip all the polish and then repeat as desired.
Thank you for this video! I started working trades and getting into leather boots and wears a few years ago. I was always hard on my tennis shoes as a kid. I ran them into the dirt. My parents hated how frequently I would destroy them.... But my leather boots last for years! And I actually quite enjoy taking care of my leather. It's a nice way to clear my head and ground myself, shampooing, conditioning, and polishing my leather. I've been wondering if I've been doing it correctly all this time, because my parents are simple city folk who don't know much about leather or how to care for it. I polish with a layer of neutral cream polish, a layer of colored cream polish, and then I finish off with 1 or 2 layers of wax polish. It made sense to me, since like you said cream is primarily for conditioning the leather and wax is used for a protective layer. I'm so glad to finally get confirmation that this is a good method to polish!! Thanks again!!
How can one go into wholesale of this polish... Where can one get the product at chipper price
Old trick: put a flame to the paste wax and let it melt for 15 seconds or so then apply the molten wax and polish away.
Nice Kurt Cobain vest!
How about adding some drop of water during the wax shoe polish? Does it make a difference? Great video!!
phus2001 Thanks! Yes, you can absolutely use a drop of water during the glossing process with the wax polish.
yes...a drop of water is a good thing.
what about a drop of oil
Lol wow...you might be the world's foremost authority on the subject of polishing mens dress shoes!
Question: how often should you clean your shoe brush
Bend like the vamp! 🥁🎹🎼
How to remove the white buildup in the “bend area”? Is it enough 1925 creme to solve the problem? Or need the Juvacuir? Thanks Mr Kirby!!!
OMG!...you didn't remove the laces
I'm not sure you do that when polishing oxfords
I'm with you, Andrew! I always remove the laces when polishing shoes. I apply a high-shine wax to the toes, flank, AND where the laces are (throat?). I also put some polish on the tongue. I wear colored laces, so removing the laces is something that I do every time, but I removed them when I was polishing my military shoes and boots with black laces. The Elegant Oxford also removes the laces before each shine. (Check out his RUclips videos for how to get that mirror polish shine.) No criticism Kirby, this was an on-camera polish about the products. I love your posts, and this one answered a series of questions that I had about Saphir products!
Would you advice removing the shoestrings prior to polishing the shoes?
I bought cream thinking it was something like the wax, but I still managed to get a mirror shine with it 😅
apply the polish with your fingers unless you want to go through your polish 10 times faster.
I know this is an old comment, but for anyone else reading: Don't apply polish with your fingers. Polish is very cheap, even the Saphir. A can will last you a lifetime. Applying it with your fingers will stain your fingers and under your nails. Use the same rag each time, and you won't have to reload it each time. But even if you do reload a fresh rag each time, it is pennies worth of polish.
Andrew Delashaw
Use a damp rag. Polish won’t absorb.
Andrew Delashaw the guy who won best shoe polisher in the world uses his bare fingers. He says you feel it absorb better, and again he has won many many awards for his polishing so, he’s not wrong.
read the instructions on the labels of the saphir - they specifically mention to use gloves, otherwise you would have skin irritation. so better use a cotton shammy at least
Use someone else’s fingers.
Very helpful, thanks
A shoe polisher with the office of a lawyer.
Does Mr. Allison’s hair look a bit disheveled?
Thanks for the informative video.
what did you use from 4:08 to 4:12..?? cream or wax
Excellent, informative video!
I have my first pair of high-quality dress shoes (Allen Edmonds Byrons) on their way. They're used and slightly damaged, but I thought that would be an excellent place to start, considering I don't want to make beginners' mistakes on a new pair. (And also, price! I got an excellent deal.) I have two questions concerning their care.
First, there appears to be some cracking along the back lip/rim of the shoe (that is, the rim of the hole your foot goes in), though it may be just be puckering of the leather. It's hard to tell from the picture. For proper hydration, to prevent further breakage, is a cream polish left overnight sufficient, or should I use a more specific hydration cream? If so, what do you suggest? (Most, if not all, hydration creams I've found have been formulated for couches, boots, etc., so I don't know what they might do to shoes.)
Second, you mentioned leaving little wax along the creasing part of the vamp, so as to avoid wax cracking lines. You suggest just 1-2 layers of wax. My question is: how often should I re-apply that coat along the creasing? Or, how many wears until I should? Or finally, how might I know when to?
In case it helps, here is the listing for the pair I bought:
www.etsy.com/listing/654153640/allen-edmonds-byron-black-10e-leather?show_sold_out_detail=1
Thank you!
The directions on most creams and waxes will tell you to buff the excess before leaving the shoe to dry. This is because wax drying on top of wax leaves a film; you want the wax drying on top of leather. It's ok to use a lot of product, so long as you buff the excess off before it dries. If you don't wish to do so, then be less liberal with the initial application. Use just enough cream to penetrate rather than saturate.
The reason, likely, that this began after you switched to a more boutique brand of cream is because most commercial shoe creams are essentially petroleum solvents with a little bit of tallow and leather dye thrown in. They're essentially idiot-proof in application and do little to nourish leather. Using a professional grade wax cream composed primarily of beeswax and mineral spirits is a different ballpark altogether.
My shoes are two tone. Black and brown. Do I need two colors of cream and/or shine?
Once I put my shoe wax, to protect the shoes, should I even be using the conditoner/polisher?
I'd imagine it won't work the same over the waxes
I'm waiting anxiously for a pair of shoes I ordered from TLB Mallorca. I've never spent $400 on a pair of shoes, so I have high expectations. My question is this: If the shoes are brand new, is it necessary or advisable to apply a pigmented cream polish? Wouldn't a neutral polish actually be better for the shoe?
For smooth leather boots, what are the proper steps and products? Are those right?
1.clean
2.renovateur conditioner
3.colored medaille d'or 1925 beeswax cream.
4.medaille d'or wax.
5.mirror gloss wax on hard parts.
6.finish with water resistant spray.
I'm a bootmaker and footwear repairman; retired after 40 years in the shoe retail and repair business. My best advice to preserve and care for your shoes or boots is to never use any product that soaks into the leather. Products like shoe creams, waterproofing oils or sprays are harmful to the leather if used regularly and a waste of money. The only product to put on shoes is wax polish. I always told my customers use it often but lightly. The best way to polish shoes is to spritz the outside of the shoe with water to remove the dust and slight dirt. If the shoe or boot is quite dirty then rinse it under a faucet with cold water, never warm or hot water. Before the shoe dries add a light coat of wax polish (I recommend Lincoln was polish but Kiwi is ok). Use a horsehair polish dauber or a cotton cloth and use a polish that is color similar. Though a neutral polish will protect it will add a slight white discoloration if applied to darker colored shoes. Neutral polish works best on white, beige or light grey tones. After applying the polish buff with a horsehair brush or a cotton cloth. I recommend this method for all leather shoes or boots no matter the environment. Polish often but lightly and the leather will respond even better in time and the process will become easier.
but for sway there is only spray that works..
Horrible editing. @ 4:10 of the video your clearly putting CREME on the shoes but your dabbing your rag into the WAX canister. Real intelligent. 😂😂
GReat Video, thanks
Who else is here and doesn’t even own a pair of dress shoes
Soon...
Best comment
My tube of black Meltonian cream must be 50 years old and still produces a beautiful shine that, unfortunately, is somewhat less durable than harder paste polishes.
what is Meltonian Cream MADE of? I just found my Dad's unopened glass container - sealed and fresh - probably 60 years old or even older!! I'll look for a date on it. thanks
Thanks Mr Allison this was very helpful I’m 18 and was just shining my boots to this it helped went for the cream cause it’s all I had but next time will applie a wax aswell
Is it me or does Kirby's voice sound quite deep then usual?
You changed my life when it comes to high quality shoes and shoe care - thank you :)
At the moment I'm enjoying a new pair of Berwick (handmade in Spain) cap toe oxfords in Saphir's 910 Parisian brown. A pity they don't have the Pate de Luxe equivalent , but the neutral one is alright.
i am deciding to buy saphir renovateur, cream as medium brown 37 for my dark chilli fifth avenue AE shoes, now what color wax do i need ?
Hi Kirby, i absolutely love your channel. I have these pair of loafer that the color keeps coming off (scratching would be a better description). Would it be possible to repaint or cover it up with some sort of polish or shoe cream?
‘……won’t you please? Please won’t you be….my neighbor? Hi 👋🏾 neighbor.”
Wow. Just found your video. Nice
Thank you for the great video! I have two questions. have Allen Edmonds in walnut that I use the Saphir light brown creme polish. Could I get away with a incolor (neutral) pate de lux? Or should I always match the creme and polish? Additionally, I bought a pair of Florsheim from Macy’s. They have “leather upper” and are already shiny but probably not the best quality. How would I maintain the factory shine?
Anthony Mcmanus , neutral creme will do the job for conditioning and shine, though it won’t help as much to cover light scratches - for that you’d be better off with color matched creme. For the Florsheim question - if you got them recently, they’re likely “bookbinder” leather, which isn’t porous and therefore doesn’t really absorb creme. So I’d stick with light wax brushed and then buffed.
He specifically touches on that point in the video at 7:35 Listen.
Great video! I have some new Doc Martens that I want to shine up. Using some cream, and later gonna wax them. Thanks for the great tips!
Could we please see you shine a tumbled leather?
I am from India. These products are very costly to get in india and saphir products are not available in everywhere. I loves your video to watch but cant shine my shoes like you do due to lack of these sufficient product.
White built up on the area where the shoe flexes, how can you remove those? I have those after conditioning and then invulner spray. Is it the spray? It looks good until I walk and crease them, then the white shows. I never used wax on it
What would be best to shine up dull genuine Giant Crocodile, western boots? Thank you to all whom reply.
With light coloured boots or shoes I never use a colour polish… Only block there’s no going around the block can’t give it up that way but not tan boots or shoes I will never use colour cream - Shoe moisturizer I met
I heard turpentine is dangerous for your health and that even absorbing it through your skin is dangerous? Should I be using gloves when working with these creams?
At 4:08, it shows you using the hard polish, not the cream you started out with. You gave a caution about using the hard wax at the bend point-- I guess that doesn't apply to the cream?
Great video ,I wanted to ask is there a kit that has the brush, and all the components to clean my Wolf And Shepherd black ? Also , those shoes have a white soul and side , is there something that can be use to prevent dirt or scuffs on that.
Anyone notice his deeper voice in these older videos?
I've never buffed any polish before. But im curious if doing that will give me the same type of shine as I would with cotton balls
Best use an old washed out, soft cotton t-shirt. That is any soft smooth lint free cotton.
Wrap a double layer around your index finger. Rub all over the toe cap in tight circular motion. Dab on a few drops of water and gently rub around again in repeating tight circular motion. When a slight shine is starting to appear. Add some more wax and repeat the circular motion. When the wax surface begins to dull, add a few drops of water and gently rub around again in repeating tight circular motion. Repeat and repeat again. Then with you later watering reduce the pressure. Lastly don't add more wax but reduce the pressure and when dry add one or two last drops of water and gently rub around again in repeating tight circular motion.
You should now have a 'Bulled' boot or shoe with a mirror shine.
If it's not quite as good as you hoped for, just wear them and enjoy. Then after they have rested for a day or two, very gently dust or brush, and repeat the whole above process.
You can get a very nice high shine with a soft bristle brush. But never that mirror effect.
After using the hard was, can I use the mirror gloss on the cap toe to make it even more shiny?
Or better use the mirror gloss first and then the hard wax you had in your last step?
Do I have to look like Mr Rogers to get a good shine?
Lol, I was just thinking he's rocking the Mr. Rogers look!
No, but it does help.
No, but you do need black or brown shoe polish on your hair.
When applying the polish or paste, should the rag be dry or wet? I always thought the rag should be a little damp for more even distribution of the wax or paste.
These product pages in the link are invalid. Thanks for the videos Kirby.
Imagine being out during the day and NOT having your horse hair brush on your person.
Kirby,
Are there any difference between shoe manufacturer sold wax/creams vs saphir?
For example, what's the difference between alden wax/creams vs saphir branded?
If no differences, is it the case that saphir supplies alden branded wax/creams?
P.S. do wax/creams have best-if-used-by dates?
You have a new subscriber mr allison and that's me
Just to be certain, that cut at 4:08 to your using the wax polish was an editing error, right? You stuck with the cream polish for the entire first portion, correct?
I have a question. Whenever I use a brush to buff off the Polish it doesn't bring back a shine. It does the opposite actually. I get better results with a microfiber towel. Am I doing something wrong?
John fedele you’re not doing anything wrong. If you want your shoes to be stupid shiny use a balled up nylon stocking to buff it. Look it up, there’s quite a few tricks like that.
What is the name of the shoe in the video I love it would buy one thanks in advance
Could you help me out? I have a slew of colored creams of various products b/c I used to rehab older handbags. Living in Hawaii now and not using as much. Concerned they will dry out b/4 I use again. I feel like it would make sense to keep them in my freezer, to fight them drying out. Good idea? I called Tarrango, they didn’t know and suggested I call the manufacturer......in Spain....but maybe you could assist me? Mahalo?!!!!!!
Kirby! You are going to have to begin stocking deeper. I went to order some basics, and you're out of stock once more. Love your channel and site, but I'm forced to go to Amazon to get the products I need today. I'd rather buy from you Kirby, and be able to tell my friends to as well. I'm in love with this stuff and giving it as gifts now, it truly is like nothing else out there.
James Bryce James - like what? We ran out of a few things because the winter storm knocked one of our deliveries off. But we do need to work on better in-stock percentages.
Today, it was... Renovatuer, Dark Brown cream Polish, Black Cream Polish, small welt brush. Those are the ones I remember, and just double checked. OOS. I know they are more obscure, but I've been wanting the Deer bone, and basic horn shoe horn for a while as well.
James Bryce Shit man. Sorry. PM me and I’ll take care if you. Will resolve Monday.
James Bryce We just got the deer bones on Thursday. Should be back soon.
No worries, I'll PM, but it's a good problem for you. The channel is working to reach people and they are responding. Thanks for taking care of us.
Would a leather conditioner and a hard wax polish be sufficient for basic care if you do not want to add any pigment?
Is there a problem using the same brush to buff different colour shoes? I.e. most of my shoes are black but i also have light tan.
Did you get that outfit at Mr. Rogers garage sale after he passed?
King Fish lol
😄😭
Great vid, short and to the point, I wonder what I did wrong when my shoes become a little white! Gracias
Hi, what's the best way to speed up patina on my tan shoes? I have a black cream polish and dark brown wax polish. And if ever I don't like the color, how can I remove them?
Thanks! I hope you could make a patina tutorial soon :)