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!
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.
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.
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
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!!
Thank you for explaining the reasoning _why_ you do the different steps. I'd been watching so many videos to try and understand this and you laid it out beautifully. I no longer have to look at the different creams and waxes I'd bought thinking I'd wasted my money by buying things I didn't know how to use.
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. 😂
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).
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.
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.
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.
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..
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
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.
Hi! I have a wild raw hide shoe from vivo barefoot shoes and I wear them everyday. They get dirty and wet though. I don’t care about shine. I only care about keeping them clean and want them to last as long as possible. Thank you!
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
My shoes have been cracking around the exact area you were saying. Ruined my expensive shoes. Will be using shoe cream going forward. And switching to sapphir
Shoe creams will cause cracking on the stress points and offer absolutely no protection from water or perspiration. Remember anything that soaks into the leather opens the door for everything else to soak in. Wax polish does not soak in, but actually sets on the surface of the leather adding protection and yet maintaining breathability.
I love the look of my wax polished toe caps, with a gradient towards the body of the shoe. My problem is that it only takes a couple drops of rain to mess it up. If the leather underneath swells up, because of the saturation of the rain water, the wax cracks.
That's weird. I wore highly polished shoes in ROTC, and they were never affected by water. It is a wax, and water can't penetrate it. So maybe you're using a poor quality 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.
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.
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 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?
My bro was in the army and watching this reminds me of the days he taught me and made me polish his shoes whenever he came home on vacation... This man in a way looks and sounds like my brother 😂😅😊... I had to apply the cream polish and leave the shoes in the sunshine until the polish gets absorbed for 30-60mins and then i had to polish it with the brush until each and every surface reflects light like a mirror
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?
For women's leather shoes, do you need to get a horse hair brush for the cream shoe polish (not pigmented) or will a clean cloth work as well? Thank you for the great tutorial.
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?
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?
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
Generally, it's good practice to condition and buff your shoes with shoe trees inserted. You get the cream into creases better. But most of all, buffing with shoe trees in will counter crease manifestation (heat from buffing).
Question for you Kirby... I used Obenauf's Leather Cleaner then their Leather Oil on a motorcycle jacket. What I'm experiencing is a somewhat "chalky" finish, so it's like a well-moistened yet dull surface. I'm looking to shine it up just a bit to deepen the color and shine a bit. Would I be better off with the cream or wax polish? My shoe game is spot on but I've never tried to care for a jacket before, with super-low shine.
Thank for this video Kirby. I have a question though. I we wax the shoes to make it shine, the next time that we apply the cream to moisturiser the leather we need to remove the wax patina? Thank you
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.
If the shoe is stripped of the finish and dye, will a pigmented cream polish suffice to both redye and finish with enough applications or would you recommend a full dye, finish, and then cream polish/wax polish?
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?
I have some boots made of pull-up leather. What Saphir products do you recommend and polishing techniques. Cannot find any good videos discussing pull-up leather shoes/boot.
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.
I wear Mephisto shoes and Filson outdoor shoes which are both more on the "rustic" side so I am less concerned with shine than color maintenance and leather preservation. Do you recommend the Saphir cream for my situation or another product? Also, the Filson shoes/ boots are treated with an oil preservative. How does this complicate my situation? Thanks for very informative videos. Jim
Hello there, I have an issue. I have a pair of ostrich print boots, now I've had gone over a lot of RUclips videos trying to figure out how I can get scuffs out the scratches that I had these boots are really really nice boots for me I don't use them but to go out in now my question is is I watched your video all the way through and it's a burgundy color boot that I have ostrich print mind you not realanyway I have a problem to wear the black dots that were supposed to be the print I guess you would say they have faded on the front of the toe is there a way to bring it back
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.
furga Thanks! That cut is incorrect. Shouldn't be wax. Should have been cream. A mistake in the editing. Generally, there is no reason to mix wax and cream. First Polish with cream, and then finish with wax.
If Saphir is so good for it's natural, isn't the same if not better and cheaper to use a light hair conditioner, than a natural uncolored unscented oil such as coconut oil and pure bees wax on spots?
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 :)
demosthenes g Hard questions to answer. Really depends on your price point, but I would recommend starting with Allen Edmunds at a minimum. Key is to go with a Goodyear Welted shoe and, generally, to try to stay away from fashion or new-age brands (generally less value there). If you are looking at anything specific, email customer service and we'll be happy to help as much as we can!
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?
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???
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.
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!
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.
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.
It's so good he even puts it in his hair
😂
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
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!!
Thank you for explaining the reasoning _why_ you do the different steps. I'd been watching so many videos to try and understand this and you laid it out beautifully. I no longer have to look at the different creams and waxes I'd bought thinking I'd wasted my money by buying things I didn't know how to use.
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. 😂
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.
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).
I always remove the laces AND I clean the tongue with cream but not wax
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?
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.
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..
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
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..
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
Can you put mirror gloss right on top of the cream polish or do you have to put a layer of wax polish on as an intermediate step?
Unexpectedly informative. Everything I was hoping to learn. Thank you for this video. Keep doing these.
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
Mr. Rogers with the boot swag
I came here for the “Mr. Rodgers sweater” comment. Left satisfied! 👍
I thought so too
@4:11 looks to use a different polish? Am I wrong? Just looking for clarification.
Excellent video on shoe conditioning and polishing, and Saphir products.
Thanks for your shoe shine videos. I have found them all to be significant sources of information.
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.
Question: how often should you clean your shoe brush
Great vid, short and to the point, I wonder what I did wrong when my shoes become a little white! Gracias
Hi! I have a wild raw hide shoe from vivo barefoot shoes and I wear them everyday. They get dirty and wet though. I don’t care about shine. I only care about keeping them clean and want them to last as long as possible. Thank you!
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
Useful. I want to freshen my red shoes up but wasn’t sure about which product to use and how to match color
Would you advice removing the shoestrings prior to polishing the shoes?
Does Mr. Allison’s hair look a bit disheveled?
Thanks for the informative video.
My shoes have been cracking around the exact area you were saying. Ruined my expensive shoes. Will be using shoe cream going forward. And switching to sapphir
Shoe creams will cause cracking on the stress points and offer absolutely no protection from water or perspiration. Remember anything that soaks into the leather opens the door for everything else to soak in. Wax polish does not soak in, but actually sets on the surface of the leather adding protection and yet maintaining breathability.
I love the look of my wax polished toe caps, with a gradient towards the body of the shoe. My problem is that it only takes a couple drops of rain to mess it up. If the leather underneath swells up, because of the saturation of the rain water, the wax cracks.
That's weird. I wore highly polished shoes in ROTC, and they were never affected by water. It is a wax, and water can't penetrate it. So maybe you're using a poor quality 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.
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.
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.
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!!!
Melting them together gives very satisfying mix.
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?
what did you use from 4:08 to 4:12..?? cream or wax
My bro was in the army and watching this reminds me of the days he taught me and made me polish his shoes whenever he came home on vacation... This man in a way looks and sounds like my brother 😂😅😊... I had to apply the cream polish and leave the shoes in the sunshine until the polish gets absorbed for 30-60mins and then i had to polish it with the brush until each and every surface reflects light like a mirror
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
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?
How can one go into wholesale of this polish... Where can one get the product at chipper price
Thank you for sharing. What is the reason to apply water on the wax to make it look glossy?
Ok, soo what can I use for the care if I want to renovate the part where the shoe is bending during walking? Condicioners from brand Saphir?
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.
I thought that Mr. Roger's grandmother-made cardigan was at the Smithsonian Institute - did you borrow it?
My shoes are two tone. Black and brown. Do I need two colors of cream and/or shine?
What is the name of the shoe in the video I love it would buy one thanks in advance
Great Job Kirby!
He is the absolute best.
Great video--do you worry about ever polishing the tongues of the shoes?
What’s the best way to clean a horse hair brush in an effort to remove any buildup?
Thank you for the clarification and thank you for the lesson!
Thank you, bought saphir cream, wax and sole guard for my English Barkers.
For women's leather shoes, do you need to get a horse hair brush for the cream shoe polish (not pigmented) or will a clean cloth work as well? Thank you for the great tutorial.
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.
Did you get that outfit at Mr. Rogers garage sale after he passed?
King Fish lol
😄😭
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?
Weird unrelated question - where did you get your wedding ring? I like it!
How come you didn't remove the laces first? Would help to clean the tongue too.
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 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.
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
Discovered your channel just recently, great content! Keep up the good work, God Bless!
Wouldn’t it be advisable to remove the shoelaces first ?
Instead of a horsehair brush, what about using an electric buffer?
Generally, it's good practice to condition and buff your shoes with shoe trees inserted. You get the cream into creases better. But most of all, buffing with shoe trees in will counter crease manifestation (heat from buffing).
Meltonian. Or whatever. It's also effective to use a neutral polish first, or second. The more layers, the better the visual.
Question for you Kirby... I used Obenauf's Leather Cleaner then their Leather Oil on a motorcycle jacket. What I'm experiencing is a somewhat "chalky" finish, so it's like a well-moistened yet dull surface. I'm looking to shine it up just a bit to deepen the color and shine a bit. Would I be better off with the cream or wax polish? My shoe game is spot on but I've never tried to care for a jacket before, with super-low shine.
Thank for this video Kirby.
I have a question though.
I we wax the shoes to make it shine, the next time that we apply the cream to moisturiser the leather we need to remove the wax patina?
Thank you
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.
If the shoe is stripped of the finish and dye, will a pigmented cream polish suffice to both redye and finish with enough applications or would you recommend a full dye, finish, and then cream polish/wax polish?
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?
These product pages in the link are invalid. Thanks for the videos Kirby.
Best shoe shine boy video I've ever seen! I'm definitely saving this tutorial video. Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated
Cremes contains emulsified lanolin. Waxes contain carnauba, which produces the best shine.
I have some boots made of pull-up leather. What Saphir products do you recommend and polishing techniques. Cannot find any good videos discussing pull-up leather shoes/boot.
I usually buff with a cloth. Is this advisable? I find a cloth gets the buff much faster.
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.
I wear Mephisto shoes and Filson outdoor shoes which are both more on the "rustic" side so I am less concerned with shine than color maintenance and leather preservation. Do you recommend the Saphir cream for my situation or another product? Also, the Filson shoes/ boots are treated with an oil preservative. How does this complicate my situation? Thanks for very informative videos. Jim
Here i am at 2 am thinking about starting a hobby of collecting and polishing shoes it seems relaxing and satisfying
Hello there, I have an issue. I have a pair of ostrich print boots, now I've had gone over a lot of RUclips videos trying to figure out how I can get scuffs out the scratches that I had these boots are really really nice boots for me I don't use them but to go out in now my question is is I watched your video all the way through and it's a burgundy color boot that I have ostrich print mind you not realanyway I have a problem to wear the black dots that were supposed to be the print I guess you would say they have faded on the front of the toe is there a way to bring it back
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.
Can you mix the coloring creams to match your shoe's color? Im wondering if that is possible or even works. Very good video by the way. Cheers!
Merci Monsieur Kirby pour ces explications, vous êtes aussi très élégant british 👔🎩👞
Nice video!
But why on 4:08 do you mix the wax with the cream during the process?
furga Thanks! That cut is incorrect. Shouldn't be wax. Should have been cream. A mistake in the editing. Generally, there is no reason to mix wax and cream. First Polish with cream, and then finish with wax.
The Hanger Project Thank you for replying so promptly. I really like your videos!
furga 👍🙏
If Saphir is so good for it's natural, isn't the same if not better and cheaper to use a light hair conditioner, than a natural uncolored unscented oil such as coconut oil and pure bees wax on spots?
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 :)
Hello @Kirby Allison. How often should I apply the leather cream to the shoe?
Hello, i love your channel and male footwear, thus i was wondering what would be a good pair oxfords to start with?
demosthenes g Hard questions to answer. Really depends on your price point, but I would recommend starting with Allen Edmunds at a minimum. Key is to go with a Goodyear Welted shoe and, generally, to try to stay away from fashion or new-age brands (generally less value there). If you are looking at anything specific, email customer service and we'll be happy to help as much as we can!
Which product would be good for waterproofing after a new dye application? I prefer more of a matter finish.
Thanks Mr. Rogers.
Exactly, a homey neighborhood touch.
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?
I actually mixed your purplish, violet and magenta and made a good purple for my Dr. Martens. You Blue was perfect for my brighter blue DMs.
Awesome! Yes, the polishes can certainly be mixed!