Traditionally in the UK, shoe trees are made of beech wood. I have read that the only reason that American's traditionally use cedar is because it was a readily available, cheap and light wood, not because it offered any moisture absorbing advantages over other wood types. Most of mine are cedar now because they're produced very cheaply in China but nearly all the ones I purchased in shoe shops twenty or thirty years ago were beech. Regarding using them, I feel no need to leave shoe trees in all the time for boots (which have fairly thick leather) and tend to just use them for a day or two after wearing the boots. My (rarely used) dress shoes do tend to get stored with shoe trees most of the time. I used to use a lightweight plastic shoe tree for travel but now mainly stuff my footwear with socks when travelling.
I wear a pair of RM Williams every day Mon to Fri. They are so comfortable. I condition and polish them regularly. I’ve not thought to give them a rest mid week. I might wear my other pair (black) more often. I can’t believe I’m committing on this!
I have an old tin of the RM Williams dressing as well, from when I used to wear their boots regularly. I didn't know about the Oakwood product though and will look into it, thanks. Hello from Brisbane 👋
Another great video Teik. 🙂 Maybe a word of caution regarding metal toe taps. They tend to get sharp-ish at the edge from wear and you can (probably will) easily scratch wooden/smooth floors with them. As I've found out with my own wooden floor... Metal toe taps are also clearly audible when walking. Not a big fan of that either but that's personal. Like you pointed out in this video, leather soles will round off quickly at the toes when new. Given the impression of quick wear. In my experience, this wear slows down considerably after the first rounding off, if that makes sense. If taken care of properly with an oil for leathers soles (something like Saphir Sole Guard), they last a very long time.
It`s also possible to rewax waxed flesh leather or even wax roughout leather with Venetian Shoe Cream instead of using a hair-dryer and waxy stuff like Sno-Seal. Otter wax should also not require the use of heat.
Hi there, great vid!...just a question, I'm having trouble locating venetian shoe cream in Australia...any chance you could tell me where you got yours from??? (or at least a more readily available alternative?)
I am looking at getting my first Chelsea Boot (RM-Comfort Craftsman) what products would you suggest for this boot, I'm nervous on what to use as they're $650 as you are well aware. Thanks Tek
Have you ever used a boot dryer or shoe dryer product? I only have one boot so I want to take care of it as well as possible. I always enjoy watch your videos. hope you be stay healthy
I use a Peet dryer daily, it's plugged in all the time. The heat is very low, slightly warmer than body temp, and it's not forced by a fan. It won't harm your boots. I throw my boots on for 3-4 hours when I get home with normal wear. If the boots get truly wet or soaked, I leave them on overnight. I've done this for years and years with all of my boots and shoes. It's kind of like a docking station. This, in combination with shoe trees and brushing really extends the life of your footwear, and they stay odor free. It's an excellent investment, and if you only own one pair it'll greatly increase the life because they will dry completely between wears. This is why resting and having at least two pairs is recommended, but the dryer mitigates this somewhat. I've even left boots on overnight for months at a time with no issue. I keep my stuff clean and conditioned though, I will say that
I’ve used a Peet dryer for well over a decade. Super gentle heat. There’s no risk of overheating the leather with normal use, (provided the unit isn’t damaged or defective). I had to buy the extension tubes for my Frye 12” engineer boots because you’re supposed to have at least 6” clearance between the top of the dryer base and the boot opening.
Traditionally in the UK, shoe trees are made of beech wood.
I have read that the only reason that American's traditionally use cedar is because it was a readily available, cheap and light wood, not because it offered any moisture absorbing advantages over other wood types. Most of mine are cedar now because they're produced very cheaply in China but nearly all the ones I purchased in shoe shops twenty or thirty years ago were beech.
Regarding using them, I feel no need to leave shoe trees in all the time for boots (which have fairly thick leather) and tend to just use them for a day or two after wearing the boots. My (rarely used) dress shoes do tend to get stored with shoe trees most of the time.
I used to use a lightweight plastic shoe tree for travel but now mainly stuff my footwear with socks when travelling.
I wear a pair of RM Williams every day Mon to Fri. They are so comfortable. I condition and polish them regularly. I’ve not thought to give them a rest mid week. I might wear my other pair (black) more often. I can’t believe I’m committing on this!
I have an old tin of the RM Williams dressing as well, from when I used to wear their boots regularly. I didn't know about the Oakwood product though and will look into it, thanks. Hello from Brisbane 👋
Another great video Teik. 🙂
Maybe a word of caution regarding metal toe taps. They tend to get sharp-ish at the edge from wear and you can (probably will) easily scratch wooden/smooth floors with them. As I've found out with my own wooden floor... Metal toe taps are also clearly audible when walking. Not a big fan of that either but that's personal.
Like you pointed out in this video, leather soles will round off quickly at the toes when new. Given the impression of quick wear. In my experience, this wear slows down considerably after the first rounding off, if that makes sense. If taken care of properly with an oil for leathers soles (something like Saphir Sole Guard), they last a very long time.
Great point!
It`s also possible to rewax waxed flesh leather or even wax roughout leather with Venetian Shoe Cream instead of using a hair-dryer and waxy stuff like Sno-Seal. Otter wax should also not require the use of heat.
I was timid regarding my Joseph Chaney and Grant Stone boots and if I was caring for them properly. Thank you for this video!
Good bless you Tek!
Thanks for the tips! I appreciate your thorough explanation.
Awesome video, nice timing I needed advice on this.
This was very informative
Hi there, great vid!...just a question, I'm having trouble locating venetian shoe cream in Australia...any chance you could tell me where you got yours from??? (or at least a more readily available alternative?)
I usually buy from Amazon.
Thanks Teik. Which conditioner do you recommend for matte leather?
@@TheMustafamarwan Bick 4 should work
@Bootlosophy thanks!
Very much appreciated!
I am looking at getting my first Chelsea Boot (RM-Comfort Craftsman) what products would you suggest for this boot, I'm nervous on what to use as they're $650 as you are well aware. Thanks Tek
You can always stick with RM Williams products
Hey mate what’s your favourite boot trees. Thanks mate
I don’t have favourites just buying them from eBay
Have you ever used a boot dryer or shoe dryer product? I only have one boot so I want to take care of it as well as possible.
I always enjoy watch your videos. hope you be stay healthy
Never tried one. It will help overnight to stuff it with newspaper, but really, best not to force it dry
I use a Peet dryer daily, it's plugged in all the time. The heat is very low, slightly warmer than body temp, and it's not forced by a fan. It won't harm your boots. I throw my boots on for 3-4 hours when I get home with normal wear. If the boots get truly wet or soaked, I leave them on overnight. I've done this for years and years with all of my boots and shoes. It's kind of like a docking station. This, in combination with shoe trees and brushing really extends the life of your footwear, and they stay odor free. It's an excellent investment, and if you only own one pair it'll greatly increase the life because they will dry completely between wears. This is why resting and having at least two pairs is recommended, but the dryer mitigates this somewhat. I've even left boots on overnight for months at a time with no issue. I keep my stuff clean and conditioned though, I will say that
I’ve used a Peet dryer for well over a decade. Super gentle heat. There’s no risk of overheating the leather with normal use, (provided the unit isn’t damaged or defective).
I had to buy the extension tubes for my Frye 12” engineer boots because you’re supposed to have at least 6” clearance between the top of the dryer base and the boot opening.
Do you ever clean or condition the inside of your boots? Especially thinking about those boots that are fully lined.
Not really. I always wear clean socks
Great tips. Take care of your boots and you’ll enjoy them for a very long time.
I really enjoy your videos. I learn so much.
Ple are can I boots subscribe on RUclips