Shoe Care – Khakis Style
When it comes to shoe care you need to invest a little time and pride, your freshly polished shoes will elevate your entire wardrobe. After countless pairs, from Alden to Edward Green, one thing is for certain; regular care and quality products will keep your shoes healthy, pristine and long lasting. This level of appurtenance defines your commitment to your persona and honors the appreciation of bench-made footwear.
We use Saphir shoe care products for all shoe maintenance.
Tools needed
- Shoetrees
- Horsehair shoe brush
- dark hair for your dark brown, black and cordovan shoes
- light hair for tan and blonde shoes
- Damp cloth
- Dry smooth cloth such as an old t-shirt
- don’t use terry as it will absorb the product
- Saphir Renovateur
- Saphir polish if needed
- use dauber for application
- Saphir Sealant
- Cotton chamois cloth
Step One – Cleaning
- Remove laces – optional
- Insert the shoetrees so you can apply pressure as needed.
- Dust away loose dirt with your brush.
- Wipe with your damp cloth to remove any lingering polish or residues.
Step Two – Conditioning
- Grab the Renovateur, with two fingers tightly wrapped in your cloth, apply a dime size amount and thoroughly work into the entire top of each shoe.
- This step not only cleanses and nourishes the leather, but more importantly it opens the leather’s pores.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes before brushing off with the horsehair brush.
Step 3 – Polishing Cream
- With the leather prepared to accept polish, sparingly apply small dabs of the color cream evenly over the shoe.
- It’s a bit waxier than the Renovateur so make sure it dries evenly.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes before brushing off with the horsehair brush. This process can be repeated up to 3 times, just be careful to not build it up in the creases.
Jim’s “shoe-nut” pro tip:
- Use a shade darker than the leather to bring out details and patina.
- For the burnished antiqued look, small dabs of black on the toe and heel areas.
Step Four – Sealing
When it comes to the sealant, less is more. The sealant is a finishing wax that closes the pores. For a higher shine, go with a wax that’s beeswax based.
- In very small dabs, circle the wax around.
- Don’t rush, and don’t try and do the whole shoe at once.
- Work thoroughly, inch by inch. Each shoe should take about 15-20 minutes to coat.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes before brushing off.
- This step can be repeated if you’d like a higher or more even shine.
Step Five – Finishing
Grab your cotton chamois cloth around, give the shoe a quick wipe down. This will remove any excess shoe care and give the leather that brand new, polished look.
Jim’s “shoe-nut” pro tip:
- Place the shoes in their shoe bags for 24 hours before wearing. This allows the shoes to completely absorb the product, and love, you’ve given them.
Step Six – Enjoy
Lace up, look down, feel proud.
