Whether you’re just getting into shoe care or looking to elevate your routine, here are the tools, guides, and sources I trust. This hobby blends practicality with old-school craftsmanship—and having the right resources makes all the difference.
🧴 Products I Recommend
Saphir Médaille d’Or – My go-to brand. French-made and among the finest in the world. I use:
- Renovateur for conditioning
- Pommadier Cream Polish for nourishing and recoloring
- Mirror Gloss Wax Polish for achieving a high shine
Tip: a little goes a long way.
Horsehair Brushes – Invest in large and small ones. I use separate brushes for dark and light polishes.
Chamois / Cotton Cloths – Old t-shirts work in a pinch, but I prefer purpose-made polishing cloths for consistent results.
Edge Dressing / Sole Guard – To finish the edges and protect leather soles from moisture.
🛠 Where to Buy
- Kirby Allison (kirbyallison.com) – Excellent source for premium products, especially Saphir.
- The Hanger Project – Also run by Kirby, focused on high-end shoe and wardrobe care.
- Amazon – Convenient for brushes, cloths, and basic creams (check authenticity).
- Gentleman’s Gazette – Occasionally stocks quality gear and offers detailed tutorials.
🎥 Tutorials & Guides
- Kirby Allison’s YouTube Channel – In-depth, no-nonsense tutorials. Great for learning mirror shines and proper conditioning techniques.
- The Elegant Oxford (YouTube) – Andres Herrera gives fantastic, practical tutorials with a clean aesthetic.
- Gentleman’s Gazette: Shoe Care Basics – Well-illustrated blog posts and videos.
📘 Books Worth Reading
- “The Shoe Care Companion” by Valeria Valle – A compact guide that covers everything from basic care to advanced restoration.
- “True Style” by G. Bruce Boyer – Not just about shoes, but offers a great perspective on timeless style and how well-maintained footwear fits in.
💡 My Tips for Beginners
- Start with one good pair – Practice on shoes you care about but aren’t afraid to mess up.
- Condition before you polish – Always prep the leather first.
- Less is more – Too much product clogs the pores. Thin layers shine best.
- Patience pays – Let layers dry between steps and enjoy the process. This is a ritual, not a race.