Moisturizing should be a top priority for your skin, but don't neglect your trusty kicks. It's tough to find time for leather upkeep, but Tied was recently under the knife and had some downtime from the gym, school, and work. What's an homme to do in the dead of winter? Trash TV gets old pretty fast, so next time you find yourself recovering, plan an easy project to keep your mind working. Tied was inspired to deep-clean her neglected leather shoes, putting grooming staples to work in lieu of traditional shoe polishes.
The life of a modern law student is just as travel-heavy as it is bookish. Summer jobs, conferences, and interviews demand a certain degree of sartorial hardiness. Tied's leather Frye oxfords had been dulled by the snow, rain, and salt, and they needed some TLC. But with no shoe treatment tools in the house, and bed rest on the agenda, she had to be creative. Even Amazon Prime isn't fast enough in a pinch. Shoe cleaning essentials don't need to be complicated if your go-to products can multitask.
First, take those scraggly laces out. (Pro tip: keep extra laces around; they'll liven your shoes up and you can even throw new colors into the mix.) Take to your bathroom cabinet if you don't have polish, wax, and a brush, and look to your shaving supplies for clues. Remember, the brand matters less than the ingredients (but support a local shop if you can). We used Rescue Balm by Nova Scotia Fisherman for the first layer, loaded with essential oils to moisten the leather. Apply liberally and work out any water damage with an old rag. Use one layer for minimal damage; two or more for seriously parched leather. Let it soak, work it in and clean the creases (with a brush if you've got one), and buff it off with a cloth.
Once they're clean and hydrated, waxing your shoes up to a subtle gleam couldn't be easier. Again, no need for special shoe accessories. A fresh, lint-free cloth and pomade is all you need. If it's good enough for your hair, it's good enough for most leather shoes (we're not talking about suede or any of those delicate leathers, mind). Check the ingredients to make sure you don't use anything abrasive, and it's always good to test on an inconspicuous area first. We used Pompking pomade in Cherry Cola, a favorite of ours for its minimal ingredients list, high beeswax content, and a slightly industrial cherry aroma that reminds us of our favorite auto shops. It shines up nicely and sets in well.
Letting the wax sit lets it penetrate the nooks and crannies of your shoes, especially if they have bespoke detailing. Buff the wax off, using small tools or a brush for holes and grommets, and relace them when they're dry. Always use shoe trees, galoshes and insoles to keep your shoes and your feet fighting fit. Regular cleaning and oiling extends the life of your shoes, and it will highlight the leather's character as it matures. As a bonus, it's a meditative exercise that you can zone into when you need a break. Buff away!
Tied
