Working Shoe for Young Exec

[Ursuul]

Can anyone recommend a place for polishing leather shoes? I wanna get rid of scuff marks at the heel and toe cap. Maybe do a little conditioning on the leather as well. Price is not a factor. Thanks!

 

[PetiaC]

I think a darker shade of brown also works. I have been wearing dark brown shoes for the last 4 years, no comments from my superiors. Finance sector btw.

Dark brown normally no issue one. Is the lighter shade that attracts attention.

 

[Ind1go]

Dark brown normally no issue one. Is the lighter shade that attracts attention.

My personal opinion is that Medium brown should be the lightest shade for work.
Any lighter shade than that (e.g. Walnut / Light Brown / Tan) doesn't work for me as it looks too casual.

 

[alwaysnforever]

how do you all care for your shoes when you first bought it?

Condition it first, before applying the shoe polish?

 

[runforyourlife]

every 2 weeks polish once lor

 

[jonleelk]

how do you all care for your shoes when you first bought it?

Condition it first, before applying the shoe polish?

Just wear it.

 

[PetiaC]

how do you all care for your shoes when you first bought it?

Condition it first, before applying the shoe polish?

New shoes will receive the most or excessive TLC, then later more and more bo chup

Usually will put 2 layer of Reno or Cream to condition (depends on how "dry" I feel the leather" and wait a few hours - overnight for the leather to absorb fully.

Then follow up by wax polish and/or waterproof spray if required.

 

[Vadher]

Why nobody put toe-tap!

The heel can easily replace for $40, but the toe area gets worn down so badly that water can already seep in!

 

[archangle13]

Why nobody put toe-tap!

The heel can easily replace for $40, but the toe area gets worn down so badly that water can already seep in!

What's the cost like anyway? I heard toe taps are noisy and change your strides.

 

[SquallLH]

Why nobody put toe-tap!

The heel can easily replace for $40, but the toe area gets worn down so badly that water can already seep in!

Care to share which shop provide toe tap installation services?

 

[akloaklo]

If shoe is made of 100% leather means confirm is leather and not pvc?

Do people use leather conditioner on a $120 shoes or only on high end shoes ?

Bought a $120 casual leather brogue from beetlebug today (as I like the design better)

 

[PetiaC]

If shoe is made of 100% leather means confirm is leather and not pvc?

Do people use leather conditioner on a $120 shoes or only on high end shoes ?

Bought a $120 casual leather brogue from beetlebug today (as I like the design better)

A paper marche of leather scraps and paper glue together also called 100% leather.

Any quality of leather whether smooth, patterned or full grain will benefit from conditioning.

"Fake" leather and laminates will disintergrate upon conditioning as the glue will be dissolved by the solvent. Most of the belts in shopping mall are made by this material. If a pair of shoes are made with these they will not last long at all.

PS: the term is called bonded leather.

 

[akloaklo]

oh I see.

Anyway since is only $100 or so shoes I guess there is no need to take that good care :d

Did some research online and it is leather upper...I think if synthetic leather they will might have to declare also.

 

[PetiaC]

oh I see.

Anyway since is only $100 or so shoes I guess there is no need to take that good care :d

Did some research online and it is leather upper...I think if synthetic leather they will might have to declare also.

$100 is also money. Why not learn how to take care of them as practice before going to more expensive shoes.

I take care of all my leather shoes regardless of the price. Some type of leather require different care method eg. nubuck/suede leather.

Even if the welt is glued or molded the upper can be more durable with some care. For casual shoes the easiest way is to just keep it clean with a clean damp cloth and spray a waterproofing spray protector.

The leather will not dry out and crack if you don't get it wet and wear them regularly.

 

[akloaklo]

$100 is also money. Why not learn how to take care of them as practice before going to more expensive shoes.

I take care of all my leather shoes regardless of the price. Some type of leather require different care method eg. nubuck/suede leather.

Even if the welt is glued or molded the upper can be more durable with some care. For casual shoes the easiest way is to just keep it clean with a clean damp cloth and spray a waterproofing spray protector.

The leather will not dry out and crack if you don't get it wet and wear them regularly.

The last part a bit confusing.

Don't get the shoe wet = won't crack.
Wear regularly will crack or won't crack?

Thanks.

 

[PetiaC]

The last part a bit confusing.

Don't get the shoe wet = won't crack.
Wear regularly will crack or won't crack?

Thanks.

Sorry for the confusion.

If the leather is drenched in rain, the rapid evaporation afterwards will cause the leather to dry out till eventually crack.

So at all cost try not to get caught in heavy rain, slight drizzle is ok but soaking wet is particularly bad.

If caught in the rain use newspaper to soak out as much water as possible then use shoe trees to help soak out the dampness. Apply conditioner once dry.

Normal wear the leather will dry out slowly, will absorb oil and moisture from your body. But regular maintenance will prolong the lifespan and help the leather age better ie the wear and tear will create a nice patina (erm vintage look hard to explain)

 

[IceX]

Black is due to your choice or workplace requirement or defacto standards?

Black pants must wear black shoes. The walnut shoes are no-no with black but ok with navy (dun unless part of suit) and light to mid grey.

You can have different styles of black shoes if you seek variety (if die die must wear black pants) for eg monkstrap. Will look formal too.

ok thanks for opinions..

how about this? pairing this with just shirt and pants ok? I always felt wingtips looks better in a suit..not sure if it will work for just shirt and pants

 

[PetiaC]

ok thanks for opinions..

how about this? pairing this with just shirt and pants ok? I always felt wingtips looks better in a suit..not sure if it will work for just shirt and pants

Wingtip is fine in office except for the most formal occasions doesnt matter suit or shirt / pants. Any shoe with perforation or medallion is less formal than a cap toe.

So it is compulsary to wear black pants in office? Kinda boring to have all shoes in black... Try push your luck lighten the shade to dark charcoal and dark brown shoes.

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

 

[PetiaC]

IMO the double sole shoes should go to the chinos section and the monkstraps are smart enuf for a suit.

Otherwise it is a general guide and answers most of the questions posted in this thread.