9. Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is another common household item that can be used to stretch tight shoes. If that new pair of shoes is giving your feet a hard time, you can more easily break them in and give them a stretch with rubbing alcohol. Make a dilution of rubbing alcohol by mixing it in a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol.
- Spray the inside of the shoes and wear them for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can simply rub the rubbing alcohol onto the parts of the shoes that need to be stretched or feel especially tight.
- After rubbing the tighter parts with alcohol, put the shoes on while they are wet, and wear them.
- Lastly, you can soak a pair of socks in rubbing alcohol, put them on, put on your shoes or boots, and wear them until the alcohol dries.
You can repeat this as many times as you need.
Contents
What does rubbing alcohol do to shoes?
Disinfect With Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is your best friend when it comes to your shoe sanitizing station. Rubbing alcohol is efficient at getting rid of germs and bacteria on many different surfaces and is safe to use on most types of shoes. A good rule of thumb for a shoe sanitizer spray is to use a three-to-one concoction of rubbing alcohol and water.
Will rubbing alcohol stretch leather?
Use Rubbing Alcohol – Make a rubbing alcohol and water mixture with one part isopropyl alcohol and three parts water. Shake it up in a spray bottle and apply it to the areas of the boots where you want to stretch. After application, wear the boots with thick socks or use your hands to manipulate the area manually. Wear them until the leather is completely dry.
Does alcohol break in shoes?
Don’t spray your boots with a combination of alcohol and water. – Spraying your boots with alcohol and water to stretch, widen, or soften up the leather in areas where the boot or shoe is tight, is something cobblers do. Fiebing even sells shoe stretching spray that is just water and alcohol, but for breaking in boots, just wearing them and bending them is much better.
If you have a problematic spot where the leather is too stiff like on the ankle, a good cobbler can soften the leather in that spot. You want to avoid the alcohol and water spray method because it also strips out the oils from your new boots. You need to use leather conditioner, which can be expensive.
Also, you can cause the dye in the leather to fade. That may not be too important for a pair of work boots or hiking boots, but you definitely don’t want to damage a pair of $400 dress boots. Alcohol will eat the dyes out of your boots. It will increase the brittleness of the leather, which can lead quickly to cracking and other damage.
Will isopropyl alcohol damage leather?
Choosing Materials to Clean Your Car Interior – The first step to cleaning and disinfecting your car interior is to choose the cleaning agents and materials you will use. Depending on whether you have leather, cloth, or imitation leather upholstery, steps and cleaning agents will differ.
Isopropyl alcohol is a proven disinfectant, and is also safe to use on most car interior surfaces. In fact, it is used in many production plants to put a final touch on interior components before they are shipped out. Isopropyl alcohol will remove many stains, smudges and residues, as well as kill bacteria and viruses.
However, that stain removing quality can also cause problems with leather. If your vehicle has a leather interior, it probably has a thin protective coating to prevent discoloration. Isopropyl alcohol can deteriorate that coating and even remove the dye from the leather itself.
- It is safe and easy to use isopropyl alcohol that is 70% or higher to wipe down hard surfaces in your vehicle.
- That includes steering wheel, dash, armrests, console, seat adjusters, shifter, cup-holders, doors, handles, and more.
- Alcohol is also suitable for cleaning the imitation leather used in some vehicles.
It is important to prioritize these “high touch” areas of your car when disinfecting. All wiping and cleaning should be done with a microfiber cloth if you have one available. Not only do they do a great job of trapping dirt, but they also prevent scratches.
Grilles Knobs Rearview Mirror Door Handles Steering Wheel Gear Shifter Seatbelts
Does alcohol loosen tight shoes?
9. Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is another common household item that can be used to stretch tight shoes. If that new pair of shoes is giving your feet a hard time, you can more easily break them in and give them a stretch with rubbing alcohol. Make a dilution of rubbing alcohol by mixing it in a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol.
- Spray the inside of the shoes and wear them for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can simply rub the rubbing alcohol onto the parts of the shoes that need to be stretched or feel especially tight.
- After rubbing the tighter parts with alcohol, put the shoes on while they are wet, and wear them.
- Lastly, you can soak a pair of socks in rubbing alcohol, put them on, put on your shoes or boots, and wear them until the alcohol dries.
You can repeat this as many times as you need.
Can I stretch shoes a half size?
If you did buy shoes that are too snug, there are some at-home tips you can follow to stretch shoes for a more comfortable fit. In general, stretching your shoes can add a quarter- to a half-size in space, David Mesquita, owner of The Leather Spa, a leather repair boutique in New York City, tells SELF.
How can I stretch my leather shoes overnight?
Apply a little heat – To stretch leather shoes, a blow dryer and thick socks are all you need to address too-tight shoes. Put on a thick pair of socks with the shoes, then aim your blow dryer at the tight spots, using medium heat to soften the shoe until it fits comfortably.
How do you loosen tight shoes overnight?
3. Frozen zip-close bag – This method works best on nonleather shoes.
- Fill a zip-close bag part of the way with water.
- Place the partially filled bag inside your shoe. Try to arrange it so it’s near the tight spots.
- Now place the shoe and bag in the freezer overnight.
The water will turn into ice and expand, giving you a custom stretch for your shoes.
Can I use water to stretch leather shoes?
How can I make leather stretch faster? – Two of the key elements that you can utilize to make leather stretch faster are water and warmth. One of the most common ways to stretch leather besides wearing it yourself is, for example, to completely submerge it in water, leave it to soak for ten minutes, and then wear it in or otherwise stretch it out until it is dry.
Can you stretch shoes a size bigger?
Want to learn how to make shoes bigger at home and/or with professional tools? Well, today you will learn how to stretch shoes in 6 different ways. There are many reasons why you’d want to make too small shoes bigger. Maybe you’ve just bought a new pair of shoes; they haven’t been worn in yet, so they’re a little tight.
- Stretching shoes is a great way to break in shoes ! Or maybe you have 2 different sized feet and there’s always one that fits just right, but the other is often too big.
- I have this problem and it’s extremely frustrating.
- Or better yet, maybe your friend has gifted you a beautiful pair of Louboutin heels that you’d like to wear to a function.
However, the shoes are too small and you need to figure out how to stretch out shoes asap, No matter the reasons you’re here today for a how to stretch shoes lesson, it’s always better not run the risk of blisters, discomfort or stability issues! In this post, I’m walking you through how to make shoes bigger, when your footwear is either too tight or too narrow for your feet.
- Stretching shoes lengthwise is also possible, but if you’re using DIY methods at home, I’d advise never trying to stretch them more than a half size up.
- Thankfully, most shoes can easily be stretched out to achieve some toe-wiggling room! And there are a few cheap & cheerful shoe repair hacks that you can easily do at home.
Check out my post about boots, if you’re looking for how to break in leather boots, even at the calf! There are so many types of shoes with their own particular shoe-stretching needs. That’s why I’ve also written a post on how to break in cowboy boots, as they are made of very tough leather! At the end of this post, I will also be listing out the top 5 signs your shoes are too small and when you should definitely NOT stretch your shoes ! RELATED POSTS :
- How to Stretch in Cowboy Boots
- How to Break in High Heels
- How to Make Shoes Smaller
Is it OK to wear a tight shoe?
Not only does wearing tight shoes cause damage to your feet, but it can also cause damage to other parts of your body. As your body adjusts your gait and posture due to the pressure from your tight shoes, your legs, hips, lower back, and other muscles can become strained.
How long does it take to stretch shoes?
12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about How to use a Shoe Stretcher – Question 1: I’m right between the sizes of the Shoe Stretcher options, should I size up or down? Answer: We recommend sizing down if you are between sizes. If the Shoe Stretcher is too big, then you will have a hard time fitting the Heel Block into the back of the shoe.
Question 2: Can I use a Shoe Stretcher for boots or high heels? Answer: We do not recommend using our Bulldog for boots or high heels. But don’t worry, we offer the same high-quality stretchers here for Boots, Cowboy Boots, and High Heels. For detailed instructions on How to Stretch Boots, Click Here,
Question 3: Do I need to use a Stretching Spray? Answer: It is optional but is not necessary. If you do decide to use one, be careful and go gently as it could over-stretch the shoe. Question 4: Can I use a Shoe Stretcher on leather sneakers? Answer: Yes, most shoe materials will respond to a shoe stretcher.
- However vinyl or plastic parts may not retain the stretch as well.
- Question 5: How long does it take to stretch shoes with a shoe stretcher? Answer: About 8 hours to get results.
- Up to 24 hours would do well.
- Question 6: How effective are Shoe Stretchers? Answer: If the Shoe Stretcher is strong and not made of plastic, it will be very effective in stretching your shoes.
Question 7: What are the best shoe stretchers? Answer: The best shoe stretchers are the ones that are made from thick metal and wood, because they do not break when under stress. For example, our Bulldog Shoe Stretcher is made with Stainless Steel and German Beech Hardwood,
- Many of the less-expensive plastic stretchers are not strong enough to withhold the pressure of stretching a too-tight shoe, and they break.
- It’s better to spend a little more money on a quality metal and wood stretcher so you can stretch your shoe correctly.
- Question 8: Can I stretch shoes just a half size? Answer: Yes.
Using a quality shoe stretcher like the Bulldog from HOUNDSBAY can definitely stretch your shoes just a half size. Question 9: Can I stretch shoes a whole size? Answer: Yes, a strong wood and metal shoe stretcher like the Bulldog from HOUNDSBAY can easily stretch your shoes a whole size.
- Question 10: How much to cobblers charge to stretch shoes? Answer: A cobbler may charge $25 to $50 to stretcher shoes.
- Many people prefer to buy their own quality shoe stretcher to stretch their shoes in the comfort of their own home.
- Question 11: How can I stretch the toes of my shoes wider? Answer: Use a quality shoe stretcher like the Bulldog from HOUNDSBAY.
It can stretch the width of your shoes, and using the included bunion plugs near the toe area, you can create more room for your toes, Question 12: Do Shoe Trees Stretch Shoes? Answer: No. Shoe Trees are important for maintaining, over time, the shape and quality of your shoes.
Is 70% alcohol safe on leather?
Have a problem with your leather and are not sure how to fix it? Getting different pieces of advice everywhere you turn? Here are a handful of so-called “leather remedies” that will do you more harm than good. There is a lot of misinformation out there.
- Eep these tips in mind and you won’t turn a minor problem into a major one! Good Rule of Thumb The best way to remember what you can and can’t use on your leather is to keep this in mind: The two most commonly used chemicals that will cause severe damage to your leather are alcohol and acetone.
- Stay away from products that contain these substances at all costs, regardless of what you read online.
Common “Remedies” that ruin leather: 1. Fingernail polish remover – Do not attempt to use fingernail polish remover to get a stain or mark off your leather. Fingernail polish contains acetone, which removes all color from leather, creating a large bleached-looking spot around the area where it is applied.2. Brown Marker 3. Markers – Using a similar colored marker in an attempt to conceal a problem in your leather is likely to make the problem area worse and even more noticeable. It is darn near impossible to find a marker that will match your leather dye well, and the ink itself can be damaging.
- Many types of leather have what is called a sauvage, or marbled-looking, finish that you will never be able to recreate with a marker.4.
- Shoe polish – Remember this, the leather on your shoes is tanned differently from the leather on your furniture.
- Furniture leather will not accept or soak up shoe polish in same the way that shoe leather does because it is made differently.
Shoe polish will just make a gunky mess on your furniture and on the pants of everyone who sits there. Cleaner with alcohol 5. Hair Spray – Some sources swear by hair spray to remove stains and marks on your leather. This is definitely a bad idea. There are a couple of major problems with hair spray. First, most hair spray contains alcohol that damages leather (see #2).
Second, hair spray is not very effective for removing marks, and its sticky residue collects more dirt and dust, causing further problems and discoloration in many cases.6. Disposable cleaning supplies such as disinfectant wipes or pre-wet sponges, The vast majority of these contain alcohol and are a bad idea.
We don’t recommend that you use these items, but if you decide to do it, make sure you read the label and are absolutely certain there is no alcohol in the product. So, what should I use? The best substance to use on leather is a cleaner made specifically for that purpose.
Does alcohol shrink leather?
Can you soak leather in alcohol? – Soaking leather in alcohol is generally not recommended, as it can cause the leather to become damaged or discolored. Alcohol can be drying to leather, which can cause the fibers to become brittle and break down over time.
Does rubbing alcohol soften leather?
How to Soften Leather the Right Way The article has been updated with new useful information 2023/01/13 When it comes to working with leather, finding a good quality leather softener is always smart. As you might know, leather can often become cracked, damaged, dried out, or otherwise weak over time.
- Apply a generous portion of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad. Then, dab the pad on the leather surface until it is shiny.
- Afterward, apply Vaseline to the surface. You can apply a few layers if you feel that leather can absorb more. Leave it to dry overnight.
- Leave the leather item in the sun for 10 minutes or use a hair dryer to heat its surface.
- Then, take a spoonful of coconut oil and rub it in.
- Note: Coconut oil will darken the leather a shade or two.
- Apply a leather care conditioner (lanolin-based product), to the leather.
- If the surface is still stiff, you can apply several coats.
- Read about commercial care products and how properties differ below.
- Mink oil can be used on jackets, boots, bags, or other leather accessories.
- Saturate a dry rag with the oil and apply up to three layers on the leather.
- Rub the oil into the surface using circle motions. Give the oil 2 to 3 days to absorb.
Please be aware that utilizing DIY skin care products can damage the leather of the goods by using materials of low quality or by miscalculating the consistency. However, homemade skin care solutions will spare you the hassle and undesirable results. Use items made by experts! Products for caring for leather are a terrific way to keep it looking new.
- These items have an antibacterial solution to assist in keeping your leather goods looking new and maintaining their appearance.
- High-quality leather stain removers and water-resistant leather restoration treatments are available from olpr.
- You can also order a leather care kit to give your leather goods the utmost care and longevity! · Great waterproofing; · Powerful restoration; · Deeply conditions; · Buffs to a beautiful shine; · Hundred percent natural & locally sourced; · Handmade in the USA.
Application: Remove dirt, accumulated grime, and other surface impurities. Apply a tiny amount on a lint-free cloth and rub in a circular motion until the cloth is well coated. When dry, add more coatings if necessary. Give a 24-hour remedy. Note: Use on suede, nubuck, or pull-up leathers is not advised.
- Excellent care for leather products – wax conditioner.
- Containing 100% natural ingredients, the semi-thick conditioner provides maximum protection and restoration and guarantees the longevity of your leather products.
- It is ideal for leather that needs extra protection, tinting and for leather that is frequently exposed to external factors.
· Perfect waterproofing; · Long-lasting protection; · Easy to apply by hand or with a cloth; · Provides a beautiful shine; · Hundred percent natural ingredients; · Handmade in the USA. Application: Remove surface impurities, including dirt, plaque, and other debris.
Apply a tiny amount on a lint-free cloth and thoroughly rub in a circular motion. Apply extra coats if necessary after drying for an hour. Take a 24-hour break. Extend the life of your leather goods. The easily absorbed, rich conditioner lotion will make your leather water-resistant. Leather is deeply regenerated with this high-quality, richly textured conditioner.
Large leather products, damaged or worn leather, and untreated leather are all great candidates. · Inhibits mold & mildew; · Leaves no residue; · Gentle on all leather finishes; · All natural plant-based ingredients; · Handmade in the USA.
- Application: Eliminate surface pollutants by wiping away loose dirt and buildup.
- Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the surface clean in a circular motion.
- Before conditioning, completely dry the leather.
Using pH-balanced cleaning, you can remove grime, surface stains, and other impurities from your leather products. Before conditioning, we advise using a cleanser. By routinely cleaning and maintaining your leather items, you can extend their lifespan by years.
- Intended to be used as a mild spot cleanser for recent stains, buildup, and grime.
- Upon request, half gallons and gallons are available for post-production, retail, or wholesale treatments.
- If you have a hard leather material, you might wonder what you can do to make it feel softer.
- Many new leathers can feel stiff and breaking them can be a very uncomfortable experience.
While you can use any aforementioned leather-softening product, to have a quick but temporary result, you may use heat upon use. A tumble dryer can also help soften hard leather. Quick and easy, tumble drying leather is one of the best methods to use if you aren’t looking to buy any products to soften hard leather.
The constant spinning of the drum and heat exposure helps the leather soften in a way that’s similar to the experience of long-term wear. If you choose to use this method, don’t forget to turn any leather jacket inside-out, and if applicable, zip it closed. It’s also best to put any leather inside a washing bag for safety and protection.
When using the dryer method, keep this checklist in mind:
- You must use medium heat; anything above or below can have a negative impact on both the leather and the dryer.
- Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. Keeping the product in the dryer for too long can damage the structure of the leather.
- Don’t put wet leather in the dryer.
- It’s recommended you apply a leather conditioner or mink oil to the product after removal from the dryer.
The safest, most efficient way to soften hard leather – old or new – is to use a good quality leather conditioner. Leather conditioners work best at replacing absent lubrication needed to soften the leather surface. The conditioner helps ensure that the leather can continue to move and blend with your body.
- While old leather might already be showing signs of wear and tear, leather softening conditioner will still be good to use to prevent further damage.
- It’s better to buy a commercial softener as a special product for professional leather care than to take any shortcuts.
- It will be the ideal solution to renew and soften your leather easily.
However, many leather softeners are not a one-size-fits-all cure. Some options work better on specific leather types than others. The various methods and products that you can use will make it tough to work out just what you want to do. For example, dealing with stiff leather is different than working with old leather.
- Dry leather will require a different type of conditioner, as well.
- You have to keep in mind that not every leather softener is going to be suitable for all of your leather needs.
- Not only will they not soften the leather, but some can also darken the leather undesirably.
- One ingredient to look for in many conditioners or creams is lanolin,
Many people who work with leather believe that spray conditioners are the worst option because they are made of cheaper oils and are cut with water. If you have some time and like making homemade products, try preparing your own conditioner by heating and mixing healthy natural oils with natural beeswax,
This is the only way to be sure exactly what is in the blend. You should also take note that wax-based conditioner applies more evenly than oil and doesn’t darken the leather as much. But be careful with products that contain too much wax because they will not penetrate the leather and can create a waterproof top that doesn’t allow leather to breathe.
If you are purchasing leather products from a craftsman, it never hurts to ask their take on which conditioners work best on their products. You can also follow reviews left by customers to see what may work best for your specific need. These are the leather conditioners we suggest on olpr.
Does rubbing alcohol loosen shoes?
9. Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is another common household item that can be used to stretch tight shoes. If that new pair of shoes is giving your feet a hard time, you can more easily break them in and give them a stretch with rubbing alcohol. Make a dilution of rubbing alcohol by mixing it in a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol.
- Spray the inside of the shoes and wear them for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can simply rub the rubbing alcohol onto the parts of the shoes that need to be stretched or feel especially tight.
- After rubbing the tighter parts with alcohol, put the shoes on while they are wet, and wear them.
- Lastly, you can soak a pair of socks in rubbing alcohol, put them on, put on your shoes or boots, and wear them until the alcohol dries.
You can repeat this as many times as you need.
Does rubbing alcohol help shine shoes?
A good cleaning and shine will minimize wear and tear on your footwear and keep your feet comfortable throughout an entire shift By Melissa Mann Police1 Contributor After taking the time to research and purchase your new pair of duty boots, there are many techniques and tips available to help maximize your investment, minimize wear and tear and keep your feet comfortable throughout your shift. Shoe polish with a shoe brush. (Wikipedia Image) 1. Create a Shoe Shine Kit The first step in shining and maintaining your duty boots should be to assemble a good shoe shine kit. Use a small box with a lid to keep all of your items together and contain any shoe polish spills. Your kit should include the following items:
100 percent cotton polishing rag, diaper or old T-shirt Tin of wax shoe polish Cotton balls Q-tips for seam application Horsehair shine brush Rubbing alcohol (optional) Newspaper
2. Spit-Shine The original “spit-shine” was a term coined by military soldiers during combat who were forced to use any moisture resource that was available to them in the moment to shine their boots. Many variations of the original spit-shine process have evolved since and are highly effective in achieving a mirror shine on duty boots.
One technique is to apply a thick coat of polish to the entire boot using a small polish brush. Allow 15 minutes for the coat to dry, then brush off excess polish with a horsehair brush, which will leave a thin film remaining on the boots. Melting the polish into the leather with the heat from a lighter’s flame is another trick used by many officers.
After applying polish and letting it set, buffing can be done with a nylon cloth instead of cotton, which can bring the boots to a high, glossy shine. Another unique application requires the use of a glass bottle to force the polish into the leather pores and creases.
- Next, let it set overnight in a cool place.
- This application can be used to bring up a smooth shine on places where a crease developed in the leather.
- After letting the polish set, brush off the excess dried polish and begin buffing.3.
- Patience The first shine on a new pair of boots can take a long while.
The process will get easier each time you shine them as multiple layers of wax on the boots will achieve a shine faster. Deputy Tritenbach from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office compares shining shoes to the process of polishing brass or waxing a car.
- The process “takes a while to get there,” but is well worth the time and effort.
- To begin the polishing process, thoroughly brush excess surface dirt from your duty boots with your horsehair brush.
- Pay attention to the seams and creases where dirt can gather.
- Use a damp cloth if necessary to clean dirt from the crevices if they don’t come clean by brushing.
Let the boot thoroughly dry before polishing. Cover the entire boot with shoe polish. Deputy Brenner from Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office suggests applying a light, thin coat of polish first. “So thin, it’s just a haze,” he advised. Let the polish coat set for a minute before buffing.
A second, similar technique is to apply a thick coat of polish to the entire boot using a small polish brush. Allow 15 minutes for the coat to dry, then brush off excess polish with a horsehair brush, which will leave a thin film remaining on the boots. Next, wrap a soft, lint-free, 100 percent cotton rag tightly around your finger so it’s smooth.
Alternatively, you can also use a cotton ball. Dip your finger into a container of room temperature water so the cotton is wet, but not soaked or dripping. Ice cold water or rubbing alcohol are also options for polishing. Place the wet cloth or cotton against the dried polish and rub the leather.
- With a light touch, move your finger in tiny circular motions until a shine appears.
- Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the level of shine.
- Whether you use cotton balls or cotton diapers, cold water or rubbing alcohol, patience, dedication and a soft touch for polishing will pay off in achieving a mirror shine on your new duty boots.4.
Water Protection A new pair of duty boots requires protection from the elements. In addition to keeping a mirror shine to meet inspection standards, weatherproofing your new boots should be a consideration, especially if you live in an area with adverse seasonal weather.
- Wet feet from wet boots will lead to big problems with your feet and mobility while on the job.
- Water can and will destroy the leather on your new boots.
- Leather uppers that should have withstood years of steps and flexes can drastically deteriorate with water exposure which will shorten the life of your new boots.
Leather is made from animal skin, specifically horse or cattle. It’s made with fibers that weave across one another. The leather consists of fat and proteins, which retain a set amount of moisture after being tanned. When leather gets wet, the water forms bonds with the lubricating oils and will actually float fibers away, making the leather brittle and cracked.
Minimizing the release of moisture, including exposure to alkalines or acids, will assist in extending the life of your boots and reduce leather damage. Waterproofing leather means creating a barrier that water cannot penetrate from either direction. As this is not always possible, protection from water damage is best described as “water resistant.” Silicone spray will repel water, leaving the leather surface if your boots slippery.
Be careful to not overuse silicone as it can have a drying effect on the leather. Choosing an oil-based silicone spray is best for boots that may be subject to harsh weather conditions as they don’t have such a drying effect. Acrylic copolymer spray forms a microscopic net which will resist penetration of water molecules.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on Nike shoes?
Rubbing Alcohol Create a solution with three parts rubbing alcohol and one part water. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture. Rub the entire outside of the sneaker with the solution, then leave your shoes to dry for about 15 minutes.
Does alcohol help shine shoes?
Shining shoes – The tricks of the trade Have you ever heard the italian term Sciuscià ? It’s a neapolitan (birthplace of this art) term that describes shoe shine job or shoeshiner, borned at the beginning of twentieth century. “Sciuscià” is also a famous and loved neorealist film directed by Vittorio De Sica, about the stories of shoe’s artists.
This is an ancient art that lives through the mechanization of industries, is a tradition and art became a secret of elegance for the contemporary gentleman. Even today. The investment in a pair of excellent quality shoes is as important as the know how to take care of it. A pair of shoes, especially when combined with a suit, has the power to enhance or put the outfit in a bad light.
Here are 5 simple tips that you can daily and quickly follow to take care of your shoes. Cleaning Brush your shoes with a soft cotton cloth (maybe a piece of an old shirt), to remove dirt. You can also use a leather cleaning mousse: after applying it, rinse with a damp cloth.
The wax A good quality wax is the first part of a well done polishing, so choose creams made with neutral beeswax. Polishing
Remove the laces, spread on the shoes the wax, excluding the soles, and then let everithing stands for ten minutes, so that the leather absorbs it completely. During this part the best thing to do is to use shoe trees to sterch the leather. Rub the shoes with a woolen cloth to obtain the desired sparkle and for the final touch just remove the excess wax and the shoes will shine like new.
- The sole Brush it with a brush or a rag rough, nourish it with a little bit of wax, as well as with the laces and reuse the rag to remove the excess wax.
- Remember to put back your shoes always with shoe trees (preferably made of cedar) that help the shoes to absorb moisture and to not deform.
- Extra tip When the shoes are perfectly dry, use a little bit of shoe polish (pay attention to the nuance), a cotton cloth and cold water mixed with few drops of alcohol.
For those who want an even more professional, an old trick is to use drops of liquor with a high alcohol content (like cognac, brandy or grappa). And nowFind below 9 amazing secret shops addresses where you will discover the best shoeshiners: Milan- Ago e Spago – A shoe store with shoeshine service in two locations: via Plinio or via Col di Lana.
- A team of master shoemakers also makes handmade shoes for men and women, one of the few places in Milan where the remise en forme is a real art.
- Parma-Dandy Shoe Care – Alexander Nurulaeff, thanks to his training as a painter, after years of study of materials and leather treatments, refined the Patina technique.
He is a master of polishing and you can choose between special effects. Rome-Razor- A family tradition since 1956 for Antonio Corradi. London – Steven Skippen – Steve has a real background from shoeshine. The adventure began by accident when at Heathrow airport a shoeshine offered him a job.
- A year later he opened his business inside the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.
- His clients list include Mike Tyson, Dalai Lama and Jean Claude Van Damme.
- Paris-Talon Rouge – Pierre Paul Marie Hofflin decides to found Talon Rouge.
- The term “talon rouge” identifies today a distinguished gentleman, refined.
- New York- Jim’s Shoe Repair – The favorite meeting place of businessmen in Manhattan.
Four generations of Italian shoeshiners, Los Angeles – Progressive Shoe-Shop – Close to Rodeo Drive, Jack Zatikian is the shoeshine of all celebrities. During the Oscars he works 24 hours 24 to accommodate all last minute requests of Hollywood stars. Jack inherited the business from his father in 1982, when he moved from Armenia.