Enter for a chance to win a FREE Saphir Shoeshine Starter Kit. Sign Up Here: www.hangerproject.com/giveaway/ This comprehensive kit contains everything you need to begin taking the best care possible of your shoes. Giveaway ends January 29th. Good luck!
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. You've basically wrapped up so many questions I've had into one extremely professional and incredibly helpful nook of videos that I haven't really seen executed this well before. I hope you keep useful content like this coming. Thanks, Kirby! ~Braedy
Another informative video thanks Kirby! As much as I enjoy watching The Elegent Oxford's videos, you do a better job I think in explaining the procedures and the function of each product. Nicely presented, informative without too much time wasting. Cheers mate👍.
Awesome tutorial video! I got some scuffed up hand-me-down wingtips with water stains, scraping, the works. Did two coats of the shoe wax and it’s looking better than I’ve ever seen them! Can’t wait to show them off at the next wedding
My question is about re-shining my shoes. I applied two coats of Saphir Pommadier Cream Shoe Polish to the entire shoe, then one coat of Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish to the entire shoe, and a second coat of Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish to the toebox and hindquarters (for a higher shine in those areas). Its been a few weeks since I did that, and my shoes are in need of another shine. Do I need to strip the existing cream and wax polishes off the shoes and start all over (if so, do I use a saddle soap?), or do I just need to brush off any dirt, use the Saphir Medaille d'Or Renovateur Cleaner and Conditioner to clean the shoes, then apply two coasts of cream and wax polishes again? Thanks!
1. So you use the same brush for all steps? Can I use the same brush for my daily brush too? 2. Would I do the same on the tongue of the boot? - my tongues tend to look rough because of the laces.
Hello from England! I love all your videos! I’m a saphir convert after using kiwi for so long. Love love saphir products! I clean and polish my leathers including bags (we ladies too have to take care of our leathers). I find it so relaxing and actually makes me feel good. I would like to know, in relation to shoe polish , what do you recommend we pack for when we travel? I tend to just bring a small horse hair brush and goats hair brush with me. Thanks.
Sarah Elumba-Hill No reply for you my dear, this is a manly pursuit, only for men, 🧐no members of the fairer sex here, only gentlemen🧐, as in, “this is a local shop, for lo.........ocals !” 😂🤣. I do hope you don’t take offence at my little quip! I totally agree with the satisfaction of polishing leather. As a child, I remember my dad polishing everbodies shoes religiously, every evening. It’s a habit that I have kept up. Over the years, friends have bought various boots (I’m a boot person) that I’ve coveted, that should have been good for years or decades only to see them deteriorate rapidly due to not being polished! I’m afraid I can’t really answer your question about travel, other than maybe add a cloth, and perhaps decant some polish in5o a smaller container. Probably not your thing, but if you go to a website called “Military Mart”, they sell a surplus Swedish Army polishing kit in a pouch for about £3 or £4 that would be ideal for travel, as I say though, maybe not your thing, I’m a cheapskate on a low budget (you have to be, on a low budget)😢🥺. Anyway, hope I’ve not offended you too much with my “left field” humour, signing out!😃👍
Try a final buff with an old nylon stocking , i did this in the 🇬🇧 army and still do it now. Sadly most people seem to be quite happy with dull unpolished shoes
Thank you very much for this video! I work at a country club as a shoe shiner it’s the first time I ever done such job considering they hired me on entry level and this helped me get an idea how to do a basic shoe shine, through time I’ll pick up more hardcore cues I’ve seen!
Very well demonstrated.I wanted to understand how Clarks Cleaner Restorer is used, found this nowhere on the web. It would be great if you could explain
Thank you Kirby for teaching me your methodology of how to polish and wax shoes... Not just that, but what kind of polish and wax you recommend! I just got a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Ave. shoes, and want to take care of them the best way possible!
Nice explanation!. For a weekly routine, is it possible to repeat the routine straight up? (reapplying condition and wax), or is there something that needs to be used before?.
Hi Kirby, I've really been enjoying the videos and wondered if you could answer a question about some Loake Chelsea boots I have. The boots are very shiny and new looking and I wondered if I can take away the shine without ruining the leather and also not leaving them filthy? I would prefer more of a matt look.Thanks in advance. Keith
I purchased two pair of J&M Optima cap toe oxfords for my novice attempt to replicate the shoe grooming excellence offered on U-tube via Preston's Elegant Oxford and Kirby's Hanger Project and Dan's Cobblers Secret. Preston's videos are sublime ala music, voice, script and photography. Kirby's savoir faire and deft hand skills are didactic. Dan has hypnotizing delivery of leather craft knowledge. So these recently purchased shoes are to be transformed into mirror shine marvels. My queries seek your recommendations on what type of full sole, type of heel, and type of toe tap ?Dr. 😎.
First i would like to tell you that i do appreciate all the videos! I have been wearing dress shoes for years but am now just getting into better quality and better care. I have bought a lot of shoe care items from you! I have one question! Does anyone sell any type of “tool box” for all shoe care products? I have not been able to find anything! And i have so many brushes, different polishes and creams, cloths, etc! I wish you sold some type of shoe care storage! Any tips would be great! Ty
Kirby, this is great stuff and I've enthusiastically subscribed. Question, do you throw your shammys in the washing machine to clean them or do you just dispose of them?
Does you initiate cleaning process rub dirt into the leather and scratch it? Maybe a dry brush would be less damaging to the superficial layer of leather.
If you never use Saphir products, it is best to strip off all old wax and cream using Saphir Renomat. Here are the steps I use after resetting the shoes from old wax and cream: 1. Use Saphir Renovateur to condition and rehydrate the shoes. 2. Use Saphir Cream polish for the correct color of the shoes. 3. Apply one coat of Saphir Wax polish, again using the correct color for the shoes. 4. Apply layers of Saphir neutral (or color if they have any for your shoes) mirror glass Wax ONLY on toe and heel of the shoes. Then you can follow this video for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance. Hope that helps!
@@BBoYSHaDoE If you want to nourish shoe with a cream, which is delicate and penetrates skin deeply, why would you cover cream with a polish? If you put polish on the top, next amount of cream applied by the next polishing won't penetrate leather and won't create well bound layer. This is why i don't use shoe polish, just creams... I don't want to use strong polish remover every time I polish shoe, and I want to keep my shoes nourished. I did some tests with black polishes and creams on light brown shoes to observe the layers - leather soap, soft cleaners or saphir renovateur don't remove old layers of polish or cream, so using renovateur every polishing will not help to loosen the top layers of polish and will not let the renovateur and cream to nourish leather. It's like - if you put polish as top layer, you have to keep polishing with polish only until you remove everything with renomat, then you can nourish leather again. Am i wrong? I'd love to use polish...
@@paracelsus6595 applying one layer of wax will not prevent renovateur or cream from penetrating the leather. However, applying multiple layers of wax will prevent renovateur from nourishing the leather. This is the reason why you should only mirror shine the toe and sometimes heel of your dress shoes.
@@paracelsus6595 it's very important to wait a while for the cream polish to settle before reapplying a wax polish over top, for a nice all over shine, 2-3 coats of the cream polish (after conditioning the leather if you haven't already done it) + 1-2 light coats of the wax polish (be careful not to overapply the wax as it can build up and crack in the creases) will be more than enough, mirror shining the toe and heel of the shoe is a whole other process that requires time and a bit of ice cold water to do, but for a pair of loafers like he demonstrated in the video, a bit of cream polish and a light coat of wax polish is more than enough, a high shine on a casual dress shoe would look out of place in a non-business setting.
I ihad a question for you mate.If I have a tin of black high gloss saphir wax and a tin of neutral mirror polish saphir and a pair of police shoes, what would be the steps to get a crazy mirror finish on them? First the neutral mirror (since it is harder) then the black high gloss (since it is smoother)? Or would it be the other way around to trap the black underneath the mirror gloss? Again I'm not sure since generally you do not put the smoother ingredient underneath the harder ingredient. It really is confusing sometimes hahaha. Also if I used kiwi black polish on my boots what should I use to remove it so I don't corrupt the higher quality brand wax like saphir.
Saphir Médaille d'Or, on their website, recommend allowing Crème 1925 to dry for one hour before buffing. I know, this contradicts what is written on the jar (5 minutes).
What about Santini Goat? Checking out your brushes...nice tail... What about prune 87? Can I use them on a Lucchese brown goat? Was hoping it was black cherry but its brown. So thought I'd like to tone them a bit. Thought prune & maybe Parisian Brown?
Hi Kirby, do you have any advice for the care and polishing of Alfred Sargent Stirling’s in matador waxy leather? Can they be treated as Calf skin or are they more like a redwing boot. And will they polish like calf leather if treated the same? Love your channel and thanks
Can you use another polish instead of the Saphir one? Will it damage the shoe using wax and another polish than the Saphir one? I plan on using the Saphir wax, but I still have some cream polish left. Can I use that one instead?
I've notice after 24/48 hrs my neutral polish is causing cracking in and around the creases of the shoe (brown) Is it because I put to much polish and/or cheap polish, which caused the leather to become dried out ? You did however mentioned about this build up in cracks, but with WAX not polish? Note: Prior to polishing my shoes, cleaned them with Saddle Soap and Conditioner.
No. Any cracking of polish around the creasing is just because you applied too much. Simply buff it off. It you still have a white residue, you can use a little wax polish and buff that region. The solvents in fresh wax polish will soften the hardened waxes and help you rub it off.
I have a question about what to do with worn leather on the caps. I did a mirror shine on black shoes, but the leather was worn down in a couple of small areas. I think I used too much water. How can I restore the leather? Should I add more layers of wax?
I often get an unevenness of coloring after the first pass of cream (more noticeable on browns than black shoes). This, even from starting over after a runthrough of Renomat. Should I be using the brush earlier? More diligent rubbing with a cloth afterwards doesn't seem to even it out or take away anything that'd be deemed excess. Seems to happen with even a good match of cream color.
HI just saw the magic you guys did on the shoe and i have a project i wan to emback in Ghana on shoe polish i would love for you to help me learn hoe to polish and get some of your product to use
After buffing off the Pate de Luxe with the horsehair brush, would you buff it with a cotton cloth? Or is that benefit only minor if you are not going for a mirror shine?
You are going to get a higher shine buffing the Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Polish with a cotton chamois than you will with a horsehair brush, so it really depends on the level of shine you are after. For the rest of the shoe, the horsehair brush is fine. But for the toe box and rear quarters, I'd probably take a chamois with a little bit of water just to work up the shine. Even if it's just a little bit.
The Saphir Beauty Cuir (SBC, as I call it, or their standard blue label), is a good polish. It is definitely better than all of other polishes we used in this video. It contains high-quality waxes and uses natural solvents. However, the difference between the SBC and the MDO is in quality, concentration, and variety of waxes, ingredients. Saphir Medaille d'Or contains a different and higher concentration of hard and soft waxes, which is why you get an easier, higher shine than in the Beauty Cuir. It also contains a higher concentration and quality of pigments, which produces better recoloring and restoration of the finish. And there is a "huge difference" in the waxes you are using in the Saphir Pommadier MDO vs. SBC. The Saphir SBC uses almond oil vs the shea butter in the Medaille d’Or. Combined with the unique combination of the other waxes, the Saphir Medaille d'Or is a much better nourishing polish and produces a higher-quality, longer-lasting shine. Lower quantity of beeswax in the Medaille d’Or vs. vegetable saxes, which produce better nourishing. MDO contains carnuba wax (I'm spelling this incorrectly), which is a harder wax that produces a higher shine. Tons of differences... is the Saphir Beauty Cuir good? Yes. Is it better than the Saphir Medaille d'Or? No.
Hi, im jus learning this for first time, i got myself a travellers case because im always travelling alot, and it looked like a good sized starter kit, i wanted to know if there was any substitute i can use other than a shammy? The kit comes with a microfiber cloth but i wasnt sure what that was for, thought maybe used as a very last final touch up cloth, or would i use that microfiber instead of a shammy?
Kirby, I purchased some Saphir shoe cream from your website, it is permissible to apply on the burgundy shoes? What will be the consequences? Is necessary that to apply some neutral cream on the soles?
lai yanru What color at the shoes? Worst case, it tints the finish. You can always test on a hidden area or use the Saphir Reno'Mat to remove it altogether. A neutral polish can be first used to clean a pair of shoes. The absence of pigment allows you to see how much dirt/pigment you're able to pull off. But, otherwise, it is redundant or a pigmented Cream Polish. I do recommend using the neutral Saphir Renovateur to condition the leather first. Different formulation than the cream polishes and very effective.
Can I use this remedy on a high end pool cue with a black shark skin leather wrap? If not, how should I care for shark skin and would using a horse hair brush be safe enough on it since it's got a heavy texture?
After any cleaning (saddle soap, leather cleaning soap) and before polishing. The Renovateur dries quite quickly, but it's a good idea to allow the leather a few hours to absorb the Saphir Medaille d'Or Mink Oil after it's been buffed off. It is a non-greasy formulation (highly-refined), but can still make it a little difficult to get some of the Cream Polish into the leather.
Help! I think I ruined my shoes. A store recommended a medium brown cream polish and before I started watching your videos and learned about Saphir, I used it and now they have a ugly brown color. I’ve since polished with Saphir Pate de luxe and they have a great shine, but lousy color. How do I return these to the original color? I wish I had learned more and watched your videos prior to buying and using this cream and this brush that sheds like a Clydesdale.
4:49 I almost purchased this wax until the note stated "Note that wax polish is only for calfskin - it’ll ruin the tighter finish of shell cordovan." Does this mean it's no good for crocodile?
Saphir has so many brown colors I have no idea of how I can match or get close to the color of my existing brown shoes. Is their a color chart that has the color and names so I can differentiate the correct color for my shoes? I have the Saphir black but obviously that was very simple. Also, should you use the saphir-renovateur (I just ordered some) on your shoes the first time you use Saphir to prepare the leather? Thanks for the help.
Hey Kirby - have you done a video on shoe trees? Is it ok if I use a generic cedar shoe tree for my AE's (Moneyworth Best)? How much better would it be for my shoes to have a custom AE shoe tree? Cheers!
Hi Chad! Yes - I think we have a video on shoe trees! Let me see if I can find it. I'll send you the link. Any shoe tree is better than none! AE makes some nice trees - but they're not really "customized" for their own shoes. Their fit and shape is relatively generic, which is what allows them to fit so many different shoes well. We recommend and sell the Woodlore Ultra Shoe Tree - for the money ($32.00) you can't beat it. But if you are on a budget, the Moneyworth Best one would work also.
I used to melt bee's wax over black polish and smooth it out with a hot spoon the layer black polish and do the circles and wet the shoe not the rag the boots were a mirror shine with ordinary kiwi black its the preferred polish of the guards division in the british army I Was Royal Irish Ranger the boots were nearly solid after a dress parade most of the polish had cracked but again hot spoon to melt the wax i have been a civie for 10 years served for 27 i do miss spit shining boots good video's i have done the same on all my leather shoes and boots good shining
It’s good enough. But if you have deep scratches or scuffs the hard waxes wont coverup/fill in as well as a cream polish. Plus if you use a cream wax first it makes easier and quicker for the hard wax to get that mirror shine. I hope I explained it well enough.
For the second or third coating of the cream, how do you that? Apply wait polish and do the same for two or three times? Or apply wait, apply wait, apply wait and then polish.
Apply, wait, buff Apply, wait, buff Apply, wait, buff You want to buff between each coating to prevent any excessive buildup. It also helps you see how the finish is building. Shoes may not need three applications depending on their condition.
The Hanger Project Dear Kirby, Thank you for answering my question. Now how about in using wax. Can it also be applied for two or more coatings just like the cream? I understand that the cream is to protect the leather, while the wax is to add more shine.
If we put a lot of hard wax polish on the toe, can we still use water and rag to clean the shoe, and then use the cream polish and wax polish? My concern is that the concentration of hard waxes on the toe will prevent the cream polish from getting in the leather.
You should still be fine applying a cream polish on top of the wax. The solvents in the cream will take a little bit of the wax polish off, so you'll have to reapply the build the finish afterwards.
What do you do to prevent or treat fine hair line creases on calf leather shoes? What are your thoughts on cordovan compared to calf leather-Your collection doesn’t seem to have any shoes made of cordovan. Is there any partially reason for that?
Nochaser Guitar Channel Using your shoe trees religiously is the best thing you can do to help prevent creasing, but to a large extent it is unavoidable. Personally, I am not a huge fan of cordovan. Although very durable, I find the texture slightly flat and dull.
I learn a very easy way for a good shine. All you need is a tooth brush, a piece of cloth a bit of water and your shoe polish. First remove dirt using the tooth brush. Then wrap cloth around two fingers and dip it in a little bit of shoe polish. Then dip it in a little bit of water, and spread it in little circles on the shoe. Once you see it clear breath on it until it fogs up and keep spreading
Mink oil is great for outdoor shoes and work boots. It drastically darkens your shoe and waterproofs it the best of any product. Not ideal for a shine, it dries to a waxy matte candlestick finish.
I'm an old timer and schooled at a military acad. (did not serve) have worked both in the woods and as a biz exec in my lifetime. Depends on what type of boots. If boots for woods then def yes (although better products IMHO) and if your boots are dress boots then no. As someone has already commented Mink Oil darkens leather (so use only on dark leathers), provides virtually no shine and deeply penetrates and "seals" leather pores making the leather waterproof and unable to breath (which dress boots should be allowed to because of sweat). Although in a pinch and all that is on hand and on your way out to score then by all means, better than nothing. You will just have to saddle soap and remove it next time to do it correctly. So Mink Oil is a conditioner to soften as well as its waterproof properties. Wax or creams condition leather and have very little waterproofing properties, although they do provide these waterproofing properties on the top layer of the leather. The creams and waxes allow the leather to breath as it normally should. In the above video, probably because it was not needed, there were 2 steps left out if you really have a tired pair of dress boots. One is saddle soap to clean and remove all previous waxes/creams/polishers and the second is a conditioner to soften the leather before applying any creams/waxes that have the actual color pigment. Conditioner usually is neutral with no pigment. Lastly the video failed to show the last and final step which is the shine process. This process involves applying the final step of wax with cloth dabbed in water and worked in. Then shined (buffed aggressively) with a cloth (microfiber/t-shirt etc). Some also heat this last application with a small torch (bic lighter, heat gun, hair dryer) and wait for it to haze and then buff. IMHO the drying process should be much longer than 3-5 minutes between each process an or each application for at least 20 min if not overnight. Leather is skin and very porous and will slowly absorb what ever is applied. So more time the better. I usually apply 2 coats of wax (20-30min dry time between coats) but have applied 5 or 6 for shoes/boots in worse condition at times. The more applied with damp rag at end gives more shine. And watch out for putting too much cream or wax on as the video talked about. Too much and you will see the cracks appear. My process to shine my shoe/apparel takes an hour or more while usually watching news/tv, very therapeutic/enjoyable (at least for me) and even if no one else notices makes me feel good about myself and more confident. Some will think it is crazy but too each its own.
My brushes I bought from China have dog hairs, not horse hair like your brushes. Is a horse hair brush more effective than a dog hair brush? I want the best brushes money could buy for my expensive shoes. What is your take on horse hair vs dog hair brushes? Thanks
Hi great video quick question I seen on your website different colors to choose from with that said is there a cream or wax I can get to just make my shoes shinier?
KIrby, what saphir shoe polish color would you recommend for the following shoes to keep them as close to the original color as possible with out changing their color. 1.) Red Wing Beckman #9013 in chestnut. 2.) Taft rome boot in oxblood. 3.) Taft Glaidiator boot in cognac. Thank you in advance for your response.
Enter for a chance to win a FREE Saphir Shoeshine Starter Kit. Sign Up Here: www.hangerproject.com/giveaway/
This comprehensive kit contains everything you need to begin taking the best care possible of your shoes. Giveaway ends January 29th. Good luck!
Hi, how often should you replace dry or cracked saphir products?
How I buy your brush for my shoes in India
How I buy your brush for my shoes in India
I had no idea that a shoe shine video could keep my interest. But this guy did it!
Everything looks neatly polished in this video, including the presenter.
I have created a drinking game. Every time Kirby says, "Saphir Medaille d’Or Pommadier Cream Polish" you drink. I'm sloshed as hell now.
i got another one.. everytime he says "elevate" lmao.
@@3spressoShot elevate the shine baby!
What about " bespoke"?
This was a slick and professional video explaining shoe shining in an easy way. Thanks Kirby!
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel.
You've basically wrapped up so many questions I've had into one extremely professional and incredibly helpful nook of videos that I haven't really seen executed this well before.
I hope you keep useful content like this coming.
Thanks, Kirby!
~Braedy
This was very serious, yet very compelling. It felt like I was going to accomplish an important task. :)
If you polished your shoes then you did ;)
Every task is equally important.
Japanese saying
A man's shoe is a reflection of his personality. Be it if your a sneaker head or a formal leather shoe guy. Keep em clean.
Another informative video thanks Kirby!
As much as I enjoy watching The Elegent Oxford's videos, you do a better job I think in explaining the procedures and the function of each product.
Nicely presented, informative without too much time wasting.
Cheers mate👍.
Thanks Kirby!! I just interviewed for a show shine position & this really helped me learn to do it!!😊
Excellent video Kirby. I am happy to share this.
Kirby this is exactly what I was looking for, good job explaining how to shine shoes
You should really only do one shoe, so we can see the before and after in a side by side comparison.
You can open multiple windows and pause at whatever moment you want and compare beginning, middle, and end, if you wish, by putting them side by side.
Imagine leaving your home with one shinny shoe and one dirty, terrible.
@@chaosawaits 200 IQ move right there
THANK YOU so much for making this video. I sincerely appreciate it.
Mr.Kirby......Very useful and informative.
Thanks a lot
Thank you for this!! I'm cleaning and shining my brown shoes for my and the shoe's first time and this was extremely helpful.
Awesome tutorial video! I got some scuffed up hand-me-down wingtips with water stains, scraping, the works. Did two coats of the shoe wax and it’s looking better than I’ve ever seen them! Can’t wait to show them off at the next wedding
Fabulous video. Educational and to the point.
Thanks for teaching me how to shine shoes!!!! That was awesome and my shoes look awesome!
Now go home and get your fricking shinebox!
How often do you shine? Would the shining be an everyday chore?
Nicely explain. Thanks. You are an excellent presenter.
My question is about re-shining my shoes. I applied two coats of Saphir Pommadier Cream Shoe Polish to the entire shoe, then one coat of Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish to the entire shoe, and a second coat of Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish to the toebox and hindquarters (for a higher shine in those areas). Its been a few weeks since I did that, and my shoes are in need of another shine. Do I need to strip the existing cream and wax polishes off the shoes and start all over (if so, do I use a saddle soap?), or do I just need to brush off any dirt, use the Saphir Medaille d'Or Renovateur Cleaner and Conditioner to clean the shoes, then apply two coasts of cream and wax polishes again? Thanks!
Awesome review thanks for sharing from Australia 🇦🇺
1. So you use the same brush for all steps? Can I use the same brush for my daily brush too?
2. Would I do the same on the tongue of the boot? - my tongues tend to look rough because of the laces.
Take the laces off before polishing
@@chaosawaits thanks but yeah I knew that :)
Very good! simple for routine care. Thanks!
Hello from England! I love all your videos! I’m a saphir convert after using kiwi for so long. Love love saphir products! I clean and polish my leathers including bags (we ladies too have to take care of our leathers). I find it so relaxing and actually makes me feel good.
I would like to know, in relation to shoe polish , what do you recommend we pack for when we travel? I tend to just bring a small horse hair brush and goats hair brush with me. Thanks.
Sarah Elumba-Hill No reply for you my dear, this is a manly pursuit, only for men, 🧐no members of the fairer sex here, only gentlemen🧐, as in, “this is a local shop, for lo.........ocals !” 😂🤣. I do hope you don’t take offence at my little quip! I totally agree with the satisfaction of polishing leather. As a child, I remember my dad polishing everbodies shoes religiously, every evening. It’s a habit that I have kept up. Over the years, friends have bought various boots (I’m a boot person) that I’ve coveted, that should have been good for years or decades only to see them deteriorate rapidly due to not being polished! I’m afraid I can’t really answer your question about travel, other than maybe add a cloth, and perhaps decant some polish in5o a smaller container. Probably not your thing, but if you go to a website called “Military Mart”, they sell a surplus Swedish Army polishing kit in a pouch for about £3 or £4 that would be ideal for travel, as I say though, maybe not your thing, I’m a cheapskate on a low budget (you have to be, on a low budget)😢🥺.
Anyway, hope I’ve not offended you too much with my “left field” humour, signing out!😃👍
Love these videos. I actually work on my shoes as I watch these vids!
kongmw That's awesome! Make sure you subscribe! Tons of more great videos forthcoming!
Try a final buff with an old nylon stocking , i did this in the 🇬🇧 army and still do it now. Sadly most people seem to be quite happy with dull unpolished shoes
Thank you very much for this video! I work at a country club as a shoe shiner it’s the first time I ever done such job considering they hired me on entry level and this helped me get an idea how to do a basic shoe shine, through time I’ll pick up more hardcore cues I’ve seen!
Very well demonstrated.I wanted to understand how Clarks Cleaner Restorer is used, found this nowhere on the web. It would be great if you could explain
The Hanger Project is the real deal !! Top quality information; far better than other channels!!! Excellent job Kirby!!
Wonderful - excellent tutorial, thank you!
Do you a video or a segment that addresses shining/caring for smooth lambskin shoes?
Thank you Kirby for teaching me your methodology of how to polish and wax shoes... Not just that, but what kind of polish and wax you recommend! I just got a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Ave. shoes, and want to take care of them the best way possible!
Awwww! A young Kirby Allison...
Great video. Great hosting as well.
Nice explanation!.
For a weekly routine, is it possible to repeat the routine straight up? (reapplying condition and wax), or is there something that needs to be used before?.
Hi Kirby, I've really been enjoying the videos and wondered if you could answer a question about some Loake Chelsea boots I have. The boots are very shiny and new looking and I wondered if I can take away the shine without ruining the leather and also not leaving them filthy? I would prefer more of a matt look.Thanks in advance. Keith
I purchased two pair of J&M Optima cap toe oxfords for my novice attempt to replicate the shoe grooming excellence offered on U-tube via Preston's Elegant Oxford and Kirby's Hanger Project and Dan's Cobblers Secret. Preston's videos are sublime ala music, voice, script and photography. Kirby's savoir faire and deft hand skills are didactic. Dan has hypnotizing delivery of leather craft knowledge. So these recently purchased shoes are to be transformed into mirror shine marvels. My queries seek your recommendations on what type of full sole, type of heel, and type of toe tap ?Dr. 😎.
First i would like to tell you that i do appreciate all the videos! I have been wearing dress shoes for years but am now just getting into better quality and better care. I have bought a lot of shoe care items from you! I have one question! Does anyone sell any type of “tool box” for all shoe care products? I have not been able to find anything! And i have so many brushes, different polishes and creams, cloths, etc! I wish you sold some type of shoe care storage! Any tips would be great! Ty
Kirby, this is great stuff and I've enthusiastically subscribed. Question, do you throw your shammys in the washing machine to clean them or do you just dispose of them?
Yes! They get better with washing! Just simply wash with light detergent alone.
or, no need to wash them. they get better with age. simply try not to mix colors on one shammy.
Great Videos Kirby & please keep them up.
Very well presented
We hope this video guides you in shining your shoes with these 5 simple steps. Let us know if you have any questions!
Kirby Allison What do you think of Saddle soap? Do you recommend using it on your shoes?
Dude, whats going on with your hair in this video? Looks super greasy. Did you put shoe shine in your hair?
Does you initiate cleaning process rub dirt into the leather and scratch it? Maybe a dry brush would be less damaging to the superficial layer of leather.
How often do I need to do this and I need to strip off all old wax before applying the cream?
If you never use Saphir products, it is best to strip off all old wax and cream using Saphir Renomat.
Here are the steps I use after resetting the shoes from old wax and cream:
1. Use Saphir Renovateur to condition and rehydrate the shoes.
2. Use Saphir Cream polish for the correct color of the shoes.
3. Apply one coat of Saphir Wax polish, again using the correct color for the shoes.
4. Apply layers of Saphir neutral (or color if they have any for your shoes) mirror glass Wax ONLY on toe and heel of the shoes.
Then you can follow this video for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance.
Hope that helps!
@@BBoYSHaDoE If you want to nourish shoe with a cream, which is delicate and penetrates skin deeply, why would you cover cream with a polish? If you put polish on the top, next amount of cream applied by the next polishing won't penetrate leather and won't create well bound layer. This is why i don't use shoe polish, just creams... I don't want to use strong polish remover every time I polish shoe, and I want to keep my shoes nourished. I did some tests with black polishes and creams on light brown shoes to observe the layers - leather soap, soft cleaners or saphir renovateur don't remove old layers of polish or cream, so using renovateur every polishing will not help to loosen the top layers of polish and will not let the renovateur and cream to nourish leather. It's like - if you put polish as top layer, you have to keep polishing with polish only until you remove everything with renomat, then you can nourish leather again. Am i wrong? I'd love to use polish...
@@paracelsus6595 applying one layer of wax will not prevent renovateur or cream from penetrating the leather. However, applying multiple layers of wax will prevent renovateur from nourishing the leather. This is the reason why you should only mirror shine the toe and sometimes heel of your dress shoes.
@@paracelsus6595 it's very important to wait a while for the cream polish to settle before reapplying a wax polish over top, for a nice all over shine, 2-3 coats of the cream polish (after conditioning the leather if you haven't already done it) + 1-2 light coats of the wax polish (be careful not to overapply the wax as it can build up and crack in the creases) will be more than enough, mirror shining the toe and heel of the shoe is a whole other process that requires time and a bit of ice cold water to do, but for a pair of loafers like he demonstrated in the video, a bit of cream polish and a light coat of wax polish is more than enough, a high shine on a casual dress shoe would look out of place in a non-business setting.
I ihad a question for you mate.If I have a tin of black high gloss saphir wax and a tin of neutral mirror polish saphir and a pair of police shoes, what would be the steps to get a crazy mirror finish on them? First the neutral mirror (since it is harder) then the black high gloss (since it is smoother)? Or would it be the other way around to trap the black underneath the mirror gloss? Again I'm not sure since generally you do not put the smoother ingredient underneath the harder ingredient. It really is confusing sometimes hahaha. Also if I used kiwi black polish on my boots what should I use to remove it so I don't corrupt the higher quality brand wax like saphir.
Great vid. I normal leave the cream for 24 hrs to really nourish the leather to obtain the shine I want.
The Bomb for sure. The longer the better
Very informative.
Thanks a lot Kirby!
Saphir Médaille d'Or, on their website, recommend allowing Crème 1925 to dry for one hour before buffing. I know, this contradicts what is written on the jar (5 minutes).
What about Santini Goat? Checking out your brushes...nice tail... What about prune 87?
Can I use them on a Lucchese brown goat? Was hoping it was black cherry but its brown.
So thought I'd like to tone them a bit. Thought prune & maybe Parisian Brown?
How do you find the right shade of polish for your particular shoes?
Hi Kirby, do you have any advice for the care and polishing of Alfred Sargent Stirling’s in matador waxy leather? Can they be treated as Calf skin or are they more like a redwing boot. And will they polish like calf leather if treated the same? Love your channel and thanks
Can you use another polish instead of the Saphir one? Will it damage the shoe using wax and another polish than the Saphir one? I plan on using the Saphir wax, but I still have some cream polish left. Can I use that one instead?
What do you do with...how do you clean the cloth afterwards? Just let dry and use a different spot each time and toss when covered?
I've notice after 24/48 hrs my neutral polish is causing cracking in and around the creases of the shoe (brown) Is it because I put to much polish and/or cheap polish, which caused the leather to become dried out ? You did however mentioned about this build up in cracks, but with WAX not polish? Note: Prior to polishing my shoes, cleaned them with Saddle Soap and Conditioner.
No. Any cracking of polish around the creasing is just because you applied too much. Simply buff it off. It you still have a white residue, you can use a little wax polish and buff that region. The solvents in fresh wax polish will soften the hardened waxes and help you rub it off.
I have a question about what to do with worn leather on the caps. I did a mirror shine on black shoes, but the leather was worn down in a couple of small areas. I think I used too much water. How can I restore the leather? Should I add more layers of wax?
Thanks! Great video. I have one question -- are there any extra steps needed for exotic leather? Say camel or cordovan. Thanks :)
I often get an unevenness of coloring after the first pass of cream (more noticeable on browns than black shoes). This, even from starting over after a runthrough of Renomat. Should I be using the brush earlier? More diligent rubbing with a cloth afterwards doesn't seem to even it out or take away anything that'd be deemed excess. Seems to happen with even a good match of cream color.
Hello Kirby, what is the colour of the shoe and the shoe cream??
I'd love to know thanks!
He said both the polish and the wax were “cognac”.
HI just saw the magic you guys did on the shoe and i have a project i wan to emback in Ghana on shoe polish i would love for you to help me learn hoe to polish and get some of your product to use
Your pre polish shoes is better than mine post polished 😅
What is the diference between Saphir Pommadier cream polish and Saphir Medaille D"or cream polish???Are they the same or there is the difference???
It's very confusing
@@steventrosiek2623 Please try to explain.Thanks
Medaille d'Or is more expensive and has more pigment
@@steventrosiek2623 But Kirby Allison recomends Saphir Pommadier...
Lol
Hello sir I want to know that how many days gap should be there between the two polish routine of any leather shoes.
Superb video
Really cool man 👞✨
After buffing off the Pate de Luxe with the horsehair brush, would you buff it with a cotton cloth? Or is that benefit only minor if you are not going for a mirror shine?
You are going to get a higher shine buffing the Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Polish with a cotton chamois than you will with a horsehair brush, so it really depends on the level of shine you are after. For the rest of the shoe, the horsehair brush is fine. But for the toe box and rear quarters, I'd probably take a chamois with a little bit of water just to work up the shine. Even if it's just a little bit.
Awsome video my man 😃👌🙏
I was wondering what the difference was between Saphir's Pate deLux polish (yellow and blue tin can), and the black can? Great videos, I'm a big fan!
And which do you recommend, and for what reason..?? Thanks!
The Saphir Beauty Cuir (SBC, as I call it, or their standard blue label), is a good polish. It is definitely better than all of other polishes we used in this video. It contains high-quality waxes and uses natural solvents. However, the difference between the SBC and the MDO is in quality, concentration, and variety of waxes, ingredients.
Saphir Medaille d'Or contains a different and higher concentration of hard and soft waxes, which is why you get an easier, higher shine than in the Beauty Cuir. It also contains a higher concentration and quality of pigments, which produces better recoloring and restoration of the finish.
And there is a "huge difference" in the waxes you are using in the Saphir Pommadier MDO vs. SBC. The Saphir SBC uses almond oil vs the shea butter in the Medaille d’Or. Combined with the unique combination of the other waxes, the Saphir Medaille d'Or is a much better nourishing polish and produces a higher-quality, longer-lasting shine.
Lower quantity of beeswax in the Medaille d’Or vs. vegetable saxes, which produce better nourishing. MDO contains carnuba wax (I'm spelling this incorrectly), which is a harder wax that produces a higher shine.
Tons of differences... is the Saphir Beauty Cuir good? Yes. Is it better than the Saphir Medaille d'Or? No.
The Hanger Project thank you so much for the wealth of knowledge. With the help of your channel, I'm upping my shoe care game.
Hi, im jus learning this for first time, i got myself a travellers case because im always travelling alot, and it looked like a good sized starter kit, i wanted to know if there was any substitute i can use other than a shammy? The kit comes with a microfiber cloth but i wasnt sure what that was for, thought maybe used as a very last final touch up cloth, or would i use that microfiber instead of a shammy?
Kirby, I purchased some Saphir shoe cream from your website, it is permissible to apply on the burgundy shoes? What will be the consequences? Is necessary that to apply some neutral cream on the soles?
lai yanru What color at the shoes? Worst case, it tints the finish. You can always test on a hidden area or use the Saphir Reno'Mat to remove it altogether.
A neutral polish can be first used to clean a pair of shoes. The absence of pigment allows you to see how much dirt/pigment you're able to pull off. But, otherwise, it is redundant or a pigmented Cream Polish.
I do recommend using the neutral Saphir Renovateur to condition the leather first. Different formulation than the cream polishes and very effective.
Do tan brown shoes require a medium brown shade of polish?
Can I use this remedy on a high end pool cue with a black shark skin leather wrap? If not, how should I care for shark skin and would using a horse hair brush be safe enough on it since it's got a heavy texture?
When should renovator or mink oil be used...also any thoughts on using saddle soap to clean before polishing?
After any cleaning (saddle soap, leather cleaning soap) and before polishing. The Renovateur dries quite quickly, but it's a good idea to allow the leather a few hours to absorb the Saphir Medaille d'Or Mink Oil after it's been buffed off. It is a non-greasy formulation (highly-refined), but can still make it a little difficult to get some of the Cream Polish into the leather.
Help! I think I ruined my shoes. A store recommended a medium brown cream polish and before I started watching your videos and learned about Saphir, I used it and now they have a ugly brown color. I’ve since polished with Saphir Pate de luxe and they have a great shine, but lousy color. How do I return these to the original color? I wish I had learned more and watched your videos prior to buying and using this cream and this brush that sheds like a Clydesdale.
4:49 I almost purchased this wax until the note stated "Note that wax polish is only for calfskin - it’ll ruin the tighter finish of shell cordovan." Does this mean it's no good for crocodile?
Saphir has so many brown colors I have no idea of how I can match or get close to the color of my existing brown shoes. Is their a color chart that has the color and names so I can differentiate the correct color for my shoes? I have the Saphir black but obviously that was very simple. Also, should you use the saphir-renovateur (I just ordered some) on your shoes the first time you use Saphir to prepare the leather? Thanks for the help.
Did he use that shoe shine on his hair too..?
Hey Kirby - have you done a video on shoe trees? Is it ok if I use a generic cedar shoe tree for my AE's (Moneyworth Best)? How much better would it be for my shoes to have a custom AE shoe tree? Cheers!
Hi Chad! Yes - I think we have a video on shoe trees! Let me see if I can find it. I'll send you the link.
Any shoe tree is better than none! AE makes some nice trees - but they're not really "customized" for their own shoes. Their fit and shape is relatively generic, which is what allows them to fit so many different shoes well. We recommend and sell the Woodlore Ultra Shoe Tree - for the money ($32.00) you can't beat it.
But if you are on a budget, the Moneyworth Best one would work also.
Much appreciated! Thank you for your reply! Chad
What if I put some wax on it the day before? Do i just put the cream on again and it's fine? Or am I supposed to remove the wax somehow.
I used to melt bee's wax over black polish and smooth it out with a hot spoon the layer black polish and do the circles and wet the shoe not the rag the boots were a mirror shine with ordinary kiwi black its the preferred polish of the guards division in the british army I Was Royal Irish Ranger the boots were nearly solid after a dress parade most of the polish had cracked but again hot spoon to melt the wax i have been a civie for 10 years served for 27 i do miss spit
shining boots good video's i have done the same on all my leather shoes and boots good shining
Hey Kirby,
Is the Renovateur along with wax polish good enough for a shine? Or would I need a cream polish as well?
Thanks!
It’s good enough. But if you have deep scratches or scuffs the hard waxes wont coverup/fill in as well as a cream polish. Plus if you use a cream wax first it makes easier and quicker for the hard wax to get that mirror shine. I hope I explained it well enough.
For the second or third coating of the cream, how do you that? Apply wait polish and do the same for two or three times? Or apply wait, apply wait, apply wait and then polish.
Apply, wait, buff
Apply, wait, buff
Apply, wait, buff
You want to buff between each coating to prevent any excessive buildup. It also helps you see how the finish is building. Shoes may not need three applications depending on their condition.
The Hanger Project
Dear Kirby,
Thank you for answering my question.
Now how about in using wax. Can it also be applied for two or more coatings just like the cream?
I understand that the cream is to protect the leather, while the wax is to add more shine.
Hi Kirby, when using the cream polish on a pair of brown shoes, is it ok to use neutral coloured cream polish?
Absolutely!
If we put a lot of hard wax polish on the toe, can we still use water and rag to clean the shoe, and then use the cream polish and wax polish? My concern is that the concentration of hard waxes on the toe will prevent the cream polish from getting in the leather.
You should still be fine applying a cream polish on top of the wax. The solvents in the cream will take a little bit of the wax polish off, so you'll have to reapply the build the finish afterwards.
What do you do to prevent or treat fine hair line creases on calf leather shoes? What are your thoughts on cordovan compared to calf leather-Your collection doesn’t seem to have any shoes made of cordovan. Is there any partially reason for that?
Nochaser Guitar Channel Using your shoe trees religiously is the best thing you can do to help prevent creasing, but to a large extent it is unavoidable.
Personally, I am not a huge fan of cordovan. Although very durable, I find the texture slightly flat and dull.
Thx now I can do it to my leather boots
I learn a very easy way for a good shine. All you need is a tooth brush, a piece of cloth a bit of water and your shoe polish. First remove dirt using the tooth brush. Then wrap cloth around two fingers and dip it in a little bit of shoe polish. Then dip it in a little bit of water, and spread it in little circles on the shoe. Once you see it clear breath on it until it fogs up and keep spreading
I see no one uses the mink oil I was taught to use on boots. I'll try this next, it looks fantastic.
Mink oil is great for outdoor shoes and work boots. It drastically darkens your shoe and waterproofs it the best of any product. Not ideal for a shine, it dries to a waxy matte candlestick finish.
I'm an old timer and schooled at a military acad. (did not serve) have worked both in the woods and as a biz exec in my lifetime. Depends on what type of boots. If boots for woods then def yes (although better products IMHO) and if your boots are dress boots then no. As someone has already commented Mink Oil darkens leather (so use only on dark leathers), provides virtually no shine and deeply penetrates and "seals" leather pores making the leather waterproof and unable to breath (which dress boots should be allowed to because of sweat). Although in a pinch and all that is on hand and on your way out to score then by all means, better than nothing. You will just have to saddle soap and remove it next time to do it correctly. So Mink Oil is a conditioner to soften as well as its waterproof properties. Wax or creams condition leather and have very little waterproofing properties, although they do provide these waterproofing properties on the top layer of the leather. The creams and waxes allow the leather to breath as it normally should. In the above video, probably because it was not needed, there were 2 steps left out if you really have a tired pair of dress boots. One is saddle soap to clean and remove all previous waxes/creams/polishers and the second is a conditioner to soften the leather before applying any creams/waxes that have the actual color pigment. Conditioner usually is neutral with no pigment. Lastly the video failed to show the last and final step which is the shine process. This process involves applying the final step of wax with cloth dabbed in water and worked in. Then shined (buffed aggressively) with a cloth (microfiber/t-shirt etc). Some also heat this last application with a small torch (bic lighter, heat gun, hair dryer) and wait for it to haze and then buff. IMHO the drying process should be much longer than 3-5 minutes between each process an or each application for at least 20 min if not overnight. Leather is skin and very porous and will slowly absorb what ever is applied. So more time the better. I usually apply 2 coats of wax (20-30min dry time between coats) but have applied 5 or 6 for shoes/boots in worse condition at times. The more applied with damp rag at end gives more shine. And watch out for putting too much cream or wax on as the video talked about. Too much and you will see the cracks appear. My process to shine my shoe/apparel takes an hour or more while usually watching news/tv, very therapeutic/enjoyable (at least for me) and even if no one else notices makes me feel good about myself and more confident. Some will think it is crazy but too each its own.
Hi! What’s the shoe brand. Thanks
Lovely trunk
Hello, can I use a microfiber cloth to apply polish or stick with a cotton T-Shirt?
You can use either.
Great video!!
Thanks! Great Video.
My brushes I bought from China have dog hairs, not horse hair like your brushes. Is a horse hair brush more effective than a dog hair brush? I want the best brushes money could buy for my expensive shoes. What is your take on horse hair vs dog hair brushes? Thanks
I tried to polish the shoes with the wax but they look matt not shine. What happened? Should I polish it a bit harder with the brush?
May I check with you, what brand and model this penny loafer is? Thanks
Do I need a brush for brown shoes and a brush for black shoes?
Or with just one brush is enough?
he explained that idiot
Hi great video quick question I seen on your website different colors to choose from with that said is there a cream or wax I can get to just make my shoes shinier?
You can always just go for a neutral.
Thanks for the response, um so if I'm understanding the difference with the cream is to add color back to the shoes? And wax is to enhance the shine?
Precisely. If you're just looking to add shine, and want something you can use on all of your shoes, use a neutral wax polish.
Excellent thanks again and keep on the awesome videos
Can you tell us where you got that shirt?
KIrby, what saphir shoe polish color would you recommend for the following shoes to keep them as close to the original color as possible with out changing their color. 1.) Red Wing Beckman #9013 in chestnut. 2.) Taft rome boot in oxblood. 3.) Taft Glaidiator boot in cognac. Thank you in advance for your response.