How to Make Cheap Boots Look Expensive

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ม.ค. 2018
  • I get it. I show a lot of expensive things on this channel and it may be discouraging to a student or young man looking to begin curating a wardrobe. This is a technique I first saw on Dappered and have always wanted to try; it essentially makes cheap leather look more expensive. How? Well you'll need a few things: a horsehair brush, a dauber, and black shoe polish. I went with the Saphir black because it's so pigmented but you can try your favorite brand too. All you do is give the boots a shine using the same steps you would with a normal shoe, but the black polish darkens the leather and brings out the edges nicely. They may not be hand painted and distressed but this is a budget build after all!
    Yes, over time the polish will wear off. Its probably best to stick with medium to dark trousers until they've really dried out and any loose polish has been removed - keep your white denim away!
    -Website: www.carlmurawski.com
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    Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
    I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well, and allows you to buy less and buy better.
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  • @JohnSmith-mu5qh
    @JohnSmith-mu5qh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +709

    Saw this video last week; bought the Saphir and 2 horsehair brushes on eBay, and have just copied this technique on my 2 pairs of cheap-medium price tan leather boots. They now look like they cost 5 times what I paid for them. I'm sceptical of most of the nonsense tutorials on TH-cam but this was a winner. Thanks!

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I’m so happy to hear this!

    • @Oakleaf700
      @Oakleaf700 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Good quality leather brushes do make a big big difference...I bought some early 20th cent ones [quite large] from a Charity shop, they were £1 each, but buff up old leather beautifully. I think they might have been used for harness back in the day, as very wide and dense...Also use them on waxed wood too. Horsehair is a good material...nylon bristles won't disperse the polish [wax] in the same way..That looks like a shoe 'Cream', the rich pigmented stuff ..People even use the wax cake shoe polishes on wood, too, especially carvings to bring up highlights

    • @calholli
      @calholli 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      If you go back again and lay a dark black along those triple seams to make it like a fading two tone effect... that's when it really sets it off.. because you'll have the tan boot with dark spots here and there... plus the dark trim with the tan showing through here and there... It gives is so much depth.. Darken the toe too.

    • @icedcoldkilla
      @icedcoldkilla 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      any chance we can get a picture?

    • @reverendbluejeans1748
      @reverendbluejeans1748 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I started sellin shoes, now I am falling in love with them. Nice money making tip

  • @mrcameraman4157
    @mrcameraman4157 4 ปีที่แล้ว +161

    You created a monster! My wife is polishing all our old shoes now!

    • @arneberg9072
      @arneberg9072 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      No more new shoes for you ---

    • @Gao960
      @Gao960 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi , just wondering how long does it take to let the dye dry and not get on my hands? I did this to my wallet and after 2 days, it still leave black dye on my hand. thank you!

    • @oceanle
      @oceanle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      This is hilarious!!!

    • @Fabianwew
      @Fabianwew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Gao960 Shoe polish won't really dry, using it on a wallet might require more specialty dyes.

    • @AlexanderMason1
      @AlexanderMason1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Gao960 You’re not supposed to put shoe polish on your wallet but rather leather dye.

  • @cdvax11
    @cdvax11 6 ปีที่แล้ว +450

    Great technique, well presented. Just wanted to add that antiquing works best after the shoes have been worn and have some natural bruises, wrinkles, and crevices. Keep up the good work.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      Excellent point! Thank you for sharing your tips.

    • @lettyguerra371
      @lettyguerra371 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Excellent point!

    • @kyle8025
      @kyle8025 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Worn for how long?

    • @xjunkxyrdxdog89
      @xjunkxyrdxdog89 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@kyle8025 However long it takes for you to break them in to the point that the leather has gained some new texture. How long that takes is going to depend on the wearer.
      You just need the leather to have differences in different areas so the dye isn't too uniform. Remember, our goal is to add depth and to break up the uniformity. If you have any creasing, stretching, wear, etc. you're good to go.
      I wouldn't worry too much about doing it too soon, and you can always repeat the process further down the line after there's been more wear.

  • @danugo6717
    @danugo6717 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1174

    Original English Skinheads were doing this back in late 60's early 70's to their then brown Dr Martens
    In the early 80's we had oxblood & cherry reds too
    We used to set fire to the Kiwi polish so it liquefied and mix little bit of black with the oxblood or brown for a more subtle antique effect
    Looks the Bollox

    • @theRhinsRanger
      @theRhinsRanger 5 ปีที่แล้ว +43

      Danugo 67 - we used to set fire to black kiwi to Bull our boots for parade

    • @thombaz
      @thombaz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +83

      Everyone from New Zealand, calm down, It's just a brand.

    • @brianmiller6340
      @brianmiller6340 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Skins still do this, made my cherry docs oxblood and kept them that way back in the early 00s.

    • @rebelzombieco
      @rebelzombieco 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Apply the polish with the back of a red hot spoon, melts on lovely. Then spit polish to a shine, knock back and repeat the process. It's how to get a high gloss shine like the Guards parade boots. That's not patent leather, that's just good old fashioned elbow grease.

    • @cody_coco
      @cody_coco 5 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      3:50 getting into the action

  • @serasane
    @serasane 5 ปีที่แล้ว +193

    I made my boots look super expensive and somebody stole them.

    • @DanishnSonic
      @DanishnSonic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Its a good thing they were cheap

    • @capt.majeed417
      @capt.majeed417 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Lmao

    • @jeffreygoss8109
      @jeffreygoss8109 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      They are in need of cleaning now so I’ll give them back. Sorry for your loss

    • @jorgegutierrez6015
      @jorgegutierrez6015 ปีที่แล้ว

      😆😄🤣😂

    • @korakkarok
      @korakkarok ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂😂

  • @davegahan5908
    @davegahan5908 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I did this to my cherry red Dr Martens boots back in the early 70's, but I used black polish on them, after a few black polishes the boots had a lovely darkened burnished effect to the uppers. I also changed the laces to leather ones as well. but the first thing I did when they were new was to go down the river and wearing the boots walk in the water and completely get them soaked through, I would keep wearing the boots the rest of the day until they were dry, this process helped to break them in quicker. I loved my DM's and so did all my mates.

    • @abbanofer
      @abbanofer ปีที่แล้ว

      Water destroy leather

  • @davidmac3290
    @davidmac3290 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I did this to a pair of cherry Doc Martens when I was a teenager. I wanted oxblood leather but the the cherry Docs were a lot cheaper at the time. I used kiwi black polish with a kiwi cloth and a lot of spit. It turned to a really cool looking (in my mind) black cherry finish. Nice job Carl!

  • @EracBrahma
    @EracBrahma 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I did this on my tan coloured boots 5 or 6 months back now it has changed totally now it's more like dark coffee brown which am loving it...

  • @EriqKoontz
    @EriqKoontz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Immediately after seeing this video, I tried this simple technique on an expensive pair a half-boot dress shoes. Been wearing them during two years, and the blacking makes these shoes look like new. Thanks!

  • @heyyall9378
    @heyyall9378 5 ปีที่แล้ว +179

    You did a great job. In my opinion, you made the cheap shoes look even nicer than the expensive ones.

    • @stevenzhang4258
      @stevenzhang4258 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      lol im just here tryna make my expensive shoes look expensive

    • @stevenzhang4258
      @stevenzhang4258 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      welp doesn't work my aldens already look like that

    • @Daniel-dj7fh
      @Daniel-dj7fh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      60 bucks and cheap.. it's kinda relative

    • @zanderboettcher3115
      @zanderboettcher3115 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I agree I really actually didn't like the vangaurd boots at all, I thought they looked stiff and uncomfortable and I didn't like the coloring or laces on them either

    • @Daniel-dj7fh
      @Daniel-dj7fh 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dandiehm8414 are we paying for a the boot or the name?

  • @Ghostshadow714
    @Ghostshadow714 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This totally works!!! I just executed the same technique and using the same product on some inexpensive boots,
    And the results were amazing.

  • @ArchdukeJames
    @ArchdukeJames 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I just did this on my Rockport brown chukka boots and they look absolutely splendid now. Great video!

  • @lyrehcb8156
    @lyrehcb8156 5 ปีที่แล้ว +815

    Thank you for this video. I’m a (separated, soon to be) divorced mom of a 14 year old son who has to wear suits twice a week and I try really hard to have him look good on my budget but I really cannot afford the things that I would like him to have so we often settle. Plus he’s growing so fast it wouldn’t be practical to spend a fortune on his things. Anyway, you’ve got a new subscriber with me. Between the video and a thread of comments on how to extend the wears between washes on dress shirts I’m gonna save a few dollars and help my son become a sharply dressed, but frugal young man.
    Edit: please consider doing more budget series videos, I know a lot of men (and mothers) that would be very interested in this type of video. Your content is great but I can’t afford most of the things you review.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว +200

      Thank you so much for this comment, my sister and I grew up in a household with just mom who was a hairdresser so I know this feeling all too well. Luckily it taught me so many lessons that other kids never learned like how to do more with less and how to be tenacious and hungry for success (however you define it). It takes a comment from someone like you to really put things into perspective, and you can be sure I'll do more budget videos in the future with you in mind.

    • @RossiaIsNoMore
      @RossiaIsNoMore 5 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      Such a nice comment 😊 Hope then your son grow he will read it

    • @ethanhaltom1830
      @ethanhaltom1830 5 ปีที่แล้ว +43

      I very highly urge you to check out 6pm.com you can get super high-end stuff there for ridiculously cheap. I mostly just buy my shoes and athletic wear there, because I have odd proportions and need to try on clothes before I buy, but a friend got a $1000 suit for $85 And then spent $30 to get it tailored. He also picked up some high end dress shirts for around $20 each. I've gotten beautiful shoes and boots that typically cost anywhere from $200-400 for under $100. I also do a lot of thrifting, and have found a lot of great high-end pieces doing that as well. I've probably never spent more than $5 on a dress shirt, and my closet is full of Ralph Lauren, Eton, and Brioni (all shirts that would normally be $100-500 new) all in great condition. And sne dme a message if he needs ties, I have a lot of incredible designer and vintage ties I'd be willing to part with.

    • @jacobftww
      @jacobftww 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Thriftstores have really cheap suits and shoes, shouldn't cost more than a couple of bucks.

    • @Taxi4B
      @Taxi4B 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      Your son is lucky to have you. Keep up the great work

  • @jonuiuc1
    @jonuiuc1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +149

    I use red shoe crème (saphir hermes red) on some of my brown shoes. The more reddish they are, the better they seem to go with navy and charcoal clothes. Poor man's Allen Edmonds' Chili.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I’d love to see them!

    • @joshuaandrosebartley896
      @joshuaandrosebartley896 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow i would have really like to have seen that! I bet they looked amazing!!

    • @TheTopseat
      @TheTopseat 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Can anything be done to fake leather or it there anything that can be done to pretreat fake leather to prevent peeling?

  • @cwmitch2
    @cwmitch2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    It's a great technique I've always put black polish on brown Shoes, Boots since I read an artical in GQ about twenty years ago, It adds a lovely patina.

  • @momikeee1
    @momikeee1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Have done this for many years and always got a good result. Keeps an inexpensive pair of shoes or boots looking great for much longer. Reapply the black periodically and the leather will look better and better.

  • @44Dreambig
    @44Dreambig 6 ปีที่แล้ว +129

    you could hit the toes with a dark brown burnish for an additional touch.

  • @debbyalder4089
    @debbyalder4089 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Really great to see a channel where men are focussed on looking and feeling good about themselves!
    Well done and great result!

  • @davidcolon9256
    @davidcolon9256 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for the video. I had never done it using black but I did use dark brown on my cognac dress shoes to give it the darker shades and it worked well.

  • @ric21122
    @ric21122 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wow! Worked exactly as described. Bought a pair of light tan shoes from goodwill for $10. Look amazing now. Thanks!

  • @domdefault
    @domdefault 5 ปีที่แล้ว +214

    I don't even own a pair of boots, nice vid

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Hahaha thanks!

    • @nishantkumar6960
      @nishantkumar6960 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I own 4 pairs 2 cheap and 2 costly. Planing for more. I'm crazy. I'm a boot fan!!

    • @honeysingh7314
      @honeysingh7314 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@nishantkumar6960 stupid...
      You have four pairs and think that you have a lot...LOL

    • @sirjohndoeofpa3292
      @sirjohndoeofpa3292 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a few pair of red wing iron rangers, got a pair resoled. Also, I have 2 pair if custom handmade boots from Role Club.

    • @klev1983
      @klev1983 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      you can try this technique on a pair of brown socks

  • @paulw8205
    @paulw8205 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I did these on some relatively cheap boots. It looks amazing. Love the look! I didn't take out the laces and just did it on the rest of the boot to see how it compares. WOW. My original brown leather looks so CHEAP now compared to the black polished leather! I'm going to take out the laces tonight and go over them so the entire boot has the look. Glad you posted this video - although this technique has been around for a while, your video was the first time I was exposed to this. Thumbs Up!

  • @rossselvidge4553
    @rossselvidge4553 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Years ago my older brother showed me how to get just the right color for a very good pair of ox blood colored shoes by polishing them with black. Beautiful.

  • @stephenfewson7188
    @stephenfewson7188 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Yeah, been antiquing boots for about 30yrs. Adds a great level of protection too with a finish of Dubbon.
    G'day from Australia 🇦🇺

  • @TheSailsCall
    @TheSailsCall 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I did this to the Eastland Lumber Up boot to make it look a lot like the classic, Red Wing Heritage moc toe boot. It made them look aged just enough, and I swapped the laces out for a some great leather laces. I figured, if I want the Red Wing moc toe look just for aesthetic, I’m not about to drop $300 just for the simple purpose of having casual boots. I highly recommend trying this to the Eastland Lumber Up boot, to anyone who is interested in that moc toe boot look.

  • @ArchdukeJames
    @ArchdukeJames 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This video started my shoeshine obsession. I've kept up with those Rockport chukka boots, continually antiquing and shining them. No one expects that I only paid 90 bucks for them. They look like a pair of 500 dollar boots. The only thing I've since added is a really nice mirror shine on the heels and toes which increases their appeal 3x over. Also, pro tip: use nylon stockings for the buff on the heels and toe. Nylons are amazing for getting the highest of gloss shines.

  • @Decimus421
    @Decimus421 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for this video! I’ve bought recently a cheap pair of shoes at Payless for 20 bucks and I used this trick. It makes him look so much more high-quality, so much so that I constantly get compliments on how nice they look and all from just using a little black shoe polish!

  • @angelurbina8158
    @angelurbina8158 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I've tried doing stuff like this with my very own boots way before watching your video, and let me tell ya, it does work. I got a clear-looking chestnut pair of casual boots some months ago, and I accidentally painted them off with a shoe polish that I thought was gonna be neutral. Since they lost their original bright color, I decided I wanted to go down with it and own it by painting it even more in different grades and shades of dark brown, and now they have that burnt almond look. They somehow look more sharper and even more so expensive than what I bargained them for. I will definitely try this one method out. It is fairly similar to mine. Thanks a lot, dude.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very cool! I didn’t realize how old this technique was before I posted this video. Some guys were doing it to their doc martins back in the 70s!
      ...and here I thought I was a genius. Lol

  • @horsehide3039
    @horsehide3039 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I like you attention to detail, and therefore the little things. I cannot stress enough how that brings the results you want.. I am a cowboy, and I got some of these techniques from a long line of older fellers. This is what I do, but I appreciate you are an aficianado of these kind of lost skills as well.
    I would like to correspond further with you if possible. Thanks so much for your posts.

  • @RighteousCrusade77
    @RighteousCrusade77 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    yeah i try this on my $40 pull up leather boots (handmade boots from bandung, indonesia) comes out super nice !!! thanksssssssssssss and GBU !!

  • @yashvardhandas
    @yashvardhandas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I tried these almost 25 years before when I was school. And it works perfect.

  • @mick998r
    @mick998r 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did this technique about 10-15 years ago on a pair of Acorn coloured Trickers boots. Worked very well indeed.

  • @okakh2o704
    @okakh2o704 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    The music choice is excellent by the way, well done for that, not many youtubers can get that right!

  • @Oakleaf700
    @Oakleaf700 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Going to try this on new rocking horse bridle leather too to make it blend in with 120 yr old stuff...never thought of using a black on brown leather before! 👍🏼

  • @savilleadams1468
    @savilleadams1468 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nicely done. I've done this with my brown brogue wingtips, used dark brown cream and mid brown hard wax polish - I've been getting compliments ever since!

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Excellent! What model shoes? I'd love to see the results!

  • @ChachiTelevision1979
    @ChachiTelevision1979 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just bought a pair of captoe round lace ups - only thing is they were far lighter than I would have wanted. I used black polish and used this method and they look perfect now! Thanks!

  • @chuckknight
    @chuckknight 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Red Docs are routinely dyed with black polish to make oxblood. It's a fairly common technique, but not so widely used in this age of sneakers.
    Nice to see traditional techniques again.
    Next, do a spit shine with clear polish.

  • @davidlander8513
    @davidlander8513 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That’s been my little trick for years....also works on higher quality brown shoes or boots (applied more sparingly) to get a burnished look.

  • @spencerlocke7443
    @spencerlocke7443 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had this same pair of boots, saw them at pennies for $30 and had to buy them, despite the fact that they were a size and a half too small. I wore them out too. I also used this same technique on a pair of Charles tyrwhitt cap toe oxfords around the brogue and stitching and they turned out excellent. Great video, love the channel.

  • @attilavarga1152
    @attilavarga1152 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Few months ago, I bought a pair of oxfords from a second-hand shop. The construction seems ok, blake stiched with a fake welt. Its completely ok from a 10 euro pair of shoes. They looked nice, but the leather was the most boring uniform tan I have ever seen. I decided to try out this method, I put the most basic black shoe polish on the shoe and I used a cotton bud to put the cream into the brouging holes and inside the saw tooth decorated edges (its difficult to use the brush only, without it the polish just do not fill the holes) . The result was amazing, I especially like the contours on on the various edges. For me, this is a must to do trick.

  • @alexhutchins6161
    @alexhutchins6161 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I remember doing stuff like this as a kid. I have not done it in years

  • @barbarahallowell2613
    @barbarahallowell2613 5 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    When I'm stressed out and tense shining and polishing my boots is like the best therapy. My Grindad was a postman in the day and wore proper black shined to military stand leather walking shoes. He taught me when I was like 8 how to take care of shoes. It's crazy relaxing to me, and well, I've got 2 pairs of Docs, Oxfords and standard dull 1460's 8 eyelet, both work at least every other day. BP us bought in 1987, resilience. Oxford in 1992 wear these much more, still don't need resolving. Then my Clarke's ankle booties worn as much and leather heels. All taken care of the way my Grindad taught me. He passed 3 years ago. Lots f l d's, grandkids, great and first-year grandkids. He specifically left his shoe shine box to me. Why did I need to tell you that? Anyway. Proper care of God shows his a dying art. I have used this technique a pair of decent quality leather T Strap heels with lovely brogue detailing. They were a bit bright burgundy, used black so soften the overall color but also make the vogue really pop out. They were second hand, like new cost $2 at the charity shop, high end label, but needed something. 1 hour of actual working time and I swear, they're like 2k heels. Love it! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS.

    • @dacanale
      @dacanale 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      My dad loved polishing and shining his shoes. He had fine shoes and listened to classical music while he worked. I unserstand completely. I was happy to pass on Dad's shoe shine equipment to my son, his namesake. 💗

    • @barbarahallowell2613
      @barbarahallowell2613 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@dacanale it is so cool to hear from someone who gets it about the care and art of taking care, and of it being passed down. 💞

    • @miaschu8175
      @miaschu8175 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      My mum was in the army, before I was born, and used the method she learned there to look after our boots. She bullied them up to a brilliant shine and the leather would be more supple.
      She taught me, and it would be a relaxing afternoon or evening, either talking, listening to music or watching an old film. It was lovely time spent together that I remember with great affection.

  • @baldeagle13x
    @baldeagle13x 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We polished our docs with black polish back in the 70s. Polished up like glass. Ah, fun times.

  • @benjibucks4811
    @benjibucks4811 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Recently got into leather boots, got a pair of white leather sneakers, dark brown chelsea sneakers and some all black chelsea boots.
    Went to a leathercare shop here in nethetland and they adviced me to use sapphire, still havent polished my shoes cause theyre still pretty new. but this video comes in really handy. thanks, very informative

  • @danielguy1891
    @danielguy1891 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I did this with Alllen Edmonds brown shoe polish and it had the same effect.

  • @tomj4731
    @tomj4731 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Before jumping to black shoe polish on a light brown shoe, I would suggest using a waterproofing wax for leather. I have been using Nikwax Waterproofing Wax from REI. The wax is an off white color and is very easy to apply. The warning on the packaging says it will darken leather.
    An added benefit is that it softened the leather.

  • @brocklewis6462
    @brocklewis6462 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ive never owned boots in my life but I still very much enjoyed this video. Thank you!

  • @catfashbelly
    @catfashbelly 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great tip! I tried this on a pair of used Tecovas ropers that were too light for my liking. Darkened the leather and added depth of color nicely. Exactly what I was going for. Thank you!

  • @armink9686
    @armink9686 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I actually did that the other day to my dark brown boots. They're not hugely expensive but have a good construction, the trade-off was in the bland leather (it's thick enough though). I used cherry red shoe polish to give them some character and it worked, it mostly shows on the creases and the hard parts such as the heel. Colored polish and some leather laces basically turned a bland boot into something that gets attention from women for some reason believe it or not. However it didn't change the color of the leather, only added some highlights which is exactly what I wanted.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey, attention from women is never a bad thing! They usually have an eve for detail most men lack.

  • @rohittheinvincible
    @rohittheinvincible 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great advice Carl. I m going to be using this technique. The new profile pic with hat looks Savage !

  • @jackross876
    @jackross876 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    WOW! I had to clutch my pearls when you first put the polish on, but man, did they come out great. 👍

  • @mikejames1860
    @mikejames1860 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I do this often! Love the look it gives.. I also sometimes will purposefully scratch and mar leather before I do this to give depth. I'm doing a pair of Allen Edmonds tonight, and my Becket Siminon's this weekend

  • @BobbyReed
    @BobbyReed 6 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    Very nice technique. Next time perhaps do one boot to completion so we can see the before and after. Great stuff from you!

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      That would have been a good idea, maybe next time!

    • @boatingman11
      @boatingman11 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@CarlMurawski ... Or simply do a split screen.

    • @SistahRev
      @SistahRev 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Bobby Reed I was thinking the exact same thing (do one boot first, then compare to the untreated boot)!! My heart sank when he started daubing the other boot LOL! Great finished product though!

  • @1salakot
    @1salakot 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I did something similar to my old Doc Martens boots a while back, but I used a KIWI neutral polish to revitalize the leather...it worked. I'll consider a black polish next time, I can't wait to see the results. Thanks for sharing.

  • @aradoran
    @aradoran 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My Granddad told me a while back that business guys (when they still wore suits) if they had a shoe that was light brown or orangish brown and they wanted more color depth or a darker shade would take dark cordovan polish to them. Basically same idea. So it's apparently a tried and true method.

  • @shahiljungkarki
    @shahiljungkarki 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Already Tried it...looks good as long as Polish holds

  • @Suchapill
    @Suchapill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Serious upgrade. Classy on a budget. I'm going to use these on my leather Merrell jungle mocs.

  • @romadmike1
    @romadmike1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I got an similar effect on my boots by just using bee wax. They didn't go this dark, but the accents were there. The boots were not new and I think that helped as well.

  • @tadamori
    @tadamori 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. I have boots very similar to these I got for only $25. I antiqued them with black polish and they ended up looking much more expensive, too. Even got compliments on them at an upscale dress party.

  • @ams14691
    @ams14691 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Looks great! Never would of thought of it! Thanks

  • @jk.smalls
    @jk.smalls 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I did this to a pair of doc Martin's, not for the visuals but because I needed black shoes for work. I'll try stripping some of the black off to see what kind of look they have now 👍

  • @saleembassadien7144
    @saleembassadien7144 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    At first I was like, "Nooo!", but then after I saw the result I was like "Whoa!". Awesome stuff bro!

  • @sabacone
    @sabacone 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    cool stuff. ive been modding my clothes since the early 90s and i think its great that its starting to catch on. thanks for this

  • @grrrbs
    @grrrbs 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Randomly came across your video and know nothing about you, but I wanted to let you know that you have an awesome speaking voice.

  • @mikeayres7065
    @mikeayres7065 6 ปีที่แล้ว +205

    We used to do this with our oxblood dr martens back in the 80’s. We called it “antiquing”. Not sure if that was the proper terminology or not.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      That must have looked badass!

    • @chablebarrett8106
      @chablebarrett8106 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Exactly, I got it from my skinhead days

    • @MoK013
      @MoK013 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Mike Ayres concur , wear’em for a couple months until broken in. Then do it. Reapply once a year and your soles will wear out before the leather.

    • @tcatf7127
      @tcatf7127 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Real glad I looked up why people were openly admitting to being skinheads....in the US the term is usually synonymous with neo-nazis and white supremacists so I was confused why people were so calm about saying that

    • @MrC0MPUT3R
      @MrC0MPUT3R 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I did this accidentally with my oxblood oxfords. I didn't realize the applicator I was using still had some black polish on it, but I liked the end result so much I ended up doing it on purpose.

  • @TheChazas
    @TheChazas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Awesome job, incredible outcome. Need more of these mod/restoration videos, would love to see more samples.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’d love to make some more, any ideas?

    • @TheChazas
      @TheChazas 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hard to tell, I love all shoes, from boots to Yeezy's, I will appreciate all the videos!

  • @yoursauceisweak
    @yoursauceisweak 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For anyone looking: the song in the background is called “Reach for the Stars” by The New Fools

  • @nanditabrahmbhatt5270
    @nanditabrahmbhatt5270 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This actually works...totally loved the result ❤️

  • @taufikwan2728
    @taufikwan2728 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow! The result is truly amazing!

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's a vast improvement, I'm very happy with the end result.

  • @amsgone
    @amsgone 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Nice Job... I learned this technique over 60 years ago on the streets of New York. I have done with more expensive shoes like Florsheim and even Allen Edmonds. You can do once or twice as I remember and then you have to use brown or cordovan colors. We used to used Griffin wax which is no longer manufactured but Kiwi is a good second. Eventually the lighter brown come comes through and some people just removed all the shoe polish with Acetone or 90% Isopropyl and start all over. Buff concentrating on the toe with water and shoe polish was gives that NYC Harlem shoe look. As New Yorkers we always looked at our shoes since we did not look up much, probably to look for coins or to avoid the horse manure even when there were no longer any horses if you get my drift..

  • @besiprimitif9513
    @besiprimitif9513 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    this is awesome, got to try this if i get bored with my just-brown leather shoes, maybe one year after this

  • @breaux2806
    @breaux2806 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I used to do this with my work boots when I worked at the shipyard. I would give them a good cleaning and would apply shoe polish to fill cuts and blemishes before shining them up. I would always get compliments on them when I went out

  • @crisrobinson8989
    @crisrobinson8989 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video! I've been doing something similar for years to many of my shoes, boots and sandals. However, I use liquid shoe polish and acrylic paint. It works especially well to transform the orangey brown that is sometimes seen on women's shoes to a rich mahogany with grain and texture. I have never had to reapply the antiquing, even after wearing the shoes in the rain and snow for several seasons. Can't wait to try some of your techniques on my next pair of cute-but-wrong-color shoes :-)

  • @Wolfgangus_Theophilus
    @Wolfgangus_Theophilus 5 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    I couldn´t care less about boots, but you are very interesting to listen to. Thank you.

    • @michaelalguire419
      @michaelalguire419 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can do the same thing with shoes.

    • @brandonkey181
      @brandonkey181 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@michaelalguire419 This person most likely wears primarily sneakers.

  • @alisaprieto7632
    @alisaprieto7632 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've done it when I was a teenager. I was working and could only afford one color leather cream so I had black one. I smashed it all over my old brown boots, polished with old cloth and results amazed me. I left house feeling great.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome, I’d love to have seen that!

  • @GrahamLeach
    @GrahamLeach ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I watched and followed this video (more or less) using 5-year old dried up brown cream that had turned solid and an old can of KIWI black paste polish. I used a hair dryer to melt the polish back into a liquid, and also to pre-heat the shoe leather to accept and absorb the polish more readily.
    I did not use a brush at all because I do not have one. I used two old dish cloths - one to apply, and one to wipe and buff. After polishing with brown and being unhappy with the montone results, I put on the black paste on and left it there for about 4 hours. I then buffed it off until I was happy. People were very happy with the results, saying the shoes looked a LOT better.
    I did this to a pair of $20 shoes I found at Goodwill, just for fun. Photos available on request.
    Thanks for such an easy to follow video @CarlMruawski

  • @maxximiz3
    @maxximiz3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I used Olde English wood polish dye oil applied to the toe of my shoes to give it that "worked in" look

  • @justinryan5433
    @justinryan5433 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    i wish i lived in a state with a winter season. must be nice having different outfits depending on the weather

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It’s a double edged sword man. I love the variety but the storage is a pain.

  • @Ambina2
    @Ambina2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the video I needed! I ordered a cognac color of boot and regretted not getting the dark brown. (I wanted to have the same boot as Clarice Starling) I'm glad now that I could use the yellowy cognac color to create that natural color gradient in coordination with the dark polish! Thanks a bunch!

  • @mgpchannel9479
    @mgpchannel9479 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I did it to my flexi 1935 retro boots and it worked out awesome 👏, thxs man

  • @luisangelflores3951
    @luisangelflores3951 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    If you do it with kiwi shoe shine you have to buff it out with your knuckle hard. Very hard. You got to put some elbow grease into it. And you got to spray your shoes with water like a mist

    • @thedevilsadvocate5210
      @thedevilsadvocate5210 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I use flex-seal on my boots

    • @randymagnum6680
      @randymagnum6680 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@thedevilsadvocate5210 haha, that makes them look super expensive

  • @sekla86
    @sekla86 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thanks for this idea, Carl. I've given my brown derbies a new life of much better looking chocolate browns using some dark brown wax-paste and black nubuk renovation spray :) Pretty impressive change as for 30-minutes of work :)

  • @Kasino80
    @Kasino80 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Had a pair of very light brown shoes in my cupboard that I never use, because they look very cheap. This technique made them look really nice.

  • @faceachenz8441
    @faceachenz8441 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is great advice. Got a cheapish pair of cap-toed oxford's in a tobacco colour, and they always looked a little too yellow to me. This has dropped them a couple of shades and given the shoes a much better look. I just used the cheap Kiwi polish (i'm actually a Kiwi!), and it worked great - thanks for the advice Carl; you're THE MAN!!

  • @martinfox2244
    @martinfox2244 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That was a heavy dose of polish but the result is great. I just did the same thing with Saphir Hermes red on boring brown, plastic looking Bostonians. I have ordered some marine blue in an attempt to create a burgundy end result. I might antique around the bottom first. It's fun & not hard to turn mediocre footwear around.

  • @ItsKaiju
    @ItsKaiju 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Subbed! Amazing content mate

  • @leeharris1114
    @leeharris1114 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This technique also works amazing on cowboy boots , l'm so happy that l tryed it on an already expensive pair l own💭☺

  • @tachdoc
    @tachdoc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    awsome! I used to do it already and it helps prolonging bad quality shoes life too ;)

  • @stevendegliangeli7640
    @stevendegliangeli7640 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Carl, I have been doing this process for years. Black on brown. I love the effect you have achieved.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think I need to learn more from you because I thought this was a novel process until the comments came in! Any other ideas for good DIY techniques?

  • @leslieweiser5455
    @leslieweiser5455 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What sets the color, will it rub off on your slacks?

  • @tedhart7708
    @tedhart7708 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tried this on a whim with a pair of light brown Clark's that I have. Only had the Kiwi paste at the time and found that over time, and with periodic brushing and light cloth buffing, most of the black has come off. Time to try it again with some better polish. Definitely made the boots more interesting.

  • @banufm
    @banufm 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just did it to my chukka. Now it looks great 🔥🔥🔥

  • @suspiria1966
    @suspiria1966 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fantastic video. That's something I will definitely try. Thanks.
    My only criticism is the background music. It sounds like the soundtrack to some erotic thriller from Cinemax or the Red Shoes Diary.

  • @leeamaya7432
    @leeamaya7432 6 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Yes! Great video. Still think I will be purchasing the Thursday boots, but this is a great alternative. Also, congrats on the shout-out from RMRS!

  • @johngifford9191
    @johngifford9191 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had some docker double monk straps that were almost a khaki color, I used a ox blood red polish for the first layer then followed up with a deep brown and finished with a clear high gloss paste wax. My results were amazing! I've been treating all my leather products for years, if someone doesn't make what you want.....do it yourself. Cheers.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’d love to see that!!!

  • @ushomestead
    @ushomestead 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lovely video! Thank you for adding close captions. It is greatly appreciated!

  • @JoseMartinez-yr2wq
    @JoseMartinez-yr2wq 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good video man. Thanks for all the info. I appreciate you not asking to subscribe, you just got yourself another subscriber. I look forward to your next video.

    • @CarlMurawski
      @CarlMurawski  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks man, I try to let the video do the talking for me. Plus I can't stand videos that begin with several minutes of asking for likes and subscriptions.

  • @drawnhere
    @drawnhere 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Song playing is "Reach For The Stars," by The New Fools.

  • @alexsherel3344
    @alexsherel3344 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I own the Vanguards, but haven't really had the chance to wear them too much because they looked too fancy. Now this kinda makes em look less dressy more casual while keeping the bad ass look.

  • @matthewszostek1819
    @matthewszostek1819 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Night and day difference. Love it