Complete Shoe Shine Routine

[@chidioko]

Very few things in life are as pleasurable as watching someone who knows their stuff expertly share their knowledge. Kirby Allison is simply a gift.

[@kev23dk]

as a person who loves leather and shoes and already knowing how to do this I still find it very pleasurable to watch people take care of their shoes :)

[@jijrod5669]

....this has to be the quintessential shoeshine video.....it does not get any better than this...….thank you.

[@disturbed9361]

That's a very passionate man taking care of his shoe! Well done Mr.Allison😊

[@dinomyte7253]

Love your shoe shine how-to videos, Kirby. If I may make a suggestion - you should only shine one of the shoes to really highlight the difference the Saphir products make. A side-by-side comparison of each shoe would be worth a thousand words! Thanks!

[@kirbyallison]

dinomyte72 I know... but then I’d have to do it twice... 😂🤷‍♂️

[@GregoryStafford-c6z]

For someone like myself that is just starting their journey on dressing to a higher standard these videos are so helpful! Also being able to watch the video then purchase the products at the same time makes things a lot easier then searching for hours for each product. I do however have a couple of questions for you. Do you use the same brush for each application or do you use separate brushes? Also do you use separate brushes for each color? How many brushes did you use for this one video?

[@chrisholt2474]

I know I’m late to the party but I love cleansing and maintaining my shoes and boots. Thank you for all the fantastic information, much obliged to you.

[@chickamagalur]

I just love it when someone takes special care of their shoes. Love Taking care of my shoes. Nice video. Beautiful shoes by the way!

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks! What's your favorite brand?

[@chickamagalur]

The Hanger Project I recently bought two pairs of Allen Edmonds, it's truly beautiful pairs. Can keep staring at them when I wear. That's why I started looking for videos to take better care for them and found yours. What shoes are those in the video? They look great by the way!

[@stevenroche9874]

Kirby, taking the shoelaces off and cleaning, conditioning, and polishing the tongue is a great idea.

[@Benjimikey]

I followed this to the letter on my 7 yr old Jeffery west shoes here in the uk and when I first did the renomat I thought I had ruined my burgundy Jeffery West shoes. But I followed your advise and used the Saphir products you mentioned in this video and my God the shoes are now gorgeously waxed and nourished like they are new. Thank you so much for your wisdom and guidance in shoe maintenance and care

[@kirbyallison]

Nice! Thanks for sharing! Yes - when the Reno'Mat takes off the wax finish from prior polish applications, the leather looks significantly different.

[@aaronholmes8568]

I've been using Saphir products for a few years now and the dubbin and Renovateur are imperative to footwear maintenance.

[@onenessbaycity]

Thanks for your video. I just received my first pair of Allen Edmonds! I ordered all my waxes from your website and the help rep was great!

[@bartell1307]

Do you need a different brush for each color of polish to buff out the shoe?

[@jamindavey]

That was simply relaxing to watch.

[@wpnt37]

Do you use a different brush for each color of polish?

[@kirbyallison]

Two brushes. One for dark colors and blacks. One for light colors and browns.

[@calvinstrickland362]

Nice work

[@Gareth-410]

I love these shoes, what are they?

[@robertfiorentino1654]

Hi Kirby, is there a way to clean the dauber or chamois used to apply the wax? Same question for the horsehair buffing brushes? Thanks so much!!

[@paulfong90]

Do you ever remove the laces for a good polish?

[@tyronemccoy3102]

What do think about Bespoke shoes made in Pakistan?

[@vitalyprokopchuk373]

Good day sir. I love your videos, and have gained a lot of knowledge. I recently obtained very light colored calf leather shoes. I take care of my shoes well, however have very limited knowledge on what shoe care products to use in order not to darken the leather. Your help would be greatly appreciated, and maybe making a video on the topic would be very helpful. Thanks again for the great and educational videos.

[@kirbyallison]

Just match the tone or choose a polish color slightly lighter in color in order to prevent darkening.

[@Tanax13]

Do you use different brushes between the different waxes/polishes/etc that you apply? Or do you use the same brush? Does the brush itself need cleaning? Thanks for an excellent video!

[@sparko2012]

Beautiful shoes!

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍😍Great looking pair of shoes. Thanks for the demo. 💞

[@robertrobles8785]

Would you use the same products for Alligator, Caiman or crocodile leather boots?

[@adamjohnson1604]

What color are you using here?

[@wolftaylor]

is there any alternatives you'd recommend using for the Saphir sole guard?

[@jakov_braja5907]

Can I use renovateur/lotion and pommadier shoe cream over hard waxes, or I need to remove hard waxes every time I want to condition my shoes?

[@LongLe-xf7uf]

Love your video, it helped me with a lot of polishing. Can you tell me what kind of cream color are you using in this video? I like this color

[@Clarc115]

Are the A/E 'Vernon' and 'Cornwallis' considered dress shoes?

[@polanialmoni6274]

When polishing the wax, for a shiny look as possible , should I use a brush or a cloth, or maybe even saphire polishing glove? Should I use water or not? What about using a blow drier? Thanks

[@dennisdemers9999]

Question: can you use a neutral wax paste on either brown or black shoes?

[@scootcha]

Yes

[@Gabriel-ij2tx]

I love the way he butchers the French language. I enjoy it

[@lindseyschultz9085]

Hello! I am just entering into the world of bespoke shoe purchasing and consequently, bespoke shoe care. I'd like to buy all the essential products for proper maintenance, and I'm wondering if most folks feel the smaller shoe brushes are useful or an unnecessary extra. Also, asking because once I acquire all of the essential pieces, I'd like to have a custom shoe shine/ storage box made. Thanks in advance!!!

[@trencher7]

Is there a less harsh recommended cleaner or is Renomat mild enough? When would someone use saddle soap?

[@vi_EviL_iv]

Awesome video. Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@gregfoster5313]

First the video was fantastic. Great info, well paced, I could watch you shine shoes all day, it is oddly relaxing. Now to my question. I'm always concerned about wearing my AEs when it might rain. I travel for work for a week at a time and if there is a chance of rain I don't take my AEs because I don't want the leather soles to be destroyed. I usually don't do a lot of walking outdoors, it's mostly between the car and the hotel, or the car and the office, I don't normally have to trudge through puddles, or spend large amounts of time outside. Should I just wear my AEs and not worry about the rain?

[@JayWalkerOnline]

Saphir has a special coating for the soles of shoes you can put on to protect the leather. You can also ask your local cobbler to put on sole protectors or add rubber to your shoes. The main thing you'd fear would be water soaking through the sole and wetting your socks. Water shouldn't harm good leather too bad so long as it's cared for properly.

[@D007-g1n]

Good day Kirby, my question is it ok to apply Saphir Dubbin Graisse Condition on new shoes?

[@phancius6855]

Can i use Dubbin graisse for all kinds of smoother leather shoes?

[@francisroxas2204]

Great video, Kirby. If I condition and wax my shoes every 3 months, do I need to strip the previous quarter’s wax with saddle soap or renomat before reapplying the conditioner and wax?

[@DubSalvation]

You can use either one. Renomat is more heavy duty, like if you are taking a years worth of wax and polish off. As for 3 months, saddle soap will do just fine.

[@francisroxas2204]

@@DubSalvation thank you

[@josefsbeach]

Hey Kirby! How would you recommend going about museum calf leather? Would renomat lessen the contrast of the uneven color effect? And what color polish would be best to use to further bring luster to the patina effect of museum calf? Would love to see a video for this type of leather in the future! Thanks!

[@kirbyallison]

If the shoe is dyed properly, Reno'Mat should not affect the leather. Regarding polish colors... remember that the pigment in a shoe polish is transparent. It will not fully saturate the finish. Polish will tint... it will darken the entire shoe evenly, so if you have a antiqued shoe, it shouldn't affect it.

[@thibaultstroobandt9606]

Thanks for the very informative video. I noticed that you used your cotton chamois in 6 of the 7 steps. Is that each time a different chamois or do you dare to mix the chamois you use for one step and use it again for the next? Same question regarding the horse hair brush: each time the same brush or do you advice a different one for certain steps/products?

[@tl9455]

Kirby, excellent video as always. I commend you on your impeccable style AND your desire to help people is loud and clear through all your informative videos! I have a 2 questions: Any tips on how to properly polish a pair of brown leather dress shoes that have white stitching on the toe and sides of the shoe. The brand is Johnston & Murphy (Shuler Bike Toe Oxford). I have had them for a few years and I followed your care instructions mostly using neutral polish) but over time the medium Brown needs a bit more dye ... but I do not want to darken the white stitching. Latly, what is the best way to wrap the shammy around your fingers? I have difficulty getting a consistent hold like you always do. If you can maybe point me to a video where you show this procedure up close... Thanks for your help keep up the good work!

[@kirbyallison]

Hi Tony - it's tough with contrasting stitching! Looks great when it is new, but it is incredibly difficult to maintain in the long-run. I'd recommend apply a pigmented cream polish with a chamois so that you can really control where and how much is applied. You can even use a cotton chamois and some water to buff off the polish (instead of a horsehair brush). Again, this will give you more control. Wrapping the chamois around your fingers... there is no perfect way. I find it works best wrapped around my index and middle finger, and then twisted.

[@tl9455]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it!...obviously It was pretty late when I wrote that hence my misspelling of chamois, LOL. take care enjoy the weekend!

[@nicholaszarra708]

I’ve have a couple of horsehair brushes that I’ve used for years. They still work well. Do you have any suggestions for cleaning or maintenance of brushes or should I think about buying new ones? Thanks.

[@vangp9214]

So at the end of this video , mention that it's a presidential shoe shine which we need to do this process for once , twice in year or depends on usage. But video description says complete show care routine. So this entire process is for daily routine stuff or for presidential shoe shine? Thank you.

[@riccardomazzocato7745]

Good morning Korby Beautifull performance from you, but, in my opinion you have to remove the laces before.

[@saikireeti5487]

Kirby i used kiwi shoe shiner on a tan color shoe which in turn darkened the shoe color to rust brown shade. Is there any way to bring the color to original colour.

[@b.f.m7613]

This is a great video. Thanks!

[@seamusmediadog9729]

Kirby ! Awesome videos! What do you use to clean the polishes and other shoe care polishes off your hands!? :)

[@johnsorenson1713]

Any recommendations on how to shine/care for how to shine allen edmonds allumni natural leather shoes?

[@kirbyallison]

I'd just use the Saphir Renovateur www.hangerproject.com/saphir-renovateur.html

[@jdp1219]

Once you have done a complete regiment (leather conditioner, cream, and then wax), how do I maintain the shoe? Do I have to strip everything off and then re-apply or can I keep adding layers of wax every few months?

[@kevinp483]

My pate de luxe wax removed some of my pommadier color polish…?

[@raghavsethi01]

Great video! Question - which saphir shoe cream is a best match for tan colored shoes?

[@Hypee559]

Most likely the light brown. If you can’t find a perfect match, always go with the slightly lighter shade.

[@mildseven0506]

Thank you Kirby! Life saver!

[@jebemligashta]

Hello, Kirby! Love your videos, opened a whole new world of shoe care for me. One question - how do I remove winter salt stains from leather and also refresh the dry, cracked leather the best way? What are the best products? Thanks!

[@kirbyallison]

Saphir has a product specifically to remove winter salt stains: www.hangerproject.com/saphir-hiver-winter-salt-snow-stain-remover.html For refreshing dry, cracked leather. I would recommend several products: Saphir Renovateur: www.hangerproject.com/saphir-renovateur.html Saphir Mink Oil: www.hangerproject.com/saphir-medaille-d-or-mink-oil.html Saphir Dubbin: www.hangerproject.com/saphir-dubbin-waterproofing-polish.html

[@daneddington4426]

Hey Kirby, you’re THE MAN! I’m going to be ordering your deluxe shoe shine kit here soon, but in the mean time I ordered a few products individually. Problem is, when I received what was to be the Dubbin, it seemed it was neutral Pate de luxe (high gloss) in the package instead. Then when rewatching this video, when you’re applying the dubbin, it looks like that same pate delux neutral container (high gloss). I thought the Dubbin was in an orange can. Is it the same? If not, should I just order the mink oil instead for the major conditioning step? Thanks much!!!!!

[@pwindle]

What would you recommend for black-blue leather shoes? Mine are black with a blue hue to them like ink.

[@bencortez5509]

Hi Kirby - love your videos. I've got a question- do you do any care on the leather lining within the shoes? After a few years, the heels of the lining on my boots tore. I feel like this can be from shoe trees, but either way I'm trying to avoid it happening again. Thoughts?

[@davesmith7159]

Kirby, The only problem with mirror shine wax is it seems to be rather challenging to remove from the cap toe. If I don’t have Reno mat, does saddle soap work to remove mirror shine?? Thanks,

[@xilu7764]

Hi Kirby, what is the difference between the Saphir "cirage crème sufine pommadier" and the "cirage crème pommadier médaille d'or"? Is it just the quality level of the crème? I really need to thank you for your videos! I now love to take care of my shoes.

[@kirbyallison]

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.

[@vidarkristiansen8989]

Why did you chose not to remove the laces and clean them before shining the shoes?

[@SuperBullyone]

This product pulled the dye off my new FootJoy street shoes. I had to take them to a shoe store to have them saved. I bought every shoe polish product Kirby recommended in these videos, more than $100 just in waxes and creams, etc. I could not find the Yak brush. We will see if this French wax is better than Irish or English wax. Certainly. it is better than American.

[@_w_e_]

Great! exactly like my face care routine) And what about the waterproof spray like NanoInvulner? At what step do you recommend to apply it?

[@carlosjr5593]

Now I got curious ... What is the name of the music?

[@dnielrzl]

Hey kirby allison, can u make a video about shoe polish of yours with different colour apply to different colour of leather shoes

[@samuelsepri6316]

Uda di jelasin di video

[@bobandlisakanata246]

Kirby, whar are your thoughts on using saddle soap to clean shoes? Is saddle soap an alternative to reno mat?

[@kirbyallison]

The Reno'Mat is more for pulling specific things off of the shoe - waxes and resins. The Saddle Soap, or better the more-gentle Saphir Leather Cleaning Soap, is a good cleaner that is more gentle on the leather than Reno'Mat.

[@dejouermalaysia]

Dear Kirby, I have a pair of crazy horse leather boots and would like to know how you would polish it to achieve a high shine. Could you possibly walk through the steps?

[@kirbyallison]

Take a look at our Mirror Shine series. We have an entire playlist of mirror shine videos.

[@Chris_Davis_music]

Do you use a different chamois for each product application? If so, how do you keep track of which is used for which? And do you wash them?

[@Bigwave2003]

Never wash them. A used chamois must be buried at midnight in a churchyard. It's the only way.

[@TheGichnni]

Hi! Should or can I use the Saphir Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray on leather shoes as well after I have done a complete shoe shine routine? Or should I just use enough wax on the leather to help it waterproof? Thank you!

[@michaelmccormick2770]

Great video, Kirby! Question: I have wooden shoe trees, would you suggest sanding them?

[@kirbyallison]

You can do this... we also sell a Cedar Oil on the website that you can reoil your shoe trees with. But honestly slightly unnecessary.

[@rezaipe]

Hi Kirby, i have one question. I got a liquid cleaner and a paste cleaner, what do you think work best for the leather in terms of cleaning and drying the leather (the one i want to stay away from) ? Thank you

[@idefix8526]

My scotch brown colored shoes have light (water) and black marks. How do I get rid oder thoes marks? Already polished them twice. Also can apply fat after they are already polished?

[@Vernalobos]

I have a question: My Church black shoes unfortunately have a toe scuff that from above is not noticeable but it is to me. The leather ripped off leaving a deep gouge. I’m intrigued as to whether I can build the layer back up in line with the rest of the shoe using something like the Saphir renovating cream? Any tips on what I should do?

[@ketherga]

He has videos on that very subject if you haven't found them.

[@gabrielsmith2935]

Question: I wore a new pair of RM Williams Yearling's 5x before applying any products to them. I just finished doing this entire complete shoe shine routine and there are still some faint liquid mark stains on the uppers from the first couple times I wore them (bars & restaurants). So I have just applied all these exact same Saphir products. What can I do , if at all, to remove these marks which look like a couple small liquid spots on each upper near the toe box.

[@SimonSouris]

Hi Kirby, I used the Saphir Réno'mat on a pair of Allen Edmonds that went through hell before I discovered your channel. Thing is I had no dubbin nor renovateur at home so I applied pommadier cream polish instead for the moment and will order the two other products. As soon as I get them, would you use them directly on the cream polish or should I use something else to clean it before hand? Thanks.

[@charsaubees420]

Hi Kirby,thank you so much for the informative videos.Really appreciate it.Have a question for you,is it wise to use high quality Saphir polish on cheap quality shoes?Or should one opt for cheaper polishes like Kiwi etc?

[@jko8888]

I had a problem right off the bat with the renomat. So I kept applying and rubbing in renomat but the cloth kept turning black. What does this mean? Are my shoes too cheap and the dye is coming off, or is this the cheap wax I’ve been using in years past coming off as intended? It seems like it’s coming off forever.

[@chrisauerbach3390]

I have a question about the video. Why do you use a cloth in some videos and other you use your finger to apply products to your shoes?

[@kirbyallison]

No reason. A cloth works just as fine and wont' get your fingers dirty!

[@brianrussell7691]

Nice video. Quick question on the cleaning/de-waxing stage were you use Reno Mat. Will the Leather Soap also pull the old wax off? To put it another way; in preparing a shoe for Safir products, would the Leather Soap be a light-handed for less soiled Leather, but effective choice from Reno Mat?

[@DubSalvation]

Yes exactly right

[@brianrussell7691]

@@DubSalvation Thank you.

[@TheHyperFlash]

I know this isin't really relevant to the video but, what is your favourite whiskey? thanks.

[@kirbyallison]

Humm... well, I really love the Ardbeg Uigeadail. It's an incredibly complex, peaty scotch. But you really need to take it with ice because it is so strong.

[@roberttudisco4798]

I am having a bit of a problem getting the gloss you achieved in your video. I did the presidential shine and the shoes looked great after the cream polish, but when I went to really put a luster on the toes in the next step, I think I made them duller, regardless of how much water I was using. I was using the neutral on a shined black shoe. What am I doing wrong?

[@Loukbots]

Did you use the mirror gloss?

[@dbrownnyc212]

What do you recommend doing after a fresh wax polish when white residue starts to build up in the creases? These are for my walnut lexington AE's. love your channel, keep it up! The shoes are about 1 month old and i get them shined once a week, mostly using cream when shining myself, but sometimes on my lunch breaks will go in for a thorough shoe shine and they do use both cream and wax. I have a few pairs of AE's and was told not to shine them as often as i would probably like. Is once a week perhaps excessive? I like my shoes looking fresh :)

[@kirbyallison]

Hi David - if you're having trouble with white residue across the vamp where the shoe creases, it means that you are applying too much hard wax to this area (traditional hard wax polish vs. a cream polish). The hard waxes crack immediately once the leather flexes. To eliminate this as a problem, primarily use the Saphir Medaille d'Or Pommadier Cream Polish on these softer areas. The soft waxes will not crack, and it'll do a great job nourishing and recoloring the leather. To remove the white residue, rub the affected area with medium-firm pressure using a cotton chamois. The solvents in the wax polish will help strip off these hard wax deposits. Buff with a horsehair (or, better, pig bristle) brush, and repolish using the Saphir Cream Polish. Hope this helps!

[@dbrownnyc212]

Thank you Kirby! just bought the light brown #3.

[@gijsbo2000]

Sir, Most grateful for this video. However, two things left me puzzled a bit. First there is the choice between the Dubbin and the Mink Oil. In the video you show both a tin of the Dubbin and a jar of the Mink Oil. However eventually you're applying the Dubbin only. Does that mean that the Mink Oil should not be used during a Presidential shine? If so, is its application recommended at all? Second question, I noticed that you carefully avoided applying the Dubbin to the toe box. Is there a specific reason for that? Many thanks!

[@kirbyallison]

The Dubbin and Mink Oil are really substitutes. You could use either. The Saphir MDO Mink Oil is relatively new and wasn't available when I filmed the original Presidential Shoe Shine video. Now, I'd probably use it over the Dubbin.

[@demarayee]

Hi Kirby, Is it normal that the Renomat strip some the leather finish? Oxblood AE. Eventually when I moisturize the leather and polish it with a cream polish the shoe looks fine.

[@kirbyallison]

Yes - it's normal for a little bit of color to come off. This should be more from the polish than the actual original finish.

[@gtg169g]

Hey Kirby, I was doing this routine and got a few drops of the Safir Sole Oil on the side of my Allen Edmonds. How do you recommend removing oil from leather? Or hiding it with a wax product? I’m freaking out about it; please help!

[@monobgantonina5577]

Hello Kirby. If I have a mirror finish and I keep it lasting for say 1 month and then it cracks should I remove it with the Reno mat (even though you said to use it only 1 or 2 times in a year) Or is there a more delicate product to strip the waxes?

[@kirbyallison]

We recommend using the Saphir Reno'Mat only once or twice a year on the entire shoe (on something that is being well-maintained with Saphir MDO it just isn't needed more often than that). The one exception to this is to remove a Mirror Shine, where you have to use the Mirror Gloss in order to remove the buildup of hard waxes. So, yes, you can use it more often in this case.

[@monobgantonina5577]

The Hanger Project Thanks a lot for the reply!

[@monobgantonina5577]

The Hanger Project Hey Kirby. I have another question. Could you use something more mild? Like a saddle soap? I've heard also that the creme universelle or nappa cream can help remove previous coats and then nourish the leather?

[@larrykester8593]

I know your products are for higher end leather shoes, but can they be used on Law Enforcement style Bates, Rocky, and 5.11 Tactical Series boots?

[@kirbyallison]

Sure! But I'd probably use something like the Dubbin Grassie on a tactical boot.

[@larrykester8593]

The Hanger Project By any chance have you gotten that email?

[@arzeboj]

Reupload?

[@phototristan]

It's apparently a shorter edited version.

[@dbz739921]

No mirror shine???😢

[@M109_KAWEST]

HORSEHAIR SHOESHINE BRUSH

[@ramankhosla3890]

Hello sir I Raman khosla from India, sir I buy saphir product please help me

[@jaythornhill19]

I have a pair of Oar Stripe Italian leather derbys from jcrew in burnished sienna and I'm hoping to keep them looking well maintained. an you suggest a care plan and color that best fits the shoe? I was thinking of "cognac" as the color choice for the soft and hard wax applications. Also is Reno mat, dubbin and renouvateur 100% necessary? Any help is much appreciated. below is a link to the exact show. www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes_sneakers/oxfords/oar-stripe-italian-leather-derbys/J8989?color_name=burnished-sienna

[@p.w.4203]

i am surprised laces were left in shoe while cleaning. Why not remove laces to clean the leather that lies under the laces?

[@cokekazoo9996]

Hey Kirby, love the videos, and I've officially found a new hobby! A question though; After applying a mirror shine to a shoe, how often should I be polishing, and when I do, should I still follow the normal steps of the Renovatuer, Polish, then Wax?

[@kirbyallison]

After you apply the mirror shine to the toe/heel, you'll want to touch that area up with Pate de Lux wax polish as needed. You'll be able to tell. Polish the rest of the shoe as you would normally using Reno/Polish + Wax.

[@kirbyallison]

Hello Geoffrey, Thanks for your question! We featured it in our new Q&A video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/imHLlXWPiLGEsLc . Be sure to check it out and to also send us a direct message for a small surprise! Best, The Hanger Project Team

[@stefanpaege2046]

If that is really your "full monty" treatment for shoes, why do you leave the shoe laces in place? Wouldn't it be even more perfect, if you remove them & take care of the "tongue" as well?

[@russellsheldt]

You should state on your videos that you will only answer questions if their about items that you sell.

[@jigarpatel1431]

Hello Kirby -- I bought the Saphir mink oil because, I thought, it was supposed to be used periodically to condition the leather. Is that not the case? Can the regular mink oil take the place of the Renovateur? Or, how should the mink oil (if at all) in the shoe shine process?

[@kirbyallison]

The pure Saphir Mink Oil is more akin to the Saphir Dubbin and something that would be occasionally used for deep conditioning, not part of a regular shoe shine routine. It is far too potent a conditioner and would prevent the leather from taking on a shine. for the primary shining of shoes, we recommend the Saphir Renovateur and the Saphir Pommadier Cream Polish.

[@jigarpatel1431]

The Hanger Project Thank you for your response, Kirby. If I'm trying to maintain a mirror shine polish on a pair of shoes, would you still recommend using the renovateur during the normal shoe shine process? I guess I'm trying to figure out the best way to maintain my mirror shine finishes on my shoes in-between the deep cleanings. I've been using the Saphir Mirror Gloss and Pate De Lux wax to get high-shine on the toe-box of some of my shoes. I also use the Saphir cream polish. I just don't know what I should do to maintain that shine in-between the periodic deep cleaning. And, lastly, does the mink oil permanently darken leather? Thanks for doing these videos and answering questions.

[@kirbyallison]

You can shine the rest of the shoe as you would normally, using the Saphir Renovateur and other Saphir products. However, on the mirror shine itself, you can use can use a little bit of Pommadier Cream Polish and Pate de Luxe Wax Polish, each applied with our High Shine Chamois, to maintain. Essentially, you're just rebuffing the final stage with the cotton chamois. You'll reach a point where the high shine is cracked and cannot be recovered. At this point, you'll need to use the Saphir Reno'Mat to pull off the hard waxes, condition, and start over.

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

*a high concentration of* I liek.

[@Tomal4lo]

Critical mistake. You did not remove laces which is required for this 1 per year restoration process.

[@kirbyallison]

Laces could have been removed, for sure.

[@ChrisJones-ht4cg]

Critical implies that it is of paramount importance. It isn't. It's just polishing shoes not diffusing a bomb.

[@qwasz123123]

Nice job but, for a truly complete job, the laces should be removed.