How To Patina Leather Dress Shoes | Kirby Allison

[@clivelambertcarmichael5970]

I live in Toronto Canada. I learned a lot from your show. I am a 60+ guy, loved shoes as a child. My uncle was a shoemaker. I love your show.

[@travelguy6454]

This is the video I’ve been waiting for. I’ve seen it so many times on different shoeshine videos but they failed to explain how to create the antiquing process, thank you Mr. Allison for being able to illustrate so profoundly on how this process is to be done.

[@kirbyallison]

Try it out and tag us on Instagram using #shareyourshine

[@Diegosees]

@20:25 This attention to detail is what other channels have missed entirely. Thank you and cheers!

[@sergiu8685]

Try to do some detail shots with the end result. They look great, but I for one (maybe others too) would love to see the end result from different angles and some close ups.

[@reychop]

Agreed. The elegant oxford does this really well.

[@djtransaction1982]

This process makes shoes look 30% more valuable.

[@alonsosalazar5317]

Lovely work. There is nothing like a well polished and presented pair of shoes. Great video!

[@Breitman123]

I absolutely love your videos. Found your page looking for instructions on using Saphir products, and the education I’ve received has transformed my entire collection of shoes. Thank you!!

[@DC430]

The Hanger Project drinking game: Drink every time Kirby says "Saphir pommadier cream polish" , "high concentration of hard waxes", "build up that foundation", "again", "shammy", and "bespoke".

[@flvinny521]

"Elevate the shine"

[@vidster7]

" less is more"

[@jeremyemilio9378]

"working this polish in"

[@kirbyallison]

Man, you guys would be drunk. But your shoes would look INCREDIBLE!!! hahaha

[@deflord1972]

This is the best reply ever!

[@timothyhackenberg526]

Kirby, Love the channel, especially shoe care topics. I used to think I knew more than the average person about shoe care until I started watching, then realized how little I knew. I just tried this patina technique on a couple of my favorite pairs of shoes. The results are amazing. Thank you!

[@rottenrobbie7]

Just in time! Recently bought a nice pair of Florsheim's with that antiqued look that are scuffing and in need of this very technique. Really takes the look of the shoe to the next level. I appreciate that you left in the bit with the blotch and demonstrating how to deal with it. Enjoying your channel very much, thanks!

[@kirbyallison]

This will do the trick! Congrats on the shoes!

[@rottenrobbie7]

Thank you, sir.

[@jdog6200]

Kirby is Impeccable in every way LOL. But, I did notice that automatic craptastic auto pod coffee maker behind you. May I recommend for the man in this video to up his game and round out his image by learning what great coffee is. Maybe next video we will see him with a coffee setup in the background worthy of his polished image.:)

[@miguelteixeira4134]

I have done this to a pair of burgundy combat boots. They look amazing

[@Migu633]

tremendous work Kirby!! Thanks for sharing

[@Legionnaire7777]

Did the same thing to some Edward Green shoes I have. Great upload by the way.

[@kioomarskiarass8246]

I like the way you polish the shoe What is that liquid in that bottle you using , I’ll appreciate if you write the list of materials you using Thanks

[@mr.v1014]

awesome .....love watching your informative and interesting videos. ...thank you!

[@massimilianodimario1688]

something odd about staining a shoe dressed like that

[@tyepete2236]

Great video.... Another addition to my arsenal 👞👞👞

[@spencersmith4849]

he looks like an older version of that dapper food reviewer

[@kxish]

Reviewbrah

[@whitemakesright2177]

Yep, he looks like he could be Reviewbrah's older brother.

[@dmalfarajr]

Hey Kirby. I’ve tried this several times unsuccessfully. I get the patina I want in the toe using cream polish, but the pate de luxe just removes it. What am I doing wrong?

[@magnoliamike]

Great tips Kirby! Fade it like a haircut!

[@scootertrasher1369]

Most of the shoes I buy at the thrift store already have Patina :)

[@imranuzzaman2566]

Hi, Very good results, after a deep study, using the right methods and utilisation sources, Because if we do not know the right Process, then we will apply cheeks brightening cream on the knees☺️ and wait for the miracle, which will not get the desired results. Although I try very hard to get Mirror Shine at home, but have not been able to succeed so far, although my efforts are continuing. If you allow me I want to share an input there was a small input, When ever you wear a suit during The work, then definitely try Bespoke Suits for comfort...

[@user-lx6pt4wj3t]

I have a pair of honey coloured penny loafers. Would a light antiquing with a bordeaux leather cream look just off ? Should I just go with medium brown ? Sounds less interesting though 🤔 great video !!

[@ScottBelleriWorkshop]

Is it important to remove shoe wax before starting this process? (I noticed a nice shine on the shoes before you started, not sure if that was wax.) If so, is Renomat the product to use for that? Thank you.

[@PerfectionHunter]

Yes it is. And yes Renomat is what he should have used first. He completely forgot to strip the factory surface finish before doing this, which means all that darkening was just a buid up on the outside, and not inside the leather, and will therefore just wear of in a few days/weeks depending on use. There are other vids here on YT that explains this in detail. Search: "How to patina shoes" and go watch those instead.

[@cowboyhank456]

I love how those shoes look, might have to purchase a tan pair just to do the same!

[@mudhasirpasha6127]

Hello Mr.Allison thanks a lot about this process learned a lot, please will you make a video about complete crust patina process.

[@mikejessable]

Thanks for the demonstration Kirby. awesome information.

[@pcking2008]

I liked the idea until Kirby put the Mirror gloss which brought out that "stain" looking detail on the left shoe near the right toe vicinity. Is there a way to reverse that being it's so dark? I would like to know just in case I was to experience this. Thanks

[@BlindSideNZ]

Hey Kirby, I’ve got some light tanned leather shoes, and I’ve given them a polish but they darkened. Is this a bad thing? I liked them as a lighter tan but the polish makes them darker. I only used a little bit, is there a way I can get the lighter colour back?

[@SugaHoneyIceTea36]

Im Going to try this on my Bordeaux boots with dark navy pommadier

[@robertgil5388]

Hello Kirby I have a pair of light brown wing tip shoes that came with a little bit of darkening of the toe. I would like to lighten it up what would I use on the toe to lighten the toe. Thanks

[@martincox7354]

I find myself quite drawn to these type of videos even though I no longer wear suits. Before retirement, I wore MTM suits and (principally) Loake shoes every day together with double cuff shirts and silk ties. Retirement gave me the opportunity to rebel against 50 years of suits and so jeans and polos became the order. I’m now veering back to smartness but principally good shoes, jeans or moleskin trousers with shirts and tweed jackets. As has been said, this was a very well presented video. I have a pair of tan brogues which were one dimensional and I thought I had little to lose using the creme pigment method. So, off I went. I put maybe 6 coats of Saphir dark brown creme on the toe and heel areas. Very, very little effect. Obviously, every leather is different and maybe mine was not going to be successful using this method. I have watched the Elegant Oxford method of using acetone to remove the top coatings; then apply dye and carry on with cremes etc. that was a step too brave for me at the moment and so I thought about a middle way. I took some Fiebings dark brown dye (I’m a hobby leathercrafter) and put a very little onto a cotton cloth. I then dabbed the dye on the cloth so that it was slightly dispersed. I wiped this onto the shoe and was very pleased with the result. I found that if my dye looked a little streaky, I could wipe it to be less obviously providing I did it straight away. The end result after several very light uses of this method are shoes which are less antique’d than Mr Allison but still have that patina/3 dimensional look that I liked from this video. So, thanks to both Mr Allison and Mr Soto, I have found a way to achieve the look. Thank you.

[@b9904]

So you can create a slighty brown and reddish toe and heel on any light colored (dark tan?) shoe. And it not permanent. Cool!

[@johnparkerzabala]

Very happy to learn watch this. I have an all black which planning to use a navy blue cream on it, would it be a good outcome like a black bluish color?

[@sdreaver816]

If I do this each time, will it just get extremely dark? If I go neutral for weekly shine between doing this, will it end up stripping the color back off?

[@AMindInOverdrive]

I did this by accident with a medium brown pair of shoes I have. Used dark brown polish...I kinda like the result LOL

[@1989amiras]

What an amazing technique and beautiful finish to the shoe - thank Kirby for teaching me how to take care for my shoes (among others wardrobe pieces)

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks, Amir! More great content coming!

[@active4delta]

Looking dapper in that suit my good sir. The wide lapels look great on you, especially with that tie. Thanks for the video! Lots of great information. I especially appreciate you talking about how the results obtained with cream polish aren’t permanent and can be mostly reversed if desired. Makes me feel better about giving this a shot.

[@finiteionews]

“ ...’learning so much’ - thank you Mr Kirby ‘Excellence’ Allison!”😁👍🏻 - Anthony Aaron

[@finiteionews]

😊

[@czynski3]

Good looking windsor knot!

[@dafien]

I'm trying to 'antique' a brand new pair of Red Wing shoes (tan leather). I know, very different type of shoe as compared to this one, but they look too 'orange' and they could do with a bit of character. Perhaps you could give me a couple of suggestions? By the way, great video and channel, I'm learning a lot, thanks!

[@luizcarlospinto415]

Dear friend, I'm Luiz Carlos from Curitiba City, Brasil. Please: how can I buy a kit of Safira products to reach "mirror shine" to my shoes, from the basic colors, black, brown, etc? How much I'd spent to have the products in my house? Thanks for help.

[@thefallenarm589]

if you want neutral wax, use a natural color wax (a bit yellow-ish) rather than a white wax that tends to blur the color

[@WJC1981]

Hi, I have some really noce navy loafers but everything Ive put on them has made them too shiny, I want a matt finish what am I doong wrong

[@nicholaslopez6384]

Can it really be called patina if you're doing it on purpose. Patina means the beauty that comes with age, right? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@TrojanMars1]

Great video Kirby! Q: why was the mirror gloss wax applied before the pat deluxe? I thought one would want to apply the mirror gloss as the very top layer. Thanks.

[@alvinscoggins2261]

Do you do a patina dye on Allan Edmonds if I send them to you?

[@gritsteel4559]

When using this technique (shoe cream), Kirby or anyone, how can one get a good gradient from dark to light so it looks natural ?

[@timorogenmoser3853]

A great video. Would you consider making a video about how to take best care and wash cashmere (e. g. sweaters)? The guides you can see and read on the Internet all seem a bit weird and if someone knows how to take perfect care for cashmere garments, it's certainly you. Keep it up!

[@kirbyallison]

Certainly, Timo!

[@kirbyallison]

We working on these!

[@disco324]

I love your professional videos, I am ex UK milirary and can make just about anything shine. Since watching your videos and using the Sapphire products I do find that the products are absolutely top quality and do indeed speed the process to a Mirror Shine. May I ask a question, will you send me the leather looking desk pad that you polish the shoes on. I would like to polish it, just as a challenge. Kind regards.

[@SWong37]

How do you get a more burnished/solid color effect? Is that done more through Cream polish or wax? I recently tried antiquing and the cream just kind of created a streaky effect and I feel like the black wax polish barely did anything at all.

[@danielhakimi]

Here's a question for you -- is there anything special I need to know about cleaning/maintaining the metal bit on bit loafers? Can you do a video on that?

[@kirbyallison]

Not really. If you get any wax or polish on it, the Reno'Mat will take it off easily.

[@benpalombo7531]

great video!!

[@JM-jb1bh]

Awesome Patina. Kirby can you please send me the link where you "prepare" the shoe thank you.

[@shadow-Sun]

good job ..

[@TheRoadOfLoading]

The antiqued shoes definitely have more depth into it, I prefer giving every shoes a bit of antiquing. For dress shoes, using multi-layers of wax can achieve an even and transpire coat of antiquing. Cream will have an uneven, museum calf effect.

[@kirbyallison]

Yeah - absolutely - a little antiquing is definitely an advanced polishing technique that gives shoes added dimension.

[@Well_Earned_Siesta]

Do you ever recommend using a fine grit sandpaper or other lightly abrasive instruments? A colleague of mine has a pair of walnut colored bluchers that are highly distressed, but with a nice patina polish. They have a really nice look. Any way to get this look other than decades worth of normal wear and tear?

[@AllisterCaine]

Check out the bespoke addict. He really has the most experience in using abrassives. He uses quite brute methods, but his resulats are great. You have to remove aniline/caseine-color layers or, at least the polish to "paint" a shoe new.

[@n.h187]

Kirby I have a question, about to place an order Do I get both the neutral and black horse hair brush for polishing black shoes and lighter shoes, or will one horsehair brush do? Thanks

[@n.h187]

Michael - thanks! Already found the answer but thanks anyway :)

[@kirbyallison]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYjCZWZtdsl3pZI

[@aldocoin]

Where can I go to hire someone to do this for me?

[@BaksiuXD]

Hello, I want to your help. I want to start patinate shoes. I don't now what should i start my studies about patinate.

[@vikasvats8609]

We don't have these polishes and wax here in India. I don't know which company sell them here.

[@huntersanders7467]

Fantastic information! Thank you!

[@larryragin6379]

How much do it cost to have your shoes patina professionally ??

[@vidster7]

Thank you Kirby .. wonderdul video..btw can you share you shine and rehydrate or perfect condition a woven type shoe.. like woaven tassel and etc.. it will be a great help

[@kirbyallison]

David - best thing to do is just brush with a pig bristle brush.

[@AlessandroCox]

Hello Mr Allison! Remarkable video, as always. May I ask you how would you polish a pair of braided leather shoes?

[@kirbyallison]

Alessandro Cocco There is no way to prevent the buildup of Polish when you apply it, so best thing to do is just take really brush the shoes. Brush. Brush. Brush. It’ll take the excess polish off.

[@AlessandroCox]

Thank you so much for the advise!

[@zoukatron]

Nice to see this reuploaded, it's amazing work. Beautiful. I'd like to ask your opinion about a problem I've had recently. I've upgraded my shoes - bought a couple pairs of brown Loakes (not bespoke level, but good quality and value) along with the Loake-branded cream and wax polish. The polish is significantly darker than the shoe, and on the first pair this resulted in the first pair being darkened to a really lovely. The colour is consistent and smooth. The second pair I bought a polished a few weeks later, I used exactly the same technique, but the polish had ended up horribly streaky. Do you think it most likely that this is down to inconsistency in my technique or more likely the quality of the polish? I am thinking about getting some of the Saphir polish, but if it's down to me doing a bad job then better polish isn't really going to be the answer. Thanks.

[@kirbyallison]

Hard to say... it could just as much been about the leather possibly not taking the polish evenly. Try the Saphir and let me know if it makes a difference.

[@toobalkain]

Franchescetti also darken their shoes along the stitches and they’re the best looking dark brown shoes in the world.

[@johnrichardson4583]

What is a smammy cloth exactly?

[@subriotech2007]

On an unrelated topic, how would you recommend storing woollen clothes in a tropical climate? Especially long-term? Your other wool video showed how to get rid of moths, but I couldnt find anything about this. Thanks

[@kirbyallison]

It is important to store woolen items in a sealed box. If you live in a very humid environment, a sealed plastic box will keep out the humidity, which can cause the fibers to break down.

[@kfung4]

That’s amazing

[@joetrippi2234]

Kirby, I know you used dark brown for the antiquing, what color was used for the original shine? Thank you, I really enjoy all you videos

[@darrenshu1]

Light Brown Cream, Light Brown Wax Polish, then finished off with a medium brown wax polish. Mentioned here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqPChnuXfNB9hKcm19s and here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqPChnuXfNB9hKcm46s

[@franksanchez1974]

Wow! 👏👏

[@OverwhelMinGJing]

this pair with this kind of condition is 50 dollars? Goddman sign me up Kirby!

[@tarunchopra4u]

Hi I cleaned my shoe with just wet cloth and then a waterproof spray.. it has changed the color to dark tan from light tan. How can i get the color back and how to protect it from water stains in future without changing its color

[@kirbyallison]

Zooom That’s interesting… Sounds like it probably build some of the finish off. I would just polish the shoes with a darker color polish to try to bring back up to finish. Unfortunately was some shoes, they use water-based dyes that come off when you polish the shoes with the proper solvent-based shoe polish.

[@StefanIordan]

I am sure I saw this yestarday :)

[@kirbyallison]

Hahah. Yes, we had to reupload because of resolution issues.

[@jnoble3358]

Hello can you use mink oil on leather shoes?

[@rawitat]

What about shell cordovan? Do we just use darker wax or do we have to use cordovan cream as well? Thanks.

[@kirbyallison]

If you were antiquing, you could use a darker Pommadier Cream Polish. The Cordovan Cream Polish is better, but it isn't available in as many color.

[@rawitat]

The Hanger Project thanks!! What color for cream would you recommend for red shell cordovan antiquing? (Carmina rubi, to be precise).

[@arnoldarnoldsson9572]

A question, the shape of the shoe seems just rather off.. the heel seems off and the outer welt is too wide? Do you wear those yourself?

[@kirbyallison]

...they're Allen Edmonds....

[@SWong37]

sick burn

[@shahorology3275]

Great video❤️🙌🏼❤️

[@Myrslokstok]

I actually used a darker brown on a salt spot a couple of weeks ago.

[@kirbyallison]

Yeah. This is a great trick to conceal water and salt damage. Really the only for-sure way to fix.

[@brentmeister1072]

Excellent! I tried this based on your earlier video, but this takes it to a new level! I’d like to buy you lunch at Capital Grille when schedules agree.

[@kirbyallison]

I'm in Dallas... let me know when! ;)

[@DustyLeeSledge]

How would I antique a black boot ?

[@ricardoserrano8601]

Kirby I have a question hopefully you can answer. I read in a few articles that wax is not good for the leather as it clogs up the pores and prevent the leather from breathing or receiving future essential oils. What is your stand on that. I purchased Mink oil, Cream, and Wax from the Hanger Project. A bit confuse how to fully polish a pair of leather boots. Thanks Ricardo

[@TheRoadOfLoading]

It won't block the pores like silicone, just takes a bit more time to absorb.

[@ricardoserrano8601]

Thanks, I used to apply Fiebings Mink oil but it contains silicone

[@kirbyallison]

Yeah. Silicones the most important thing to avoid. And as long as you are using a high-quality polish and polishing your shoes frequently, you shouldn't have any problems with cracking.

[@ricardoserrano8601]

The Hanger Project Thanks!!!!

[@AllisterCaine]

The "absorption" thing is all bogus. Nothing is absorbed when your shoes are waxed, it just looks like it. Guess why even the "solvent free" creams and waxes still contain solvents. You put on the wax/cream and it turns dull, moments later- is that the shoe care agent being absorbed? No, it is the solvent evaporating. Try this on a mirror gloss shoe tip. The same will happen. Are the nutrients passing, say, half a milimeter of wax in an instant? ;) To really nourish leather, you have to remove old wax and polish the hard way: solvents like gas.

[@Jim58223]

Nice cufflinks, and what watch is that?

[@kirbyallison]

www.hangerproject.com/lapis-lazuli-golden-acorn-cufflinks.html

[@theanti-virus33]

i have dark brown chealsea boots and elastic is lose and the calf area is not huging my ankle what should i do?

[@kirbyallison]

Hard to do anything, really, once the shoe is already made. You could try adding an insole or wearing thicker socks.

[@johnkranenborg6019]

Is there a way to undo factory antiquing?

[@kirbyallison]

It really depends how the antiquing was applied. You could see if some Reno'Mat would pull it off. But, otherwise, if the antiquing was done with proper alcohol-based leather dyes, there is really no way to pull it off without stripping the finish of the entire shoe and re-dying it.

[@stevenwiggett9518]

Surely if polish already on shoe why would anytning soak into the leather

[@Chris_Styles]

I like.

[@MrBanegasgaleas]

I try it with no success, doing that almos screw my shoes tho😪

[@gasaul5759]

I have a question about the video.

[@TheBjjninja]

Darker shoes are typically associated with a less casual style, not more casual.

[@andrewdiener9948]

that kind of water bottle anybody know where I can buy one at?

[@xdeepfryx]

this is what i want

[@jackiewong8097]

What do you do with the shoes after demonsstration. A u going to actually wear it? How do yo handle with hygien?

[@kirbyallison]

Most of the Allen Edmonds we just keep to use on future videos... some I buy in staff sizes and give to them.

[@tonysavage9994]

Appreciate the info but why are you cleaning shoes in a suit and tie

[@cdvax11]

Because he can. I'd have polish all over myself. I wonder if he washes dishes in a suit and tie. Great info and technique, nonetheless.

[@lauralil6886]

because we have class you heathen.

[@CustomKirby]

He can also be found sunning hinself at the beach wearing a suit and tie

[@tomtransport]

Kerby, You dress so impeccably I just wish just before doing the things you do so well you would put on a pair of wrist to just above elbow clothing protectors. Black with elastic at wrist and just above elbow. You put apron on but I cringe when I see the white cuffs of your shirt and suit so close to shoe polish etc. Thanks.

[@MrStephenfull]

Reupload? Directors cut?

[@kirbyallison]

Forgot to swap out the proxy files on this one... one of the tribulations of editing while traveling. But, you guys caught it quickly for us!

[@legerpascal2163]

I am gonna buff that with my shamy LOL

[@chazmorgan1516]

Can I pay you to do this to my walnut Allen Edmonds McAllister’s? Really enjoy the way these look!