HOW TO POLISH AND MAINTAIN YOUR SHOES/BOOTS | BACK-TO-BASICS SKILLS

In this video your erstwhile host demonstrates the art of maintaining high quality footwear by using the basic elements of a long-term shoe care regime.
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Dent's Factory Store Visit: • WORLD’S BEST GLOVES | ...
Visit to several shoes factories in England: • A TRIP TO THE MENS SHO...
Shoe Arbitrage (laddering): • ARBITRAGE - THE ROUTE ...
Style options on a tight budget 2021: • CHEAP STYLE OPTIONS FO...
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#chapsguide #ashjones #mensstyle

[@John_in_da_UP]

"I loaned these to my son and he trashed them", said every father in the universe.

[@jasonmoore3557]

Ash when you polish them next time around, say once a month or once a fortnight etc, do you strip the shoe of polish with shoe cleaner or can you just repeat this routine? Cheers

[@TheChapsGuide]

Don’t strip it off - just apply new polish over the old. That is how the patina builds up over time

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

I find shoe cleaning theraputic. It's relaxing to me.

[@antonioalvarez303]

I most definitely agree with you. Therapeutic.

[@williamkazak469]

Another great video. Gentlemen need this type of very practical information. Thank you.

[@RaoulKunz1]

A nice overview - for the most part I follow this process with only slight variations in the products (like "Collonil 1909" for the shoe cream or "Solitaire") and the Mirror Polish for the lazy bloke: I tend to *build up* the Mirror polish on the cap (unless I skip it because it's a shoe mostly worn at work) using two to three "lazy layers" of "Saphir Mirror Gloss" every other week while maintaining the shoe - eventually this ends up in a shiny toe cap but it takes some time... if you have no pressure it's the lazy alternative. And of course it's a nice option for customer's shoes to achieve a decent "Medium Shine" that suggests "worked on and finished" 😉. Also: Yes, shoe polishing *is* a deeply cathartic exercise. Oh and maybe another tip for the quick solution *if* you feel it's a chore: 1) a harder brush if there's dirt on it ~ 2min 2) shoe cream in a single layer ~ 3min 3) horse hair brush all over with energy ~ 3min 4) a single layer of Saphir Mirror Gloss for another ~ 3min to finish. Will look sufficiently dapper-ish for the forgotten appointment you had for eating out with the in-laws this evening. It won't last much longer, but hey, it's a purpose-bound solution ;). - But of course we are all gents here and wouldn't do anything like this... right?^^ Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Excellent as always! Thank you, Ash! Like you, I also find cleaning and polishing my shoes a therapeutic experience.

[@djrudog1158]

I iam looking forward to an ironing tutorial....I just cannot iron and military men are experts...

[@TheChapsGuide]

I have filmed 2 ironing tutorials. They are coming soon.

[@patallen4904]

@@TheChapsGuide remember no tramlines 😂

[@djrudog1158]

My ironing is abysmal.....I wear chinos most of the time because of it...

[@MrBurtonshaw]

Excellent video again.... I have to admit, before taking an interest in traditionally made shoes, I thought that polishing shoes was just caking wax on them... probably did more harm than good. A tip for the frugal gent, use those plastic/rubber gloves to apply the soft creams/cleaners.... you don't use so much and the heat of your hands will helps the creams penetrate the leather. cheers for the vid Ash.

[@arindambasu9850]

Long awaited. A master course in shoe care was wanting and its here now. Thank you, enjoyable video as always.

[@mikebodner1812]

Excellent video, very educational. I've used all of those products at varies times over the years, and now I understand the science behind them! Do you have any thoughts or recommendations on the various water proofing products that are available? Typically, I've treated new shoes with a leather water resistant spray, but always wondered if the product should be reapplied over time.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I personally only use the Saphir polish I have used in this video for 10+years and find this adds enough water protection for my standard footwear. I know of the many more purpose-made waterproofing products, but have only used the occasional product on my suede shoes to good effect. Regular re-prooofing will be required to continue the effectiveness of the water proofing.

[@mikebodner1812]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you, Ash!

[@gritsteel4559]

On my suede/nubuck shoes, I like to use Tarrago nano spray, this lasts a long time, like 4 to 6 months. Saphir also has the Invulner spray, but it won't last as long. Some prefer this, as they don't have to wait so long if they want to recondition their suede/nubuck shoes with Saphir suede conditioner.

[@edwardbirdsall6580]

I was in the doctors office for 3 hours today. All the medical folks were in scrubs and trainers. Nearly all the patients were also wearing casual trainers. One very pretty young nurse noticed and took the time to complement my highly polished brown wingtips. That made the brief touch up job I gave them before going in worth the few minutes it took.

[@TheChapsGuide]

A sad indictment of the times in which we live.

[@cc8530]

As long as you have medical insurance they don’t give a shit.

[@Tarmore456]

Really helpful Ash! Thanks

[@the_9ent]

Hi Ash. If the conditioner is left on longer to absorb into the leather, does this makes a difference when it’s brushed or perhaps extend the life of the leather? Same for the coloured cream used. Thanks

[@05Rudey]

Looking forward to these back to basics vids, especially with the bow tie versions (if included of course) Many thanks Ash, as we all need a reminder.

[@TheChapsGuide]

More to come!

[@iainmc9859]

After a lot of experimentation (and lots of experience, as I'm a shoe junkie) I can add a little to this topic. Instead of an expensive (relatively) creme base coat use a little Caster Oil, its an old cobbler's trick. For the final mirror polish use a crumpled up piece of lady's nylon stocking, its a finer gauze (denier) than shirt material, this also creates greater friction to heat the polish. On top of that if you need that patent leather look a wipe over with our old friend caster oil makes the toe cap super reflective. N.B. Don't use cooking oils, they encourage mould growth.

[@francoisdunord7169]

i don’t know why, but i love these shoe video’s, grtz from the netherlands 🇳🇱

[@Randy_Batswinger]

How to put up bookshelves would be welcome. Thanks Ash.

[@Neil-from-Oz]

I find paying $70 to $150 dollars for the Saphir products you mentioned a little too much for putting a shine on my shoes; maybe I'll try the Collonil products instead. But appreciate your technique and layered method of shoe preservation. Thanks. Sadly, even when attending church, women compliment me on my 'not casual' attire and that my polished shoes stand out .

[@barrymurphy1337]

Thank you Ash another very instructive video, a jar of Renovator duly ordered. Fwiw my grandfather used to leave his boots by the fire before he polished them.

[@RaoulKunz1]

A perfectly reasonable measure if they had been polished before - same thing as polishing in quick motions with horse hair brush. You can also deploy a hair dryer - since it is available and it speeds up the process I usually deploy the heat gun on a lower setting at work after applying cream but before polishing with the brush. Reduces the time spent with the brush to a couple of passes. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@nickpdxx]

You motivated me and I did my shoes alongside you. Thank you.

[@9er..]

It would have been EPIC if you had worn a cravat with the with coveralls and had “The Chap” printed on the name tag!!!!!!💪👊. On the subject of shoe trees…After some time, can one use some sandpaper and cedar oil to refresh them?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Absolutely. Just don’t take too much off, or they will go down a size over time.

[@RaoulKunz1]

Just use very fine grade sand paper that takes away pretty much nothing but opens up the surface for an infusion of oil. We do this to lasts occasionally because they are constantly changed (the lasts for the bespoke inlays that is, we do this also to the "proper" shoe lasts if they are re-used frequently but most of those are extremely specific for the individual - we are orthopaedic shoemakers). Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@bigbadbith8422]

30 minutes of class!

[@davidhartline9172]

Hi Ash, thank you for the video. I always wondered what the different safir product were for. You did a great job explaining it.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Philipk65]

That was a great video Ash, picked up some really good tips that I did not know. I didn't know about the cream or the mirror shine wax.

[@patallen4904]

Stand to attention, uniform inspection!

[@Heywood.Jablome]

Interesting... Why is Kiwi discontinued? Kiwi stated that “a rise in casual shoes that don't require formal polishing and an overall decrease in consumers polishing their shoes in the UK had prompted us to withdraw from the UK market, […] but we will continue to remain active in markets where formal shoe care remains relevant.”Sep 10, 2023

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I got Lincoln wax. That is what the USMC issues. It works well. Provides a high shine. I use a horse hair brush, 🐴 then I light the shoe wax(can). Let the wax burn for 2-3sec then apply the liquid wax to the shoe or leather boot.

[@verykeen2please]

ive got a few pairs, i can send you for another demo lol

[@absk601]

4:00 step one: always buff your shoes with a horse hair brush , always. No matter how clean they are, there is a thin layer of surface dust which prevents the conditioning creams to penetrate evenly. After that, whenever your shoes are looking rough or dull, or not evenly polished, use a damp, clean soft cloth and give them a wipe thoroughly cleaning all the areas and letting them sit to dry for about 10 to 20 minutes. then carry on with the renovator, shoe cream, waxes in the same order. You’ll be amazed how shiny and evenly polished your shoes will look at the end!

[@HarrisLoops]

Thanks Ash, I’d always thought I needed ice cubes to get the mirror shine, I’ll just go with extra layers from here on in.

[@oaktreedogmom6180]

Would you recommend these same steps for all leather goods? (For instance, a good quality handbag)

[@TheChapsGuide]

Saphir produce special products from non-footwear leather goods. I would not entirely recommend using shoe cream on a fine handbag.

[@nickkambitis5340]

Spit was used in my navy days Ash. Great tutorial

[@lorettashumate446]

Just finished polishing my shoes with Safhir polish. May I suggest to Saphir they make a cologne, I would try it.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Me too.

[@FAS1948]

My father showed me how to polish my shoes 70 years ago, and I see no reason to change now, but I appreciate that not everyone learned the lesson, or who had a mother who had a checklist before I was allowed out: clean hands? clean hanky? clean shoes?

[@stephendownes6331]

Use an old shaving brush to apply the polish, puts it on evenly if you work quickly and you can push it into nooks and crannies.

[@abzgreezy6230]

Amazing shoe renovation wax polish video ash very satisfying and informative to watch 👍🙏😍😍

[@Randy_Batswinger]

It'd be good to have these as a Playlist eventually.

[@jethrojacinto2798]

I know as a man I should shine on my own shoes and I know how to but the guys near work just does such a better job than I do for only like $5

[@roccotarulli2464]

Ash, I just got a new pair of black cap toe boots and I wanted a refresher on getting that mirror shine thanks

[@MexieMex]

What is your opinion of boots? Due to an old war injury I need the support of boots rather than just wearing shoes.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Boots work just as well as shoes. I wear boots in winter and shoes in summer usually.

[@lorettashumate446]

Very good, thank you.

[@jsytac]

Excellent watch videos but if you want to know how to polish your shoes, ask a member of the British Army. These techniques work but aren’t the best way to polish your shoes. The products suggested are all very good.

[@mindsetmotivation9124]

My tie tying skills need to be worked on lol.

[@nkupianist]

Good video! One thing I'll add - check out the creasing already formed in your shoe, especially if they're not brand new, before mirror shining. I find most of my shoes unfortunately have a slight crease formed in front of the toe cap seam, and if I shine all the way to that seam, I'll get a crack in that spot. I shine either all the way back to the seam or back to the first crease on the toe cap if one has formed. I've seen people "set" the crease intentionally over the seam when brand new by setting an aluminum straw or similar object over the seam, but for used shoes, there's not much I'm aware of you can do to undo an existing crease entirely to where it's shinable.

[@daleknut1]

As always a superb video always worth reminding how it's done

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@daniell2217]

Since this is 101, a couple additional tips. (1) if you’re doing this indoors, put down some newspaper or cardboard beforehand. VERY hard to get shoe polish stains off carpet, upholstery, etc. (2) Saphir smells (personally, I love it, but your wife/kids might not), so again if you’re indoors, do it in the basement. If we’re leveling up to 300, try using blue pate de luxe instead of black. Keep the cream and mirror gloss black. But, using blue PDL will give that mirror shine a deeper depth.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Cerus Gear 🇺🇸 has a few simple gun cleaning, EDC gear mats. If you want a simple rubber type mat that's easy to clean, use get a Cerus mat. I own 2 . VA state flag. PS- a horse hair 🐴 brush is a big +. I got a brush from Duluth Trading.

[@kaykunz4730]

I already love this back-to-basic skills' series. I cannot wait for the next video.

[@jazzman1626]

I was looking online at Barker Shoes. I already have two pair of Loake shoes, 1 Black and 1 Brown. The Barker shoes are decent shoes and I noticed they have shoes that are called hi shine. They look as if they have a head start in polished surface. My question is, would they be even easier to get a mirror shine on them?

[@adrianwalker2833]

No, I believe these high shine shoes are really 'bookbinder leather' or 'corrected grain leather', only 'high shine' sounds nicer😊. It is polished leather that has been covered with polymer to conceal the flaws in the leather, so you are dealing with leather that is coated by plastic. So the production is akin to that of patent leather. In these cases the leather does not absorb any nourishing cream, so it would be quite impossible to attain a mirrorgloss shine, i.e. any kind of shine that goes beyond the existing one. And once the polymer veneer cracks, there is really is nothing you can do about it. As beautiful as these shoes seem when bought new...but just stay away from bookbinder leather.

[@jazzman1626]

@@adrianwalker2833 I would have expected that of much cheaper brands. I think I’ll stick with Loake.

[@adrianwalker2833]

@@jazzman1626 But Barker is a very reputable company, just like Grenson and Sanders & Sanders - only shoes made from bookbinder leather should be avoided. And if you go for Loake, be on the lookout for "Loake 1880" as they are "Made in England".

[@Randy_Batswinger]

Thank God you only lent him the shoes, and not the car! Kids, huh? 🙄

[@c.w.9615]

I noticed the un-polished right shoe looks larger and bulkier than the polished left shoe; probably an optical illusion. There might be an argument that a polished shoe, with a high mirror toe cap will appear more slender and elegant than a neglected shoe. Hmmm....

[@ianwalker1182]

The left shoe has a shoe tree in it, this raises the vamp, the right will have sagged and spread out a little.

[@c.w.9615]

@@ianwalker1182 Ah! An argument for shoe trees!

[@altair1983]

Any advice for soles?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I favour Dainite (rubber) as I often do a lot of walking and my country is frequently rainy. But I wear leather on my most formal shoes as they look a little more sleek. But if I had to choose, it would have to be Dainite. The versatility is unbeatable.

[@merc7paul]

Watching this with my Yeezys on😂

[@adotopp1865]

Is your son out today? Maybe next time you could do one shoe each ?

[@silasmoser301]

Thanks Ash!

[@jackeddemon]

Only true gentleman’s use edge dye 🤫

[@Dappertrucker]

I agree I use leather fett for saddle

[@Sm0k1n4ces]

Just starting my journey as a chap. Should I get a shoe tree to all of my shoes and have it when I’m not using? Cheers !

[@TheChapsGuide]

Yes sir. Shoe trees are always in the shoes if you are not.

[@peterharrison4324]

A good start …

[@martindoyle7077]

Good video trouble that cream and polish would cost about about £50 odd

[@RaoulKunz1]

You can go significantly cheaper with the cream and polish without significantly loosing quality and the only add the ~20 (I tend to think in €, so it might vary) for the Saphir Mirror Gloss on top, and this stuff lasts a *long* time. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@e-remes7029]

Good evening Ash, Chaps In the parlance of my employ, "Gleaming". I really need to strip back my parade shoes and start again.They're currently beeswaxed, so it will be hot gun first. A sound tutorial for the beginner and adept alike. I will hopefully be able to keep up with this week's content as I find my self in a (atm very wet) Wiltshire,and get my shoes sorted when home. *salutes

[@brentoncrowhurst8338]

Thanks for going back to the basics, yet still doing a thorough job. You've filled in many gaps for me. More videos please. Cheers from Calgary.

[@gileduardolimaesilva5018]

I love your channel but the polishing is being very repetitive...

[@TheChapsGuide]

Sorry about that

[@stephenloy3535]

vital information.I have 3 pair of Allen Edmonds that I have owned for thirty years.I was trained early on by my dad,(and later,by a uniformed version),to maintain footwear.The only thing I have done,outside of occassionally replacing laces,was had them resoled a couple of times.Safir is the stuff,alright

[@supersonique001]

Excellent as usual sir! Also, congratulations on your proper pronunciation of 'renovateur' and 'glacage' in French, hat off to you. FYI, a lovely trick I learned from the youtuber 'The Elegant Oxford' for black shoes is to use the Saphir cream in Navy blue which imparts a deep black hue to black leather making it seem even more black and deeper! It really works!

[@frankpaterson9786]

Great video thanks. A question will renevator do the job of removing layers of polish built up over time?

[@TheChapsGuide]

No. It is not a cutting agent at all. It merely moisturises and conditions.

[@frankpaterson9786]

@@TheChapsGuide Thanks, what would you recommend to do such a job, or would you not advise it? TIA.

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

Hello Ash, I have now tried Saphir Shoe polish (Pate de Lux) one coat, the result outstanding! Kiwi is OK though, even though it is now off the market! There is a new contender *_Cherry Blossom_* Have you tried Cherry Blossom Shoe polish (tin)? Your thoughts?

[@TheChapsGuide]

It’s good. Just as good as Kiwi, but Saphir is king!

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

@@TheChapsGuide Oh Saphir, Kiwi and Cherry Blossom on your knees Saphir is in the room all bow down to Saphir! I 100% agree I tried Cherry blossom on a pair of shoes Left shoe, and Kiwi on the right shoe. parade gloss versions, It looks like Cherry blossom is a bit better! If there was compition, Sahire of wins hands down!

[@frankv7068]

Excellent video explaining from start to finish, the proper products and very simple but detailed, all other videos from other channels are too damn complicated and long, yours is the best, thank you.

[@philipjeeves7448]

My dad uses 3 brushes per colour. One for putting on, one for taking off and one for a finishing touch.

[@lynn5447]

Wonderful video. I find the process of producing a mirror shine to be quite relaxing. My wife finds it miraculous in the change it brings to shoes and boots. It certainly is fun in its own way.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Another triumph Ash. I always enjoy your shoe shine videos you are the king of shoeshine. It always gives me inspiration. I need to spend more time on my shoes. Thanks for the video keep up the good work. Cheers Ron

[@jean-pierreaudet2098]

And you don't use Kiwi products?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Kiwi is no longer available in the UK. It appears to be closing down its polish production globally. But Saphir is much more superior as a polish.

[@jthwang4841]

Wow! What difference between the two shoes. I guess we all have choice on which shoe we would choose to walk through life wife. Looks great sir!

[@gritsteel4559]

Great video. Let's say I completed one basic shoeshine procedure. What if I wanted to do it again after a month or two regularly ? Do I just pile up more creme and wax polish ? Or do I have to strip everything away with Renomat for example, and do it all over again ?

[@TheChapsGuide]

No sir, just keep applying the cream/polish over the earlier finish. It will build up over time to increase the lustre & patina.

[@gritsteel4559]

@@TheChapsGuide Ok, thanks for that valuable info ...

[@henrybarr7307]

Mr. Jones, where did you get your coveralls? Something like that would be great for a chap that polishes and cleans shoes, pipes, etc. on a regular basis.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Amazon overall coat. Great for shoe polishing.

[@henrybarr7307]

@@TheChapsGuide awesome, thank you!

[@stephendownes6331]

Ash, why don't you also treat the tongue of the shoe?

[@TheChapsGuide]

On an Oxford style shoe the tongue is largely unseen and challenging to access when maintaining the shoes - so I take the easy route and omit unless there is a necessity to address.

[@station7thedoor]

Enjoyed the video. Nice name tag you've got there! Is it from your profession?

[@TheChapsGuide]

No sir, entirely for appearance's sake.

[@station7thedoor]

@@TheChapsGuide Now, perhaps... but having worn a VERY similar name tag myself, it looked quite familiar to me... and hearing (from another video) you too were law enforcement, low and behold, google quickly found a familiar-looking Chap in uniform wearing a familiar looking name tag!

[@rafaelruiz8194]

You forgot to mention at the end, that you also need a shoe tree thank you for shearing your knowledge

[@hunterluxton5976]

Another 💎. Much food for thought. I always learn something from watching your video's.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad to hear it

[@galou0090]

Dear Ash, my mirror shines always get banged up throughout the day. Do you usually strip down it all before doing a new one, or do you put new wax onto the existing one? If you do the former, how do you strip the old wax out of the leather?

[@TheChapsGuide]

I personally use a new application of wax to reanimate the damaged areas. The solvents in the new application will allow the existing wax to be somewhat more viscous and can be moved to cover the damaged area. Usually works well unless the damage his extensive.

[@JamesDavis-ke5qk]

Excellent video. Your videos are all ways enjoyable to watch. And I like the way you go in to detail.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you like them!

[@Zidandy]

Hi Ash. I very much enjoyed the video. I have a question regarding the wax polish and mirror gloss - would these need to be removed before applying leather conditioner again? If so, how would you go about it?

[@TheChapsGuide]

No sir, only need to apply conditioner to exposed areas of the leather. The areas under the mirror shine will be adequately protected

[@Zidandy]

@@TheChapsGuide Fantastic. Thank you!

[@randomafk9761]

Great video Ash. Thank you for that, learnt a lot.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TomHodge3642]

Hey ash great video as always! I have a question, is a mirror shine appropriate for a wedding? or would this be inappropriate as it may deter attention away from the groom, especially if they do not mirror shine their shoes? Many thanks!

[@TheChapsGuide]

NO sir - a mirror shine will excel in the formal environment of the wedding. I would not consider attending a wedding in anything less than a mirror shine - the groom needs to keep up with me!!

[@TomHodge3642]

⁠@@TheChapsGuidethank you that helps a lot! And I like your train of thought with that last statement, wise words!

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

What about the tongue?!

[@TheChapsGuide]

On an Oxford style shoe the tongue is largely unseen and challenging to access when maintaining the shoes - so I take the easy route and omit unless there is a necessity to address.

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

Tut tut, the easy route, I'm disappointed in you Ash! 😏