Should You Shine a New Pair of Shoes Before Wearing Them? Allen Edmonds Strands Shoe Shine Tutorial

[@lemeowskie5983]

Almost two decades ago, I went to a high performing (by my country's standards) science boarding school. Everything about it was stressful, from cramped barracks style dormitories to rigid study sessions, information bombardment, and mentally draining extra curriculars. My only solace was being able to clean and polish my only pair of shoes at night. I took good care of them everyday. Some of my friends even told me that I didn't have to polish them every single day. They didn't understand. It was relaxing. That moment belonged only to me and the activity. I was at peace. Sorry for the wall of text. Just glad to see someone who "gets it" too. Ps: You're right, the girls do notice. Was voted most reliable and best in decorum by an overwhelmingly majority female batch. I credit them to my lowly but well presenting shoes.

[@Priyadarshan_Nag]

Le Meowskie Awesome profile picture man 👌😜

[@MrSkullkid60]

Le Meowskie literally the same story for me

[@blimps2428]

I can 100% relate to this. Even though it is nowhere near shoe care, when I detail my car, it's my me time. My happy place, I get away from my financial stresses, work stresses and general life stresses. I'm always told by my neighbors, (I live in a 4 family house so we share a parking lot) your car isn't even that dirty why clean it twice a week? Because it's relaxing and if you want a nice car to stay nice. You take care of it.

[@EddyWoon]

Totally agree. I polish my shoes and boots to relax and zone out from the world. And when I am wearing them at work the next day, I love the smell of Saphir wax from them.

[@mohisiddique2676]

I am totally agree with you.I am a surgeon and I polish my shoes only for relaxation.It gives me a very soothing feelings.

[@gauravclient]

I'm feeling the urge to polish my shoes and give them this mirror shine.

[@Imyourfather225]

Today I finally had the opportunity to visit an EA store to try one of their shoes first hand. My credit card was ready. I could not find anything that showed all the hyper. It remembered me Craftsman tools. Will stick with one pair of Carmina instead of two of Edmonds

[@jb6027]

After the final brushing, I like to follow up by buffing with a cotton (old T shirt) rag. Sometimes I'll follow this up with another buffing using an old pair of pantyhose - I learned this from an old military guy. This makes a very smooth and hard shine.

[@robertwallace7963]

I belive you on shining shoes is relaxing... my wife seen me watching your videos and asked " why are you watching videos on shoe shining? " I told her that maybe one day I could afford to buy expensive shoes like these and a suit... she laughed but asked still why the videos? I told her my old man was in the Air Force and he used to mirror shine his shoes almost every other day... on day I would like to have a nice pair of dress shoes... but for now all I can afford are some decent wing tips I got at kohls... love the channel it relaxes me to watch you do your craft with such elegance

[@MalyWladziu5]

Gottogetem Wallace i can totally relate! I don’t owe an expensive pair of shoes but I am sure when I do, I will take good care of them ! Those videos are so relaxing

[@Myrslokstok]

Put some money aside every month like 10$, look for sales, dont buy to big, go with dress boats with rubber sole. Boats are the most versetile choise, oxfords 👞 is not as usefull.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Bro you can get brand new shoes on eBay. Some rich men keep buying shoes and never wear them. One day they just want to sell all their shoes on eBay. I received 2 pairs of brand new Allen Edmonds shoes from a collector for $300 - and these would cost $800 if I bought them at the store.

[@matthewhoover6154]

I have a pair in that color that were worn, scuffed and faded. Watching your videos made me get a nice horsehair brush, and many colors of polish (grey, tan, brown, black, navy). I just put brown polish on them- the polish being slightly darker helped with the scratches and wear in the leather- and a few layers of wax (couldn't get the tips to shine like you do, I don't understand at what point to add the water or its purpose, the wax would get hard and swirly, so I just did a few coats and brushed to a shine between coats). They look amazing.

[@Cmdrjo]

I love the walnut strands!!! They are my favorite dress shoe! Nice finish on them!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks for stopping by. More to come.

[@spicecrop]

Very nice. These videos give me a sense of Zen and bring me back to my younger years as a kid.

[@cidcampeador7922]

I have a pair of black single monkstrap Florsheims and for some reason Kiwi was not giving my shoes the shine I was expecting, however, once I started using Black Saphire the change was astonishing. They look like mirrors now. I just bought a pair of wingtip MacAllisters but Im awaiting for the Saphire polish in Cognac arrives to work in them. Can’t wait!

[@eleanor.shadow]

I recently ordered some custom made boots and because of you, I’ll know how to properly take care of them so they’ll last a lifetime. Thanks!

[@TheElegantOxford]

That’s awesome

[@ValdanoPG]

Best and most relaxing shoe videos I've seen have been from your channel. Well organised and great content. Keep them coming. I'd watch your videos all day.

[@TigerDude333]

Thank you for shining the whole shoe, not just the toe

[@Wildmutationblu]

I enjoy listening to your stories as much as I enjoy watching you restore and care for footwear.

[@sglatitude]

Awesome shoe shine tutorial for new shoe. I am going to apply it for my brand new Chelsea boot.

[@ThisGuitarIsAWeapon]

Another great video. And Strands in walnut are, to me at least, the absolute best thing that AE makes.

[@dennismarfo3536]

Just finished with polishing my only pair. Wish I had enough with different shades to work on as I struggle to sleep.

[@slm5292]

Very nice. Thanks for putting this up.

[@tlaccord]

thank you thats my exact shoe which was never polish I was afraid it will ruin the natural color great job

[@zlee11]

Hey, can you do some more videos? They are great. I have a pair of AE loafers in gray. I'd love to see you shine a pair of gray shoes before I attempt to do mine. Thanks again.

[@hannah-nv2lv]

Short answer: yes

[@supremegalacticcommander2783]

Great video and very relaxing music. I have a pair of Strands in Oxblood, and some McAlisters in walnut. Those came out awesome.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Those are awesome choices. Thanks for stopping by.

[@leomarchiori1]

Should I polish my new pair of shoes? You have to. The sooner you start, the sooner you get a deep shine (in my experience it takes 4 polishings at least before a good patina develops)

[@Myrslokstok]

Agree shine the new ones😃 keep shining them and years from now they will tell the right kind of story!

[@jamesmacneil1609]

A calming ritual that helps you to stop, and to relax, and gives you a really nice looking pair of shoes to boot!...if you'll pardon the pun... Always give you a thumbs up.

[@andrewbazeley7274]

Absolutely beautiful shine.there us nothing finer than a well polished shoe. 👌🇬🇧

[@nandoshinesasmr5214]

Great shoe shine video!!! Keep up the great content!

[@erwinracimo3938]

I own many pairs of AE shoes the same as what you’ve shown on your tutorials and I do agree with you wholeheartedly the ritual that is associated with taking care of your shoes. Walnut is my favorite color then Color 8 mostly in Shell Cordovans. I find that Aldens have better consistency and quality. Your tutorials are a great help to those wanting to elevate their style. Great videos!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Walnut is one of my favorites too!

[@robertcostales9037]

Very beautiful shine ✨

[@XFS540]

This is a habit I have not gotten into with my dress shoes yet, but I know once I do how much it’s going to draw me in.

[@nsatoday]

Good. Video. Saphir makes some fine products! I also use Chelsea leather food. Wax wise I use several different types. Partial to Lincoln because it’s tough and durable. Saphir pate deluxe for smooth thin application

[@richardtruman683]

Love your work!

[@salpanahi]

Strand walnuts were the shoes that made me fall in love with AE. So I ordered mine a year and half ago and when I got them I noticed that the color was more darker than the light orangish brown. When I asked the sales associate he told me that AE has changed the coloring in light brown and now that’s the norm. Ever since I got 8 different models and colors but never wore the strands since it doesn’t look like the older versions that I fell in love with.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Well, if you ever want to lighten them up, I offer a service where I lighten Walnut to the original shade. I had to do the same for my strands. They too were darker than I wanted. Check my Instagram and message me. I can send you pictures if you’d like.

[@soidang3590]

Do a review of the Allen Edmonds shoe Care products

[@tonymaiettasr.7340]

Great video. Great shine. Thanks

[@markp.9707]

Nicely done!

[@DWilliam1]

I’m in my 50’s with a very pretty 34 year old girlfriend and I can tell you from experience the first two things a woman notices in a guy is his shoes and his watch. Don’t skimp on either and take care of them. BTW, enjoy your videos very relaxing and good to know that there are others who meticulously maintain their shoes.

[@valterreboredo]

Amazing job! 👌💙

[@jeffrobinson7049]

Amazing work as always!!!

[@markmilan01]

Love those shoes, love the glass toes and are gearing up to buy myself a pair!

[@lindamclean8809]

Hi... I have a nice pair of red shoes with white stitching across the top and sides...do you have any ideas on how I can clean them without spoiling the stitching?

[@vinucoltean755]

Super Nice job you do SUPER super nice

[@disturbed9361]

Wow! That's certainly the way to do it.

[@shaunhagan1610]

Very useful video

[@Biggun762]

I started shining shoes when I was in the Army because it was required in those days. You know how hard it is getting a spit shine on a combat boot with nothing but kiwi and water?

[@TheElegantOxford]

I started with Kiwi so I totally understand. Thank you for your service.

[@john3532947]

Black Kiwi, a wet diaper and a pair of Corcoran jump boots. It was a long time ago but I remember well. "All the way!"

[@groundshakersociety6637]

It wasn't hard for me but I had over 50+ hours put into a pair to achieve a mirror finish. I took pride in my shoes so I ended up with the best looking pair.

[@TeensierPython]

I miss the old boots. They would last forever. The current boots are a mess.

[@brookeggleston9314]

@@john3532947 My father served with the 82nd when the Corcoran's were brown; Africa, Sicily, Normandy and Holland!

[@Smallpotato1965]

It Puts The Lotion On The Skin..! (sorry, couldn't resist)

[@TheRedduck1]

Great video, walnut strands are my go to shoes. Looks amazing.

[@TheElegantOxford]

They are my favorite too.

[@kevinbeverlyjr1864]

Wonderful job shoes look great.

[@timbojackson2895]

Ty so very much Preston

[@markp.9707]

Stunning work Preston!

[@stephenwilliams944]

If you can purchase quality leather shoes and polish. Clean the shoes regularly and treat them with respect. They in turn will serve you well. I have shoes over 30 years old and they are still in good condition. The initial cost has saved me hundreds of pounds (Sterling) over the years.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Very true! Thank you for commenting.

[@kurjan1]

Stephen Williams I completely concur. I also have shoes 30+ years old. Still perfect.

[@JohnwFOC]

Same here! I have a pair of Strands in light brown that looks better than most of my other shoes. People just need to take the time to take care of them.

[@QuesyJ]

Sound advice ... I've got a pair of Barkers burgundy oxfords , regrettably I neglected them ...didn't get shoe trees and polished them 3 - 4 times in the last 4 yrs and although the shine maintained, a split occured. However with this videos advice and others I've defo learned. Cheers mate .

[@MegaRizm]

Uppers can be maintained for that long. It is the soles and heals that need replacement. Enhancing shoe life is a great satisfaction.

[@jrlee31]

Superb shine!

[@mathewmcfool]

Damn, nice shoes 🧐

[@g3nrg1]

Very well done Sir.

[@drakelondon6849]

Dear Preston, Love your content. Just wondering if you could make a video shining loafers. I'm a loafer wearer 7 days a week, and would love to see your magic work on a pair of classic penny loafers!

[@brookeggleston9314]

I have a gorgeous pair of Sebagos beef roll penny loafers, with a leather sole. I hunted online for nearly three months before I found them!!

[@CarlosPerez-yu3dj]

Great results!!

[@KATHYMEADful]

You do great work, Keep posting video's there very interesting...... Cheers

[@TheElegantOxford]

I appreciate your comment. Stay tuned for more.

[@jeffanco9367]

In reference to shoes sitting in the closet for several months: How often do you re-apply Renovateur? Do you apply it over existing polish?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Yes, you may apply Renovator at any time. I usually use it once every other week.

[@MTobin1000]

A sales clerk at our local AE told me pointblank....Do NOT condition your new shoes before you wear them. I was surprised he said this.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Don’t listen to him.

[@MTobin1000]

@@TheElegantOxford thank you and I'm taking your advice. My new AE Park Avenue's won't go on my feet until I apply soon to be delivered Saphire Reneveteur. Your channel is so informative. I've subscribed.

[@kapoorh]

Magic!!!

[@mccafferyr]

Beautiful, as usual!

[@fredzeng7337]

Nice shoes,nice shoe trees.

[@BeezerWashingbeard]

Will the wax not crack when you take a step in them? I can never get a proper waxy shine on the flexible parts of my oxfords. Even with a thin layer of Pate de Luxe

[@TheElegantOxford]

Just make sure you don’t mirror shine along flex points. Every foot is different. Just look at your shoes and avoid creases. Regular cream shines are best for those areas

[@watchtimewithhamilton8513]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@professorfoxtrot]

Just got new walnut strands and was surprised that they're much darker than I thought they would be. Any suggestions on how to lighten them up? I'm impressed with the dimensionality you're able to give your shoes.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Since Strands are hand dyed, they vary in shade. Sometimes you’ll get a dark pair. You can use acetone or remove some of the finish but you have to be very careful. I offer this service if you’re interested. It’s a delicate process so if you decide to DIY just be careful, mix the acetone with water, use less than you think and take your time. A lo of people prefer classic light walnut.

[@maxdominate2481]

Love your channel.

[@gogeta1001000]

Love these videos, do you need to clean the brush at all?

[@ninjagolfa]

Great work. I am wondering what the difference in use is between Saphir creme universelle leather balm and Saphir Medaille D'Or Renovateur?

[@brookeggleston9314]

The former is thinner than the latter, and is usually used for coats, jackets and baggage. However, it won't hurt to use it on shoes.

[@sglatitude]

That’s one of beautiful Strand. Always want to buy Allen Edmonds but not sure the size fit my 9F UK size 😰

[@TheElegantOxford]

Give Allen Edmonds a call. They are so helpful and knowledgeable, they can help.

[@brianholthouse8548]

Try the 201 Lasts. I have wide feet and the Bartlett (looks identical to the strand) fits me much better.

[@jbcobra9294]

They look too good . 😉

[@derDooFi]

>Almost 60% of ALL women judge a man’s fashion sense, personality, financial position and attention to detail based SOLELY on his shoes. Yeah sure, that seems true.

[@roscoeward1476]

I've always wanted a pair of McAlister's but the Strands have grown on me.

[@TheElegantOxford]

They are both great!

[@donziceman]

I agree they are both great i have both. Cant go wrong either one :) cheers

[@CarlosOrmazabal]

Preston, I’m son of a cobbler retired after 60 years on the job. He was what currently is named “an entrepreneur”. Anyway,The thing is, why you almost never brush transversal? Mostly longitudinal if I’m not wrong. I was taught to brush transversal on the cap and instep. Very curious about that

[@TheElegantOxford]

Hey Carlos. It’s mostly because that’s the angle that works for the camera and filming. What you see is the demonstration. I do the real work away from the camera. I don’t film it all. I just don’t have the time or space in my camera for a full uncut video.

[@CarlosOrmazabal]

The Elegant Oxford thanks a lot sir! Appreciate your answer and content. 🙏🙏

[@julioc4978]

great video. What is the difference between Cognac, light brown, and Walnut color?

[@TheElegantOxford]

They bring out different shades of brown. Cognac for amber shades and light brown for golden.

[@AlexYadel]

Can we get links to the products used?

[@JOGAMIGMOG]

Saphir products. In order of use: Renavateur, shoe cream, wax and finally mirror shine. Total cost about £30 sterling. Shoe trees appx £25 sterling. Shoe horse hair brush appx £10 sterling. Allen Edmonds strands appx £350 sterling. I'm saving up! They're awesome shoes.

[@bigchadsmall]

What color wax is that? I want to do the same for mine.

[@BrandonRideout135]

can you do a video on shoe shinning essentials, and how to

[@kinghorsetiger]

Appreciate the tutorials and videos. Any link to recommended shoe companies like the beautiful pair in this video?

[@Suerte_Pepe]

Off subject, As a mechanic I judge by the inside of your car. It tells all. Great shoes and great video thanks

[@73runner400]

Abner Rosado I used to wrench on cars as a ford technician. I agree with your statement.

[@Jstrong774]

Question: I'm new to shoe care, and I recently used Bick 4 and Saphir "Creme 1925" (the label says its shea butter based) instead of the Saphir Renovatuer. After wearing the shoes for a few minutes the next day, all of the places where the shoe creases started to look pale and flakey. Maybe there was wax on there from before that shouldnt have been there? Maybe it was the Saphir Creme? I'm not sure. Either way, do you have any suggestions for someone whose shoes are looking pale/dry/flakey? Should I strip them all the way down with something to start from the ground up? Thanks!

[@MegaRizm]

Wish this question was answered. That would be informative.

[@brookeggleston9314]

@@MegaRizm Usually, that type of flaking is caused by too much wax. Aside from the toe and heel counter, which do not flex, you shouldn't put more than two layers of wax on your shoes. Excess wax in flexing areas causes shoe dandruff. You can just brush it off for now, and when you get around to it, remove the old wax and start over. Hope this helps! Preston covers this in his videos, so check them out!

[@10MinutestoRouletteFortune]

What he said is crazy true..........woman look at your shoes. I've had plenty of comments back when I could wear them more often. Woman are strange.

[@MegaRizm]

Can we use petrol or thinner (used for painting) instead of acetone to remove polishes that solidify and cause problems. During my school days I once used it extensively and it did not damage the shoe. Don't remember much that the reason for asking you.

[@tubekulose]

Great result! But the repair cream you were using is pronounced "rénovateur" instead of "rénovatour". 🙂

[@ismaeldelvalle4148]

Good morning, what color wax polish did you use for these pair of walnut AE? Thanks

[@chiane1968]

When I look on The Saphir website, every produce seems to be called a wax polish cream mirror something or other. I keep watching this video and going back to the site and still can’t figure out what you are using.

[@grafromuzchidagra]

now that I’m thinking about this, could I restore life to my old sperrys?

[@stedye]

Great video. Do you use saddle soap , or, a cleaner to remove dirt, dust, or debris?

[@HarryFlashman.]

Hi Preston I have a question for you. I have a 10 year old pair of C&J Dartmouth in light tan. The vamps are heavily creased so, after cleaning and polishing you get a striped effect on the leather. If I strip and dye them, do think this would leave a better overall finish? They are on ebay for sale at the moment, if you would like to have a look at the images. If they don't sell I may try to salvage them. Regards Alan from Preston, Lancashire UK

[@artick1993]

I tried this and the patina did not go, all the surface was waxy, I tried removing it with the brush but the wax clumped in certain points, so the aspect was really bad, despite brushing it intensely. I do not know why I don't get the result shown in the video.

[@cjp301]

How did you get a new pair of Strands without the dark toe burnishing from the factory?

[@osamuoliveira1517]

should someone shine chelsea boots?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Sure! They are a great boot

[@adamdeez3446]

Quick question: I polished brand new Meermin calfskin oxfords. I started with a leather conditioner which absorbed fairly well. But the Saphir cream and wax polishes did not seem to absorb well, which has led to streaking and what appear to be scratches in the finish (which so eventually buff out). Any insight?

[@n0t4g4iN]

Is it a good idea to use light brown cream on the whole shoe and cognac for the shoe cap?

[@jonr3670]

I like to shine my shoes regularly. Sometimes daily. I just use wax. Should I be applying shoe moisturizer and then a sore cream plus polish every so often and then maintain with regular shoe wax? Even though I have layers of wax on my shoes should I apply shoe cream and moisturizer or is this just for new shoes?

[@MrBoxxed]

Should you wax coat a burnished leather shoe? R M Williams said I should only use neutral boot polish, not wax or conditioner

[@TheElegantOxford]

Listen to the manufacturer’s instructions. They know best

[@bassplayer6six6]

What colors should I use for an oxblood boot?

[@JohnDoe-ut3sz]

So when do I shine my shoes ? Once a week? once every month? how frequent do i need to shine/wax it?

[@RenanJeffrey]

I do all of my shoes 6 months once except the one I wear everyday, for that I do every month or 2. Everyweek is better if you have the time and enjoy it. 🙂👍

[@brookeggleston9314]

The condition of your shoes should answer that question for you!

[@NE2353]

Saphir Renovateur or Bick 4, which one do you prefer?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Saphir renovator is a better product no doubt but it’s double the price. Bick 4 is not a bad product at all though.

[@ralph7077]

Is it ok to just use neutral all the time?

[@joshuahollis2069]

Are you using the same brush throughout the process?

[@junwenwang4729]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have 2 questions. (1) is it ok if I just have 1 shoe brush and I use it for everything (buff off renovateur, coloured polish, wax etc..), (2) If I apply wax to parts of the shoe that creases, will it cause the wax to crack? Thank you!

[@brookeggleston9314]

Yes, it will crack!