Venetian Shoe Cream vs Saphir Renovateur Comparison (Chromexcel Leather)

[@Stridewise]

✰ Also, check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Avel (the parent company of Saphir) do another product under the Avel name which is also called Renovateur. It is significantly cheaper and is aimed at people wanting to use the product on leather sofas or car seats or larger leather items generally. It comes in 250ml or 275ml jars (depending on whether you choose a coloured or neutral version) for the same price as the 75ml jars of the Saphir version. It smells the same and has a thicker consistency and having used both I'd say the main difference is that the Avel version contains more beeswax so gives a better shine. Otherwise, I've noticed no other difference in the way it conditions shoes. Worth a comparison video ?

[@DS-jh1bp]

Yes definitely

[@matts.8369]

where can i find some?

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@@matts.8369 Try "A Fine Pair of Shoes" in the UK. Otherwise I'd look at leather furniture retailers.

[@gary8306]

@@matts.8369Google dude.

[@bjbt0586]

Renovateur is the gold standard for smooth leather shoes and most guys I know use Venetian shoe cream when in comes to veg tan and large leathers items, besides the most snobbish shoe guy don't use renovateur on large leather items (I refuse to believe Kirby Allison or the Gentleman's Gazette will waste the renovateur on a large leather couch).

[@JayandSarah]

I use renovatuer on leather jackets. It goes a long way and it's actually cheap. It's cheaper than letting your expensive leather item go downhill. And, it's not much when you compare to what people will spend on a meal that is done in 15 minutes. It's all perspective.

[@MMM88X]

The Saphir product to use for Chromexcel (or oily leathers in general) is "Saphir Greasy Leather cream", Horween recommends it actually, in addition to Venetian shoe cream.

[@matttherrien9608]

What about the Horween Cavalier chromexcel? I read it's less oily than standard chromexcel. I'm trying to find the optimal conditioner for my black Cavalier Horween Doc Martens.

[@drd8251]

I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of boot collecting. Most recently, the boots I’ve bought have been made of CXL leather. I noticed when you applied the Venetian Shoe Cream by hand, you got the same squeaking sound I got as at the product worked into the leather. I don’t know what that’s about. I’m satisfied with the VSC and haven’t used my Saphir Renovateur on these boots. May experiment with SR later. But thanks for this comparison. I’m 100% into not darkening the leather of my boots, unless it’s my old GoreTex work boots I wear to wash my car. I use Obenauf’s on those.

[@sisleymichael]

I use mink oil on my work boots. They take a beating. I don't care about their color. For my Allen Edmonds boots, I use Bick 4. I have used Bick 4 on ball gloves, saddles, tack, my satchel, etc. It works well. It does not darken the leather but does ease some of the bleached out look leather can get and makes it look pretty good.

[@hydroaegis6658]

I find that Bick4 for moisturizing and Venetian Shoe Cream for touchups works well on anything from boots to John Lobbs.

[@F0XD1E]

And neither of those contain mink oil as a plus.

[@JMP-ETTAN]

Bick4 doesn’t condition the leather 1 bit… useless crap . Sure it doesn’t darken the leather but that’s because it doesn’t even do anything

[@nelsonr1467]

Does venetian shoe cream have silicone ?

[@JMP-ETTAN]

@@nelsonr1467no but bick4 have it

[@romanv8168]

I use Saphir Pate de Luxe and very happy with the shine. Also, they don't sell Venetian shoe cream in Russia.

[@F0XD1E]

Saphir sells oily boot cream that they say to use on cxl. Maybe make that comparison as well? Correction: it's called Greasy Leather Cream

[@Vultain]

They now have a Medaille Dior one as well. The base greasy leather cream works very good. It seems to waterproof a bit better but does not deliver a shine of any kind. If you want less of a shine, a bit more of a softening, and want less color change I would use it opposed to the Renavateur or Venetian Shoe Cream.

[@cesarsanchez9697]

Both are great products. For boots you don't have to use the expensive version of the Renovateur. You can use the regular version which is much less expensive. The type you are using I would only use on my dress shoes or very dressy boots.

[@tristanaldirianto755]

Can you please tell me what is the name of the regular version of saphir renovateur? Because i've never heard of it. Thanks

[@cesarsanchez9697]

@@tristanaldirianto755 It’s the exact same name but in their regular line. It will come in a round jar instead of the square one. It will just say Renovateur but not medal d or

[@tristanaldirianto755]

@@cesarsanchez9697 oh, thank you very much for your information. I will search it up on the marketplace right away, or do you have a recomendation of a store that sells it?

[@cesarsanchez9697]

@@tristanaldirianto755 Amazon has it.

[@tristanaldirianto755]

@@cesarsanchez9697 thanks for the information, i will search it up right away

[@jackblack4110]

I recommend Skidmore's leather creme. It's beeswax based, helps add water resistance, and darkens just a little. It's also made from all natural materials

[@ch.575]

I think Saphir Creme Universelle is almost identical to renovateur, other than Creme Universelle being jojoba oil based vs renovateur being mink oil based. They both smell and look the same. Creme universelle is significantly cheaper and works just as well in my experience.

[@bassheadlife492]

I prefer the Universelle to the Renovator

[@JayandSarah]

@@bassheadlife492 yup it's outstanding product

[@bassheadlife492]

@@JayandSarah I agree 100%

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Actually probably the MdO lotion should be closest, so to speak. Though I reckon the Creme Universelle is very close to the MdO Lotion with the difference being CU uses jojoba oil while Lotion uses Mink Oil.

[@frankrizzo7185]

Very interesting review Nick! I use Saphir’s greasy products intended for CXL on my CXL Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill with good results.

[@jarret45]

What color higgins mill?

[@mikester6192]

Love the Saphir Renovateur Oil Tanned cream or the Saphir Greasy leather cream for the Chromexcel leather boots

[@agubser07]

I'm surprised you haven't reviewed the Saphir Oiled Leather Cream. There are so many boot leathers that like it.

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I use and love both but I use Venetian shoe cream more often with my boots. However, I condition my dress shoes with Saphir Renavetour and Venetian shoe cream depending on what I have on hand. I have not noticed any substantial differences between the two so I don’t expect to get Saphir again. It’s too expensive when compared to Venetian shoe cream.

[@RvanLaar66]

Great video. As usual! :-) Both are great products, no question. As said by a few others below, CXL might not be the best leather to use for this comparison. Due to its unique tanning & hot stuffing it behaves (very) different to creams/conditioners than more common (calf) leathers. While Renovateur works great, Saphir's Oiled Leather Cream is developed for leathers like CXL and works even better.

[@janoschfoerster2921]

I love that you said that it is dorky to pronounce it in French.

[@Stridewise]

Haha I have a whole Bachelor's degree in French but still can't bring myself to say Renovateurrrr

[@CC91138]

I was hoping you would revisit the "Parkhurst" pronunciation with your accent. Classically self aware! (Assuming these are Parkhurst as I suspect)

[@MrDecelles]

@@Stridewise I hope I can still say renovator without feeling nerdy as I am a French Canadian :) Great video!!

[@g.shumway5925]

if you like more shine, Saphir is the way to go (even afterwards, a cloth will bring back the shine if Saphir was used). I use Saphir on my dress boots (AE Dalton boots, black and brown versions), Obenaufs lp wax twice a year on more coarse leathers (Red Wing moc briar slic, Chippewas), Chamberlain Leather milk on those same coarse leathers when I don’t feel the need for Obenaufs, and Venetian on my Grant Stone Chromexcel Deisels (since I want them more subdued than shiney). Obenaufs will darken if used frequently, thus I just use it heading into winter once. Might be the most substantial of all the conditioners though, so worth owning.

[@nbruc3392]

That thumbnail is a work of art

[@Stridewise]

Here I felt guilty that i didn't take a photo for it and could only use a screengrab

[@mikester6192]

Venetian Shoe Cream and the Venetian Leather Balm are two different creams. The Balm has more waxes and gives a beautiful deep shine on my Alden 403’s.

[@Stridewise]

Yep! These are the products people compare the most though

[@davidpielykh3996]

I think the chromexcel is not the best leather to compare conditioners, could you repeat that on calf?

[@Nathan-zw7nq]

I think everybody misunderstands Saphir’s renovateur. It shouldn’t be your go to conditioner for boots; it’s a more aggressive conditioner meant for *renovating* leather that has seen better days, but isn’t completely destroyed. The real equivalent of Venetian Shoe Cream from Saphir is the Universelle balm which is much better for more regular use on shoes. It is much cheaper than renovateur and it’s not as aggressive of a conditioner and doesn’t darken the leather as much. This especially applies to the BDC version. In fact you should only really buy the BDC stuff from Saphir as the MDO is quite expensive and I don’t notice a difference between the two lines.

[@chrisp5526]

I have Oak Street Bootmakers boots… many of them. They make great boots, have a great customer service, a small company to be very personable, and they have amazing leathers. Since they’re located right by the famous Horween Leather company, I heard they get prime choice of the leather. Not all cuts of chromexcel are the same, I hear. i also have both sephir and venitian shoecream. i am not sure what I like more. I use both. -excuse my spelling, if mistakes are made.

[@DianeH2038]

I've read Nick Horween prefers/recommends Venetian Shoe Cream for Chromexcel.

[@jkfotonet]

Thanks for the vid. I found Bick4 did darkened my chukka slightly. Still looking for something without darkening my brown boots.

[@corensam]

I've been super happy with the Cobbler's Choice products on my "Dune" CXL from Grant Stone. Very little if any darkening and the patina is coming along nicely

[@dave5510]

Does it keep a slight polish on them like when you first got them

[@corensam]

@@dave5510 That's been my experience. I buff with a horsehair brush after and that usually does the trick

[@dave5510]

@Sam Coren I’ll have to start using them . Just don’t want the natural color to darken at all.

[@Darruus]

Quality content as usual. Personally I am a Saphir fan. I use their shoe products almost exclusively.

[@bsousa3837]

Pronouncing it French sounded badass! I’d pepper that in any chance I get!!

[@mattlogan1]

Great video, Nick! I just ran out of my jar of renovateur and I think I'll just stick with VSC from now on.

[@Stridewise]

Glad this was helpful!

[@peteganze6416]

helpful - ty ~ side note - it he "wait for signal" pic ironic? I don't think those buttons do anything in NYC.

[@DMorgan77]

Nick, fantastic video. You do such a great job of discussing the technicalities of the products and the practical aspects. I have bick4 but haven't had to use it yet.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

The more I think on it…a far better comparison to VSC would probably be Creme Universelle from Saphir’s BdC line or Lotion from Saphir’s MdO line…

[@TeslaRules1856]

This.

[@alx252]

I like the office. Is it the Stridewise Inc. CEO office...?

[@Stridewise]

Yes I own the building (nah I rent a day office a few times a month)

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@Stridewise rent includes random walk-by LOL

[@syrah96]

I have to turn my heat up. my Venetian seems to have congealed . really difficult to get out of tin

[@benjaminleonard3007]

why don't you use imperial venetian leather balm? why do you prefer using the venetian shoe cream? I cannot find a straight answer on what the difference is.

[@Vultain]

What is the product of choice when it comes to natural veg tan? The scarcity of information I can find on the subject is maddening... Chrome tanned, chrome excel, oiled, waxed leathers etc. All have multiple answers but natural veg tan to both protect and develop a patina has very little to go off of...

[@kentallard8852]

how do these differ from leather oil, boot oil, leather cream, leather conditioner? AND WHY ARE THERE SO MANY SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT SLIGHTLY SIMILAR PRODUCTS

[@krisjonesuk]

I note one of your description boxes said Venetian Shoe Cream is “vegan”. I think vegans would take issue with that if one of the waxes it contains is beeswax. On the other hand, vegans wouldn’t have leather boots anyway.

[@Stridewise]

Ohhh that's such a good point, god damn. Thanks man, sorry

[@prantzzer]

Hi Nick, love your channel and watching you should really try Smith's all natural leather balm. Made in Maine you can actually eat the stuff and it smells wonderful made from organic beeswax, cocoa butter and pure sweet almond oil $20 for 4 OZ. It is great for all leather products.

[@nelsonr1467]

Does venetian shoe cream have silicone ?

[@stephenabm7779]

On my Thursday Captain Boots, I use Black Rock leather conditioner, and it works well to the point I use it on all my leather shoes and boots now. This is a good review and lets us know of all the options available. Thank you

[@Stridewise]

Yeah Blackrock is great too!

[@brianaw220]

What is your opinion on Leather Honey?

[@olegkaderly5638]

Nick, when you condition your boots, how do you deal with excess solution accumulating in welts/ stitching/ folds of boots? Do you use welt brush or q-tips to get it out? Do you think it hurts boots in the long run if left in there? Thanks in advance.

[@Stridewise]

Excellent question! Answer: I brush super vigorously with a horsehair brush. It heats up the waxes and moves the conditioner around the boot. Voila, it disappears

[@JakeSmith-jy1kx]

You just did conditioner, but no cream polish and/or wax polish on top of that as well? Interesting... Is that okay?

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

😂😂😂

[@ondaslab]

Check out smiths leather balm....your bro andrew recommends it, not for cxl but for waxed n veg tan boots.

[@IveJustSeenAFace23]

I’d like to check this out

[@stephenrobb8759]

My venetian shoe cream does smell like a gas station. Takes about 24 hours to clear the odor. It does its job well.

[@anitasingh8947]

Please do a review of saphir dubbin Grasse Love ur videos btw♥️❣️

[@bondscalper]

Can you use Venetian shoe cream on white leather sneakers???

[@Stridewise]

It'd darken them a little, I wouldn't risk it

[@JayyBird93]

What do you think of Obenauf's Leather Oil? Nicks, Frank’s, JK and probably Whites too all recommend this conditioner

[@gasaul5759]

How about the leather texture, did you noticed any changes after applying both conditioners?

[@paulypops299]

Could you do this video again with boots that actually need renovating please

[@jesusarce7226]

What’s the best products for Thursday boots? Their regular leather. I’m new to boots and leather.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

The best thing is to get rid of the Thursdays and buy a decent pair of boots

[@holdthatblaow]

I like Venetian leather balm more than their shoe cream. Shoe cream gives a much better shine though.

[@jimmccoys5778]

I am curious about the boots. Are they similar to red wing beckmans witht the flat toe box? They look really cool!! Love the channel

[@Stridewise]

Thanks Jim! I never got my hands on the Beckmans but they're not quite as stout, a little more elongated and the last narrows a bit more at the midfoot. Pretty similar though!

[@jimmccoys5778]

@@Stridewise i happened to find a pair of the field boots in the natural rough out on ebay for an outstanding price after watching your video so i pulled the trigger and i am giving those a try. The look amazing in pics

[@tommarkovich2021]

Great video! Have you ever DIYd your own conditioner?

[@michaeljanson7482]

Love the jacket! Seen it in a few vids. Review coming? Who makes it?

[@robbie154]

How often should you condition chromexcel? I heard you shouldn’t do it often?

[@matttherrien9608]

Yeah, I heard two or three times a year depending.

[@valentinsolorio5842]

Great video! Btw. I like your jacket. What is it??

[@Cyco-Dude]

hmm...vsc or bick4 vs saphir oiled leather cream. also, what about horween dublin leather? all i seem to find is info on the chromexcel leather...

[@Stridewise]

these leathers will be fine on veg tan leathers as well!

[@davestevens4193]

Never understood white stitching on boots.

[@user-rv6hb8ou2r]

Would u use saphir on 8890’s ? Just got them

[@StolenAlias]

I mean it definitely wouldn’t hurt them

[@Originallionbrand]

Dude what jacket are you rocking? It is so nice, and of course excellent video, very informative.

[@Stridewise]

Oh thanks! It's Rogue Territory's Supply jacket: bit.ly/3kx6TrN

[@Originallionbrand]

@@Stridewise Dude you rock, because of your awesome videos I definitely changed my style from half ass whatever fit to much more sophisticated and adult. Changed my life. Appreciate all the good work

[@Stridewise]

@@Originallionbrand This makes me so happy!!! Thank you Will! I know it's nice when you finally work out your style and your fit (like high rise relax tapered jeans for me), makes it way easier to shop and you look way better too - win win!

[@jamescooper7957]

I like to use this stuff an acquaintance gave me to use. Vagisil..., I believe it’s a French brand? Do you think it’ll darken my boots?

[@oneblood100]

Yes

[@jakelange1728]

I'm sure you've worn it before, but what is the denim/chambray button-down you wear from ~10:00 on? Great comparison, by the way!

[@Stridewise]

Thanks Jake! That's Taylor Stitch: fave.co/2OVNaXh

[@marcus4471]

Could you do a review on Saphir Médaille d'Or Oiled Leather Cream? And also show its water resistance? Thank you!

[@Vultain]

I agree, I own it and find it imparts more of a shine and less of a color change. I have used it on both Chrome Excel and Red Wing's oiled leathers to little to no color change! It does impose a bit more water resistance and builds an excellent patina. So far it is my favorite for Red Wing leathers bar non! As for Chrome Excel I need to pick up a new boot in that leather and determine if there is a difference. After having used it after the Greasy Cream bar non it is better! I hope that helps!

[@amirkhalid5449]

Idle question: Are there people who condition their boots with skin conditioner?

[@charlesbronson240]

Like lotion? Probably, people be crazy

[@mgm3649]

Can anybody tell me what can I use to clean and condition non-smooth leather? I bought a pair of terracota captain boots and Idk what to do to them.

[@batpapi52]

Would you care for veg tan leather the same as CXL?

[@Vultain]

I am currently on the fence on how to care for my natural veg tan boots grom Wickett and Craig. 😅 I really want to know whether to use Smith's, Saphir Medaille Dior Oiled Leather, or something else. The boot manufacturer recommended Smith's and a Cobbler recommended Saphir Nappa Balm. I know in the old days that pure neatsfoot oil was used and then a block of pure beeswax was used to impart a bit of a shine/water protection. You take a horse hair shoe brush and wipe it on the block and transfer the pure filtered beeswax until the shine you want is achieved. But that is a ton of work! Also who knows if modern day veg tanned leather's benefit from the old way as much? 🤔 It is amazing at the scarce amount of information on veg tan leathers. I am tempted to buy a rejected hide for testing... 🤔🤔🤔

[@theHerathrig]

Nick where can you buy that huge tin of Venetian Shoe Cream?

[@Stridewise]

haha I just got it on Amazon!

[@theHerathrig]

@@Stridewise I will check amazon thanks.

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

In my experience saphirs has only come out shiny on my dress shoes, never on chromexcel

[@Neil-from-Oz]

Venetian products are as dear or more so than Saphir products in Australia. Most US products are dearer than European imports because of US postage being so much more expensive.

[@neilquinn]

Are those boots considered the natural chromexcel color? (What Grant Stone might call "dune")?

[@Stridewise]

yup!

[@markdunn1931]

What brand is your jacket?

[@pranidhanaabhiyoga6485]

Actually saphir has "oiled leather cream / gras cuirs", do you think is it perfect for pull up/oil tanned /clx leather ?

[@Stridewise]

greasy leather cream is the one that's often recommended for chromexcel, Horween recommends renovateur, greasy leather cream, or venetian shoe cream equally

[@pranidhanaabhiyoga6485]

@@Stridewise Naah I see 👌, thanks for the insight.

[@Aggnog]

Anyone know if it's possible to get these big VSC containers in europe?

[@MatStreamProductions]

Nick! Buddy, what jacket are you wearing?

[@Stridewise]

This one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6ipZ32cet-jjM0

[@yobgol]

you're taking mink oil as a positive? it's one of the ingredients that splits people - some avoid it like the plague. i'd take saphir as the better brand overall - i like the polishes - but i find there's a lot of similar ground (apparently) covered in their range, so i can't tell one thing from an alternative from the same maker. that happens all too often. as for other conditioners - including VLC, which i've tried - they're a shot in the dark as far as how they're formulated, and generally look like lots of similar or familiar waterproofing, softening, cleaning ingredients and a whole heap of stuff that you'd not want to go through the education you'd need to really tell them apart. even the pro repairers and polishers (yes, they exist) have techniques and choices i think are very odd and are more about commercialising the process as a service rather than personal preference from a shoe fan trying to find the best for their footwear. be warned, you can also over-condition; it should be done occasionally, less frequently than cleaning and polishing. so, you might be using that VLC for the rest of your life.

[@Stridewise]

I don't think I took a stand on mink oil as a pro or a con, a lot of people avoid it. I did a whole video on it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWWzp36rpdSSh7s

[@richardpurves]

@@StridewiseSaphir now makes a renovateur product with macadamia oil now.

[@teikohdotcom]

“Wow, you used too much Venetian Shoe Cream” 🤣🤣🤣

[@Stridewise]

Hahah damn you

[@matttherrien9608]

@@Stridewise what's the shelf life of Venetian Shoe Cream once opened? Is it rather stable?

[@mehdi6797]

What is those thoes model ???:

[@Stridewise]

Oak Street Bootmakers Trench Boot. I LOVE them

[@jadenbronk1397]

Hey Stridewise, I recommend you do a review on the Thursday Sneaker. It’s from the same boot company, but it’s a fantastic sneaker. They go for $129 and they’re made in Mexico. Check it out. 👍

[@Stridewise]

Yeah man I'm wearing them in now! Will get to a review soon

[@jadenbronk1397]

@@Stridewise Also... it’d be cool if you compared them to Common Projects too. Just an idea. 👌

[@IveJustSeenAFace23]

Great stuff, Nick

[@scuba_tron5332]

Great vid! What are those green/olive pants at 10:15?

[@Stridewise]

GREAT eye! Those are the peerless Tanuki yoroi pants redcastheritage.com/collections/tanuki/products/tanuki-yoroi-25oz-heavy-canvas-utility-pants-golden-brown?variant=38169907429574 I'm highlighting them my next video!

[@scuba_tron5332]

@@Stridewise haha thanks! They are certainly striking!

[@sunnyrachelsson3169]

What would you use on the red wing copper rough and tough to condition it

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Red wing boot cream

[@idokwatcher2062]

Searching your channel for "dress boot" brings up a lot of fragmented videos. Could you make one to show us what's out there for a first timer, and not just the "under $200" category, show us what's considered high style (e.g. what an English trust fund baby would wear).

[@nkordo2551]

Lotion and paper towels... I wonder, where have I seen a similar picture...

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Probably on your nightstand

[@vaughnwesterby5162]

Perfect amount! 👍🏻

[@Domestos99percent]

Saphir smells awesome 🥰👍

[@ignus16]

great video as always - thanks!!!

[@tommysmith7031]

You went up in my estimation for pronouncing the product in a normal accent. Its not like people going around saying entrepreneur in a French accent.

[@aznlemonboy]

What do you typically use to condition your leather bags?

[@Stridewise]

Oof, tough one. I haven't had to condition them yet. I know a lot of guys that use Venetian Shoe Cream on them and I'd probably use that or something cheap like Lexol. For my favorite bag I want to look amazing in 30 years, probably I'd use VSC

[@bassheadlife492]

@@Stridewise I'm Not a fan of lexol

[@GentlemansJourney]

Another great one!

[@1SUPERNAUT1]

I believe their names say it all brother ones a shoe cream and the other a shoe renovator, imo Venetian is mostly for shinning leather and whatever conditioning it does is more of an after effect, and Renovateur, well it works good for dressier or delicate shoes as a general tonic and conditioner for leather, both good but theyve got a specific purpose. For cxl, and other heavier use leather you definitely need something thicker when the time comes to condition

[@bassheadlife492]

Renovator is not as gentle as you think

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

So the owner of horween is wrong when he recommends VSC for chromexcel?? Ok expert 👍🏼

[@coyote4936]

i want these boots

[@jimd1617]

Just started the vid but I’m predicting the winner in Venetian due to the container size 😉

[@Stridewise]

Haha! Or maybe it's just because it's cheaper!!

[@MrEmbangweni]

Slip of the tongue. From The Concord Consortium website: "Oil is a non-polar molecule, while water is a polar molecule."

[@UtahSustainGardening]

Mink farming is legal in Utah, so we just need to make sure they source it from the right place.... 😏

[@sneaky.vampire]

The thumbnail implies Nick dislikes his right leg more than his left leg.

[@jonidaud9422]

love it...

[@CredibleHulk10]

'Applerring a therrd cerrt at herrm."