The 5 Essentials Every Shoe Aficionado Swears By

Every great shine begins long before the first layer of polish touches the leather. It starts with preparation — a clear workspace, the right tools, and an understanding that proper care is less about vanity and more about preservation.

Over the years, I’ve found that true aficionados — those who cherish their shoes as pieces of craftsmanship — all share one thing in common: consistency.

They rely on a small, trusted set of products that deliver every time. As part of our Early Bird Event, I want to share the five essentials I personally reach for on my bench, whether I’m restoring a century-old oxford or maintaining my own favorite pair.

1. Saphir Médaille d’Or Pommadier Cream 1925 — The Heart of Every Shine

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This is where true restoration begins. The Saphir Médaille d’Or Pommadier Cream Polish 1925 restores pigment, nourishes the leather, and adds a soft, elegant luster that feels natural rather than forced. I apply it in small circular motions, allowing the color to build gradually before brushing out the surface.

It’s not just polish — it’s the heartbeat of the entire process.

2. Saphir Médaille d’Or Pâte de Luxe Wax Polish — The Classic Finish

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After the cream comes the final flourish. Saphir Pâte de Luxe Wax Polish adds depth, brilliance, and that unmistakable mirror-like finish that defines fine shoemaking. Work it in with a few drops of water, layer by layer, and you’ll see the leather transform before your eyes.

It’s the same wax I use in nearly every restoration — and still one of my most trusted companions on the bench.

3. Saphir Médaille d’Or Mirror Gloss — The Shortcut to Perfection

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When time is short but excellence is required, Mirror Gloss delivers. This formula builds shine faster than traditional waxes thanks to its high concentration of hard waxes and natural solvents. I often use it as a base before applying Pâte de Luxe — a trick that saves time while achieving that deep, elegant gleam.

Perfect for those mornings when you need your shoes to shine like glass — and you have minutes, not hours.

4. Saphir Médaille d’Or Renovateur Cream — The Soul of Leather Care

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Before the first touch of polish, there must be nourishment. The Renovateur Cream is the product I trust above all others to awaken tired leather. Enriched with mink oil, lanolin, and beeswax, it softens, conditions, and restores the natural glow that defines fine shoes.

I use it at the start of nearly every restoration — it’s the foundation upon which every great shine is built. A small amount goes a long way, and the results speak for themselves: supple leather that feels alive again.

5. Saphir Beauté du Cuir Reno’Mat Leather Cleaner — A Fresh Start

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Before nourishment and color can work their magic, the surface must be perfectly clean. Reno’Mat is my go-to for removing built-up wax, silicone, and old polish — revealing the true grain of the leather beneath. It’s a deep but careful cleanser, ideal for restoring clarity and ensuring your creams and waxes adhere properly.

Apply it gently with a Chamois Cloth in small circular motions. The difference is remarkable — fresh, clean leather ready to receive care the way it was meant to.

The Foundation of Every Gentleman’s Shoe Care Arsenal

These five best sellers form the backbone of any true shoe care kit — products trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Together, they cleanse, nourish, color, and protect fine leather, ensuring your shoes remain elegant for decades, not just seasons.

But a well-built collection deserves more than polish and cream. To truly preserve craftsmanship, there are two more essentials every aficionado should keep within arm’s reach:

The Cedar Shoe Trees — A Silent Guardian

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After every wear, I insert Saphir Beauté du Cuir Cedar Shoe Trees. They absorb moisture, preserve the shoe’s shape, and prevent the dreaded curling of the leather as it cools. It’s the simplest habit that separates a well-kept collection from a neglected one.

Fine shoes are built to last — and these quiet protectors make sure they do.

The Horsehair Brush — A Gentleman’s Daily Tool

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If you only own one shoe care tool, make it the Saphir Beauté du Cuir Horsehair Brush. Use it daily to remove dust and keep the leather surface fresh. Regular brushing stimulates the waxes and oils already present, reviving the natural sheen without the need for polish.

A few seconds of brushing after each wear can add years to a shoe’s life.

A Timeless Ritual

There’s something profoundly grounding about the ritual of care. The scent of polish, the rhythm of brushing, the moment the leather begins to glow again — it connects us to a slower, more intentional way of living.

During our Early Bird Event, I invite you to experience this tradition for yourself. Whether you’re replenishing your kit or beginning your collection, these essentials are the perfect foundation for a lifetime of craftsmanship and care.