THE ULTIMATE SHOE SHINNING GUIDE - A step-by-step guide for smooth leather
Hey there, shoe enthusiasts! Welcome to The Elegant Oxford's ultimate guide on how to shine your smooth leather shoes. If you 're ready to give
your beloved footwear a luxurious makeover, you're in for a treat. Join us as we dive into the art of shoe shining using the finest Saphir Medaille d'Or products, just like the pros!
Products Used:
1.Saphir Médaille d'Or Horsehair Brush.
2.Chamois Saphir Médaille d'Or cloth
3.Renovateur Cream Saphir Medaille d'Or
4.Saphir Shoe Polish Cream Medaille d'Or
5.Spreading Brush Saphir Médaille d'Or
6.Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish
7.LCA Men Wooden Shoe Trees Beech Satin
8.Cleaner (Step2) - Choose yours:
- Gentle Cleanser Saphir Médaille d'Or
- Saphir BdC Cleaning Lotion
- Saphir BdC Reno'Mat Leather Cleaner
- Saphir Medaille d'Or Reno Leather Cleaner
- Saphir MDO Plant Based Cleaner
Optional Products:
1.Saphir MDO Dubbin Mink Oil (Use for dry & damaged leathers)
2.Polishing Glove Saphir Médaille d'Or (Optional for extra shine)
3.Sole Guard Saphir Médaille d'Or Waterproof (Protect Soles)
4.Saphir Médaille d'Or Super Invulner (For extreme weathers)
Before you Start:
- Always remove the laces off your shoes before cleaning. You can clean them separately.
- Make sure that you have all the items listed previously to ensure the best result!
- Use the LCA Men Wooden Shoe Trees Beech Satin to keep your shoes in shape throughout the process.
- Do not rush the process: each step is crucial and
cleaning/drying times need to be followed for success.
Your are ready to make your shoes shine! Let’s dive-in:
Step 1: Dust-off your Shoes
Remove any surface dust and dirt with the Saphir Médaille d'Or
Horsehair Brush.
- Rub the leather with the brush using back-and-forth motions.
Step 2: Choose your Cleaner
Depending on the state of your shoes, pick the cleaner that is the most
appropriate. From a gentle cleanser, to a deep cleansing formula, or if
you prefer a green solution, you can use our Plant-based cleaner!
Gentle Cleansers
Deep Cleansers
Go-GreenCleaner
Step 3: Clean the Leather
- Apply a small amount of the cleaner of your choice on a dry and clean Chamois Saphir Médaille d'Or cloth.
- Rub the leather in circular motions.
- Change regularly the used areas of the cloth not to spread any dirt, and apply more cleaner each time.
- Repeat until all areas of the shoe have been cleaned.
- Allow the shoe to dry afterwards for at least 15-20min minutes.
- Repeat if necessary on stubborn stains.
Note: Test before the application on a less visible part of the shoe or item
you want to clean.
Step 4: Revitalizing Conditioner
Now it's time to rejuvenate the leather with Renovateur Cream Saphir
Medaille d'Or. This water-based mink oil cleaner and conditioner work
wonders in restoring the natural luster of your shoes.
- Massage the Renovateur into the leather, allowing it to absorb for a few minutes before buffing it off with the Saphir Médaille d'Or Horsehair Brush.
Step 5: Deep Conditioning for dry or damaged leathers (Optional)
If your shoes are in a rough state due to age or wear, you may want to consider a stronger nourishing treatment using Saphir MDO Dubbin. This mink oil-based conditioner penetrates deep into the leather, keeping it soft, supple, and resistant to cracking.
- Apply the Dubbin sparingly and allow it to absorb overnight for optimal results.
Step 6: The most important part! Polish Cream application
Bring back the color and shine with Saphir Shoe Polish Cream
Medaille d'Or.
- Choose a shade that matches your shoes from the Saphir Shoe Polish Cream Medaille d'Or range, known for enhancing and prolonging your leather shoes lifespan.
- Dip the tip of the Spreading Brush Saphir Médaille d'Or into the Polish Cream to begin.
- Delicately apply the cream to the sides of your shoes, focusing particularly on the welt seams to optimize the seal.
- Use a gentle back-and-forth motion while pressing lightly, ensuring thorough coverage, especially in the folds.
- Repeat the process on all areas.
- Allow it to dry ( 1 hour is recommended to ensure optimal results).
Don't Forget the Details: Pay close attention to the area between the edge
of your shoes and the sole. Utilize the spreading brush to reach and treat this
often overlooked part effectively.
Step 7: Sealthe Shine withWax Polish
For the ultimate protection and shine, apply the Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish. This high-quality wax polish builds up a hard protective finish, enhancing the beauty of your shoes while providing long-lasting protection. You can choose a neutral or colored shade.
- Massage the wax polish into the leather with a dry and clean Chamois Saphir Médaille d'Or cloth.
- Allow it to dry, then buff it off with the Saphir Médaille d'Or Horsehair Brush for a ultimate brilliant shine.
Step 8: Make them Shine!
After allowing the cream to dry, it's time to buff your shoes vigorously to achieve that coveted shine.
- Utilize the Saphir Médaille d'Or Horsehair Brush, applying moderate to firm pressure in brisk, circular motions. Remember, the more you brush, the more your shoes will shine!
- Additionally, consider using a clean Chamois Saphir Médaille d'Or cloth or the Polishing Glove Saphir Médaille d'Or to give them an extra gleam. This step will enhance the final shinning results!
Optional: Extra Water proofing (for extreme weathers)
Thanks to the potent natural waxes you just used, your shoes are already protected. That said, if you are facing extreme weathers, the Waterproofing spray Saphir Médaille d'Or Super Invulner is a smart addition to prevent your shoes from future damage.
- Shake the can vigorously before spraying lightly and evenly from a distance of about 10 inches (25 cm). Allow it to dry for 5-10 minutes.
Optional: Protect your Soles
Extend the life of your shoes with Sole Guard Saphir Médaille d'Or Waterproof. This conditioner and protector nourishes and waterproofs leather soles, reducing wear and tear.
- Apply sparingly using a dry Chamois Saphir Médaille d'Or cloth, allowing each coat to dry for at least an hour.
- Reapply if desired, wiping off any excess.
- For best results, let the final coat dry overnight.
Advice: Use every three months to maintain sole integrity and appearance.
In extreme weather cases, you may repeat this process as often as needed.
Tips for Optimal Results
- Remember to reapply the Saphir Shoe Polish Cream Medaille d'Or annually while your shoes are in storage to prevent the leather from drying out.
- Consider applying the Saphir Waterproofing spray Super Invulner in case of rain or extreme weather.
- Check our Saphir Teinture Francaise Dye to regain the original color of your heels and soles.
Congratulations!
You have now mastered the art of shoe shining with Saphir Medaille d'Or products!
Keep your shoes looking impeccable by treating them to this
luxurious spa treatment once or twice a year, if they're not worn
often. However, if you wear your shoes frequently, consider shining
them monthly to maintain their shine and condition.
Now, step out with confidence and showcase your impeccably-shined shoes to the world!
Ready to elevate your shoe care routine? Explore our premium
selection of Saphir Medaille d'Or products and indulge your shoes
in the luxury they deserve.
#ShineYourShoes #TheElegantOxford
-Preston Soto