✨ Shine Bright with Preston Soto ✨

Back to School? Get all your dusty shoes out of the closet!

This week, we’re celebrating someone who’s helped thousands fall in love with shoecare again—Preston Soto, founder of The Elegant Oxford. So from all of The Elegant Oxford’s Team and our Dear Shoecare Enthusiasts: Happy Birthday Preston!!!

If you've ever watched a mirror shine take form or learned how to bring suede back to life, chances are you've been guided by Preston’s steady hands, product knowledge, and passion for well-kept leather. And what better way to mark his birthday than by doing what he does best: restoring and protecting shoes—no matter the material.

Step One: Sort Your Leather Types

Before you reach for your brush or polish, take a few minutes to identify what types of shoes you own. Not all leather is treated the same—and using the wrong product can do more harm than good. Preston recommends sorting your pairs into three groups:

Smooth Leather – Oxfords, derbies, cap-toes, brogues
Suede & Nubuck – Loafers, chukkas, boots, casual slip-ons
Patent Leather & Specialty Finishes – High-gloss, croc-embossed, exotic skins

Once you’ve separated your collection, treat each group one at a time.
Reminder: Don't forget to insert Saphir BDC Cedar Shoetrees during and after care to help preserve the shape and absorb moisture between wears.

~ For Smooth Leather Shoes

These are your classic dress shoes and business staples. When properly maintained, smooth leather can last decades.

Follow Preston’s method as detailed in his Ultimate Smooth Leather Guide:

Dust off using the Polishing Brush – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Clean and hydrate with Renovateur Cream – Saphir Médaille d’Or (75 ml)
Restore color with Pommadier Cream Shoe Polish – Saphir Médaille d’Or (75 ml)
Buff and shine with the Chamois Cloth – Saphir Médaille d’Or
(Optional) Add a mirror shine using Mirror Gloss Wax Polish – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Protect using Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or

~ For Suede & Nubuck Shoes

These materials require a gentler touch—but are just as deserving of care. Follow Preston’s trusted process from the Ultimate Suede & Nubuck Guide:

Lift the nap with a Crepe Brush – Saphir Beauté du Cuir
Clean thoroughly using Omninettoyant Suede Cleaner – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Restore color (if faded or damaged) with Renovateur Suede & Nubuck Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or (250 ml)
Protect using Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or

Be sure to let each layer dry before applying the next, and always store suede shoes in a dry place. To maintain your shoe’s pristine condition and keep them free from dust, use the Saphir Natural Cotton Dust Bag for storage.

~ For Patent Leather & Exotic Finishes

These materials require very specific care routines to preserve their surface, gloss, and structure. Avoid using traditional waxes or cream polishes.

For patent leather (shiny formalwear, tuxedo shoes, handbags):
Follow our step-by-step process in the Patent Leather Guide, which outlines how to:

Clean gently with a damp cloth
Use Saphir Vernis Rife for cleaning, conditioning, and maintaining gloss
Protect using Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Avoid cracking by storing shoes away from heat in the Saphir Natural Cotton Dust Bag

For exotic leathers (like crocodile, lizard, or snakeskin):
Consult our detailed Exotic Leather Care Guide, which includes:

Removing dust with the Chamois Cloth – Saphir Médaille d’Or only—never use a brush that could damage the scales.
Cleaning and conditioning sparingly with Reptan Liquid + Chamois – Saphir Beauté du Cuir
Protect using Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Avoiding moisture and direct sunlight by storing in the Saphir Natural Cotton Dust Bag

These materials are often rare and irreplaceable—the right care will keep them stunning for decades.

Ready to refresh your entire shoe rotation?
Here's what we recommend having on hand:

Saphir BDC Cedar Shoetrees
Chamois Cloth – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Polishing Brush – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Saphir Natural Cotton Dust Bag
Renovateur Cream – Saphir Médaille d’Or (75 ml)

Pommadier Cream Shoe Polish – Saphir Médaille d’Or (75 ml)

Mirror Gloss Wax Polish – Saphir Médaille d’Or

Omninettoyant Suede Cleaner – Saphir Médaille d’Or
Super Invulner Waterproofing Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or

Renovateur Suede & Nubuck Spray – Saphir Médaille d’Or (250 ml)
Reptan Liquid + Chamois – Saphir Beauté du Cuir
Saphir Vernis Rife

Shine with Purpose

This season, whether you're returning to class, commuting to work, or just stepping out with confidence, take the time to care for the shoes that carry you. As Preston Soto reminds us, shoecare isn’t about perfection—it’s about respect, preservation, and personal pride.

✨ Ready to shine?
👉 Shop the full Collection here