Latest Restoration (My Own This time) · Real Men Real Style Community

🔥

Latest Restoration (My Own This time)

After seeing

post yesterday I realized I hadn't been sharing any of my shoe projects in a while.

I find these projects to be SO relaxing and challenging all at the same time. I also think it is a great way for everyone in this group to care for their items expensive or not and it doesn't have to cost a lot to do.

The products that you need vary in price, but you also don't run through the product too quickly so buying better quality care products will last a long time.

These are my Allen Edmonds Sarasota (Independence collection) Woven Loafers.

I noticed when I took them off the other day that I had a couple of spots where the dyed portion of the edge of the weave had come off and I was looking at raw skin. That prompted me to take them down to the bench and get started.

After brushing and cleaning them I dyed the leather back in the "raw" spots. While that was sitting I decided I didn't like the contrast of the sole and heals as they were a bit flat tonally to the rest of the shoe, so I sanded down the sole edges and heals.

Then I dyed the edges and heals 1st with a coat of Havana Brown dye, then 1 coat of Dark Brown, then a light coat of Bordeaux. After that sat and dried I put another coat of dark brown onto and it has given it the contrast but with depth and warmth I thought would be nice.

Then I went back and polished the woven parts of the shoe with cream polish. After this was done I used Havana Brown cream polish on the heels and edging and buffed them to a nice shine, and then buffed the uppers as well.

The last detail which generally gets overlooked was the sole bottoms. While you expect them to wear if you do not protect them they will soak up water and drench your feet if you are walking in the rain too much.

I sanded the sole bottoms and heal bottoms with 400 grit sand paper and then cleaned them off and gave 2 coats of sole guard. This gives the soles waterproofing without making them slippery.

All told this was a fairly straight forward project, and it keeps me busy, but more importantly I am protecting my investment of quality footwear that will literally last a lifetime if you take care of them.

It may sound like a "Big" project and might be too much to try, but it really isn't! You spend all day on your feet and spend good money to own shoes. If I can do it you can too!!

10 comments