New Brouges and a question

**Eck** · 23rd January 12, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by AFS1970

Now for those in the know, is there a trick to polishing these so as not to get the polish stuck in all the little holes?

Use parade gloss and two different brushes, one for laying on the polish and another for shining up - this makes sure nothing gets stuck in the tooling of the leather. An old oddment of corduroy makes a great finishing cloth for buffing up. Also, if you have leather soles, don't forget to polish the instep just like the uppers.

**Mickey** · 23rd January 12, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by AFS1970

Now for those in the know, is there a trick to polishing these so as not to get the polish stuck in all the little holes?

If you have to do a lot of pore filling, then you pretty much just have to get it all done then clean them out with a toothpick. Once you have your base though, you really only have to use such small amounts of polish to touch up now and then that you won't have to worry about it much.

These shoes look great though so will probably require very little work to get a great spit shine on them. Very sharp!

**Aspiringloser** · 23rd January 12, 08:07 PM

I'm a fan of Lincoln Wax. I used to (before the Army switched to tan suede boots) apply a coat then heat it with a heat gun then go over it with a wet cotton ball. You can get a decent shine without using cotton balls by simply wetting your polish brush. I don't spit shine my brogues because I don't want to clean out all the holes.

**CopperNGold** · 23rd January 12, 10:41 PM

You might try applying the polish to the smooth areas first, in a very thin coat, then when rubbed in a bit, move the polish over the areas with the holes. Buff like mad! I've found that works for my wing-tip high heels. Hope it works for you!

**CMcG** · 23rd January 12, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by AFS1970

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Now for those in the know, is there a trick to polishing these so as not to get the polish stuck in all the little holes?

Use a very small amount of polish and really work it into the leather. If after a few coats, there is excess getting caught in the broguing, just use a toothpick to clean it out.

I agree with Artificer that wearing new shoes around the house enough to get an initial toe crease going is advisable before starting to polish. That way, you know what you're working with.

**Highlander31** · 23rd January 12, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by bigdad1

Kiwi Parade Gloss and time would be my best advice. I first used those two in 1963 and find they still work best today.

Nice looking shoes and Florsheim are quality shoes. Enjoy

I agree. I started using that same combination in 1964.

**EagleJCS** · 24th January 12, 12:56 AM

When I get a new pair of leather shoes/boots that require polish, I put three coats of polish (regular Kiwi shoe polish) on them before wearing them outside. That gets a good base coat on them before they get exposed to any excess moisture.

This is the process I learned from my father (a former USANG platoon sergeant): I use part of an old cotton t-shirt to apply the polish to the entire shoe. For my brogues, I then use an old toothbrush to apply some additional polish to the broguing (this also helps to clear the holes of any excess polish). Allow the first shoe to sit while applying polish to the second. After finishing the second shoe, I then buff the first using a horsehair shoe brush. Start at the top then work your way around the sides. Buff the second shoe and voila! You're done.

I can usually see my reflection in my shoes when I'm finished (not as clearly as in a mirror, but I can see movement when I pass my hand past the surface).

Also, if the soles are slick, scuff them lightly with some 60-grit sandpaper. This will help provide some traction if you encounter slick surfaces (like smooth concrete - if it's even slightly wet, slick-soled shoes are almost as bad as walking on ice).

**Tobus** · 24th January 12, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

What I meant was would it be smart to polish them before the first wearing? I know they will need polishing at some point.

Are these "new" shoes that haven't been worn yet? From the pictures, they appear as if they've been worn quite a bit already. They seem to have developed the 'crease' at the toe, and look like they've received some mild scuffing.

At any rate, I'd polish them. Even if they haven't been worn at all. They need some shine, and the wax will help seal out moisture and dirt. I would think it's important to get a base layer of wax on the leather before ever wearing them, for this reason.

**McMurdo** · 24th January 12, 07:32 AM

Tobus
I have tried them on, that is all, they have not been outside yet. I tried them on when I bought them, then I put insoles in them and tried them on again. They do look better in person, I am not sure why they look so dull in the photos. They are brand new shoes by the way.

**McMurdo** · 29th January 12, 02:35 PM

So the other day while doing some shopping I found a Kiwi travel pack included in the pack is the following

2 containers of polish 1 black 1 brown
2 sponge applicators
1 horsehair brush
1 polishing cloth

I applied 3 coats of polish as per Kyle's instructions in the High Shine thread and after that the shoes looked much better. I wore them last night to a Burns night. Once I got home I dried them off, as it was a pretty nasty night out with snow and ice everywhere, I polished them again, they look wonderful again and are ready for their next outing. The shine I was able to get out of three coats of polish is enough to see my face in. I am very happy with my purchases.