Why When & How to Condition Shoes! Calf & Shell Cordovan

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  • Опубліковано 29 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 142

  • @CobblerBob
    @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +9

    NOTE: Here is a GREAT tip from Steven Roche below that makes a LOT of sense to me:
    "it is best to condition first with a low viscosity product without wax ( Lexol Neatsfoot Dressing ), and then apply wax containing products afterwards. The Lexol was not able to penetrate as well as it could through the wax on the Shell Cordovan. The drier the leather, the more an oil based conditioner should be used first. Ultimate absorption and restored pliability."
    Also, Venetian Shoe Cream ("VSC") is another product that Shell Cordovan enthusiasts often rave about, but is not included in this video.

  • @mtnslyr
    @mtnslyr 9 місяців тому

    The most comprehensive shoe care video I've seen. Thank you.

  • @PastorB1978
    @PastorB1978 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for your heart felt, transparent and informative videos. I watch many shoe enthusiast videos and you don’t come across as a salesman…thank you.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 місяці тому

      Thanks, I appreciate that. Sorry for the slow reply!

  • @jmfa57
    @jmfa57 Рік тому

    I very recently found a beautiful pair of vintage Florsheim Imperial plain oxford shell cordovans, with original sole and heels in beautiful condition. I foolishly wore them without conditioning them first and they cracked horribly the first time I wore them. I tried various repair products which of course failed immediately upon flexing the shoes. I resolved to give them away, which I haven't done yet. Providentially, I found another pair EXACTLY the same just a few weeks later and bought them. These also have original soles and heels, and are also in beautiful shape. I haven't worn them yet, but I've conditioned them twice so far with Safir Renovateur and they do seem to be more supple than the first pair. Your video was very helpful, I will be trying some Bicks and some Neetsfoot oil also before wearing them. Thanks for a great video!

  • @danieldurand5721
    @danieldurand5721 2 роки тому +1

    Thirsty leather. Just bought my second bottle of renovateur great video thanks

  • @stevenroche9874
    @stevenroche9874 2 роки тому +3

    Robert, it is best to condition first with a low viscosity product without wax ( Lexol Neatsfoot Dressing ), and then apply wax containing products afterwards. The Lexol was not able to penetrate as well as it could through the wax on the Shell Cordovan. The drier the leather, the more an oil based conditioner should be used first. Ultimate absorption and restored pliability.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +2

      I NEVER thought of this... GREAT tip. I ALWAYS learn something after doing a video... it seems to "flush out" more tips. I'll copy this into the description or pin a comment or something.

    • @stevenroche9874
      @stevenroche9874 2 роки тому +1

      @@CobblerBob Glad you found my tip useful. Great video, Robert !

  • @Retired_Gentleman
    @Retired_Gentleman 2 роки тому +2

    Great video, Bob.
    Though retired I purchased from a thrift two zipper top leather messenger bags that looked very tired but otherwise excellent. Cleaning, conditioning, cream polish, then finally shoe polish resulted in two dry, faded leather bags looking new. As in your video it took elbow grease and effort with multiple conditioning and polishing but it was worth it.

  • @markrollins5325
    @markrollins5325 Рік тому

    I really enjoy your videos. It's just genuine. Appreciate all of your videos.

  • @williammarshall7750
    @williammarshall7750 Рік тому

    I laughed, I cried. Another informative video courtesy of Mr. Powers. Thanks for all your work.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  Рік тому

      LOL, I'm glad it helped! You're welcome!

  • @jimmysherman6442
    @jimmysherman6442 2 роки тому +1

    Greetings Mr. Powers, I always enjoy your quality content. It is always easy to find value in it. Please be encouraged to keep up the good work. Best regards, Jimmy Sherman

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      Thank you, I will! I appreciate it!

  • @flipflat4814
    @flipflat4814 2 роки тому +1

    This is my comment for the UA-cam algorithm. Thank you.👍.

  • @AxelTheodor
    @AxelTheodor Рік тому

    When are we getting the follow-up on the cordovan shoes?

  • @hollandlimited9888
    @hollandlimited9888 Рік тому

    Thank you so much. It was very informative, educative and relaxing video.

  • @antonioraffa123
    @antonioraffa123 Рік тому

    I was wondering why you didn't first use saddle soap on the cordovan leather shoes. Keep up the good work.

  • @philmartinez1872
    @philmartinez1872 2 роки тому +2

    What if you have wax and polish on your shoe? Do you put conditioner still on? Or do you strip the wax?

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      I generally only strip the wax if it needs to come off. The two situations I can think of where I need to remove old wax are: 1) I thrifted the shoes, and it's obvious it needs to come off, or 2) I put a lot of colored wax on, for example to darken the toe cap, and I want to remove it to do a neutral or other colored mirror shine. Generally the only place a thick layer of wax will be present is the toe cap, and maybe on the heel counter. On the Strands, the heel counter was mirror shined, although not to the same shine as the toe caps, and I just conditioned over it. The rest of the body of the Strands was pretty well shined with Pure Polish water resistant walnut wax. I don't see a need to strip off wax off of the whole upper to moisturize them unless it's crazy thick, in which case it's probably cracking at flex points anyway.

  • @allan05ch96
    @allan05ch96 Рік тому

    Muchas gracias
    Disfrute mucho viendo y aprendiendo de este hermoso vídeo 👍👍

  • @albertomolina3868
    @albertomolina3868 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the demonstration with so many different products

  • @SanjanaRanasingha
    @SanjanaRanasingha 2 роки тому

    17:50 whoa! Notice the sudden change!? Wow! Just unbelievably shiny!

  • @markgillum5709
    @markgillum5709 2 роки тому

    Good video, Bob. I will add Lexol to my list of products. I already have a bottle of the regular conditioner in my car.!

  • @platinum5798
    @platinum5798 2 роки тому

    Great Video The timing is perfect. I am ready to spruce up my favorite shoes.❤️

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      Thank you! I hope it helped. If you want to really learn more, go to my Channel and peruse the "Shoe/Leather/Polish/Technical Stuff" Playlist for more in depth stuff.

  • @RogerYng
    @RogerYng 2 роки тому

    Very interesting and useful. You explain and show things well.

  • @gadgetboy9406
    @gadgetboy9406 2 роки тому +1

    Have you tried products like Renapur Leather Balsam or the Effax or Belvoir versions?

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      No! I've never even heard of them!

  • @CarltonWhitfield
    @CarltonWhitfield 2 роки тому +1

    I think your closing thought about sometimes it is factors out of your control, is the most important and is probably the most frustrating thing with shoe care.

  • @gregrodriguez3169
    @gregrodriguez3169 2 роки тому

    Hi Bob, I enjoy your content, and really like your approach to not just shoe care, but your interest in shoe restoration and repair. A great follow for your fellow shoe enthusiasts, thank you!

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      You’re very welcome!

    • @WalaAlrobeae
      @WalaAlrobeae 11 місяців тому

      كيف لي ان احصل على حذاء منك ​@@CobblerBob

  • @kevingu7196
    @kevingu7196 2 роки тому +2

    Hey Bob, great video as always! Here's a question for you: would you condition a new pair of shoes out of the box before wearing them? I've seen different people saying different things about this so I'm curious about your opinion.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +2

      I think Justin Fitzpatrick says not to, but I generally do. I don’t see how it can hurt, and I doubt that the leather is “fresh from the tannery.” I’d perform the standard conditioning on them, then polish with cream polish, then one coat of paste wax, the. Of course mirror shine the toes.

  • @basila1162
    @basila1162 2 роки тому

    Good video. I particularly appreciate you mentioning that a good shoe cream serves as a good conditioner when used regularly. Pure Polish and Saphir are both fine choices.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      Thank you. I was nervous about releasing this one!

  • @Fulano.de.Tal.
    @Fulano.de.Tal. Рік тому +1

    You are the doing the lords work

  • @benjaminkenobi6925
    @benjaminkenobi6925 2 роки тому

    Hey Bob, hello, great video. I will look into pure polish products. I too have heard of bick 4 and Lenox to be great products.

  • @phrozenheart
    @phrozenheart 2 роки тому

    Hi Bob, love your passion for shoes and transition to suits too! I also feel that Pure Polish works the best for me.

  • @tomsmith4795
    @tomsmith4795 2 роки тому

    Bob great video, can't wait for upcoming update video on the pair of Shell Cordavan you thifted.

  • @bladecentered2264
    @bladecentered2264 2 роки тому +1

    Can the crack in the shell be repaired?

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      I'm going to try with a product called LM Filler & Stop Crash (yes, that's what it's called). Probably another whole video on that. It's a product sent to me that's not released in the US yet. The general concensus among shell enthusiasts is that once a serious crack develops in one area, it's an indication that the rest of the shell is deteriorated. I know I may put a lot of effort into these and they may continue to crack, but if so, I'll put them on a shelf as a display item next to my NOS unworn black Sears Roebuck PTBs from the early 1980's.

  • @philschiavone101
    @philschiavone101 2 роки тому

    A few that I like are VSC Venetian Shoe Cream and Picards leather balm. There is no perfect conditioner, I recommend getting a couple of good conditioners and switch off.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      VSC is another one that I've heard mentioned in Shell Cordovan circles. I should have at least brought it up in the video!

  • @stevenroche9874
    @stevenroche9874 2 роки тому +1

    Robert, you should remove shoelaces to condition and polish the tongues. This also provides an opportunity to wash the shoelaces with hot water and dish washing liquid, an excellent and strong soap for this purpose.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      I did for the shell and Strands, I didn't for the Park Ave's. I stated why not for the Park Ave's, simply bc it was neutral cream polish, and I'm busy and don't want to create extra work when not neccessary.

    • @stevenroche9874
      @stevenroche9874 2 роки тому

      @@CobblerBob I believe the tongues should not be neglected, even though it's extra work. Clean shoelaces are a nice addition to shoe care as well.

  • @michaelgarretson5519
    @michaelgarretson5519 8 місяців тому

    I may have missed this in the video, but I noticed you using the Pure Polish Cleaner Conditioner at times and Saphir Renovateur in others. Can you explain what leads you in each of those directions?

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 місяці тому +1

      I think in the older videos I didn't have the Pure Polish. I DO prefer the PP over the Saphir, but especially if they are a pair of shoes I will flip, I may use the Saphir to try and use it up. It's not a BAD product, I just like the way the PP seems to absorb better into the leather, and I like the science behind the coconut oil. SORRY for the late reply!!

  • @reginaldblair4226
    @reginaldblair4226 2 роки тому

    Enjoyed the video and will purchase a couple of products and Thx.

  • @shoemanfu
    @shoemanfu 2 роки тому

    Nice video, Bob. What is your opinion on the performance of Lexol on the shoes? I used to use that on my motorcycle racing leathers back in the day. I've also used it on the leather seats in our cars. I haven't tried it on shoes, yet.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      I like it. I think it's great for really old and/or dry leather. It felt like the thin consistency really penetrates deep into leather pretty quickly. One of my viewers made a comment that made a lot of sense to me... use the thinner, runnier (oilier) conditioners, like Lexol, FIRST. Then use the thicker/greasier consistency conditioners later.

  • @petersilecchio4417
    @petersilecchio4417 8 місяців тому

    Love all your videos. Can I use saddle soap on my Allen Edmonds?

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 місяці тому

      You absolutely can, but I would not unless they got really muddy or something. Check out my Leather Talk interview video with Andy Vaughn from Pure Polish - he has some things to say about Saddle soap.

  • @qazmko22
    @qazmko22 2 роки тому

    I didn't think about the pH balance being off.. I have a pair of 70s style chelsea boots that are cracking pike your chell shoes.... and that was after lots of conditioning.. so it might be the age or the pH or the cheaper leather they used.. interesting

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      I got that info from Andy from the Leather Talk video interview.

  • @jonwalker2929
    @jonwalker2929 2 роки тому

    Keep up the great work Robert.

  • @virgilspells7711
    @virgilspells7711 2 роки тому

    Good info on taking care of my shoes, Thanks

  • @albertorossetti7959
    @albertorossetti7959 2 роки тому

    Hi Thanks for the video! Have you ever tried plain coconut oil as a conditioner? If yes, could you please comment on it?

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      No, I haven't tried coconut oil by itself, but that is the main conditioning ingredient in the Pure Polish Cleaner Conditioner FYI!

  • @omarthair3883
    @omarthair3883 2 роки тому

    Great information, I always reference you to my friends for information on leather, spit shine and shoe care in general. Though I’m bummed to have to wait for 2 months for the Florsheim video 😔

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      I'm glad it helps! Sorry, but I have to order materials, and some of it's not easy to find buying as a consumer vs a "shop". Many shoe repair suppliers won't sell to the public, or are overseas and get very very expensive once you tack on shipping from England. Right now for example, I'm trying to find a supplier of Gemming.

  • @djones5347
    @djones5347 2 роки тому

    Good seeing your videos again

  • @baberoot1998
    @baberoot1998 2 роки тому

    Hi Robert. Love your channel. My problem with conditioners is...I cannot afford $20 for an 8oz bottle of conditioner. What I would like to know is...can I go to a Home Depot or Lowes, and get large can of something that will condition my shoes, without the high cost of "name brand" conditioners. I am aware that the smaller name brand bottled are probably of higher quality...however, if I just need to condition my leather products, (shoes, bags, even furniture), what can I get in large volumes for a better price point? I need conditioner but I hesitate on spending $20 or $30 on a small bottle of Bick4. Seems there is likely a conditioner out there, (mink oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil), that will do the same thing as Bick4, without the high cost. I am struggling with knowing what is the best value for conditioner. Thanks for any responses, I know it is virtually impossible for you to answer every question and read every comment. I do love your channel and will continue to watch it regularly. Thanks for all you do.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching. That’s a great question. IMHO it’s not worth wandering off the path. I thrifted and flip shoes, I own 26 pairs of shoes, shine shoes for co-workers/friends, and most of the conditioners I use last several years even in small quantities. I just don’t think it’s worth the risk of not knowing what you’re getting versus tried and true conditioners. Watch my “Leather Talk” series with Andy from Pure Polish and from Phil from Ashland if you want in depth details as to why I say this.

    • @baberoot1998
      @baberoot1998 2 роки тому

      @@CobblerBob Thanks for the reply Robert. I appreciate you and your channel.

  • @lucaspatterson
    @lucaspatterson 2 роки тому

    Nice video Robert, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

  • @zefdin101
    @zefdin101 2 роки тому

    Great video Bob, thank you so much for posting and spreading the shoe enthusiasm!!

  • @katesage3221
    @katesage3221 2 роки тому

    Can I use the same process on a leather handbag or a belt? Thank you 😊

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      Absolutely. With belts, don’t use too much product, and let it dry preferably overnight to ensure you don’t transfer any product onto your pants.

  • @HurlockVanguard
    @HurlockVanguard 2 роки тому

    Great video, as always. You inspired me to try a resole job on my chukkas instead of thrashing them.
    As for the Pure Polish what rubs me the wrong way is the fact that their product is nearly identical to a reddit recipe back from 2012 (where the author also describes the IV value of fats).
    IMO it's better to DIY knowing the ingredients' quality rather than paying premium for coconut oil mixed with limonene that's been sitting on a shelf for God knows how long

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому +1

      Pure Polish has worked very well for me for the past couple years, and I consider the owner Andy a friend and I trust him.

    • @HurlockVanguard
      @HurlockVanguard 2 роки тому

      @@CobblerBob Thanks for your reply. I managed to read some old blog posts by Glen Karen's creator. I've much more faith in the product now. Also I've done my own version of the product to supplement my saphir products. Btw I wholeheartedly recommend reading these old articles. There's lots of good knowledge in them

  • @davidanthony5717
    @davidanthony5717 2 роки тому

    Good tutorial, always learn something new from your videos!

  • @randomname7636
    @randomname7636 2 роки тому

    Comment for the algorithm. Nice work as always Bob.

  • @ThriftedGent
    @ThriftedGent 11 місяців тому

    Always informative info!

  • @harryhuang2935
    @harryhuang2935 2 роки тому

    Thanks Bob! great video

  • @remonmicheal8753
    @remonmicheal8753 Рік тому

    Always beautiful video thank you

  • @edf2953
    @edf2953 2 роки тому

    Good video Bob

  • @McSnacks930
    @McSnacks930 2 роки тому

    Great video! Thanks Bob!

  • @lenniefalcon5928
    @lenniefalcon5928 Рік тому +1

    Lotta work😵‍💫

  • @rohanrohilla1080
    @rohanrohilla1080 2 роки тому

    Comment for support. Great videos Bob. :)

  • @davidpopielski4143
    @davidpopielski4143 Рік тому

    Thanks for the information!

  • @conanmaltz8181
    @conanmaltz8181 2 роки тому

    Excellent video!

  • @porcuzburator8778
    @porcuzburator8778 7 місяців тому

    Inspiring, thank you!

  • @stanfordstewart3242
    @stanfordstewart3242 2 роки тому

    Enjoyed the video. Thanks.

  • @user-nqa
    @user-nqa 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the great video !

  • @frankmarti8984
    @frankmarti8984 2 роки тому

    Great information thank you

  • @BattlefieldShorts-gt5gd
    @BattlefieldShorts-gt5gd 2 роки тому

    Another great video!

  • @rudyhurtado8765
    @rudyhurtado8765 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the content!!!

  • @vladyslav4
    @vladyslav4 2 роки тому

    Good content. Thank you

  • @BestPaulever
    @BestPaulever 2 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @brgulker
    @brgulker 2 роки тому +1

    Edit: to be clear, I was referencing Pure Polish not you Bob. As in Pure Polish is the viral marketing company Sorry that came across as directed at you if it did
    Here’s where I am just frankly a bit skeptical.
    People who ran leather for a living create and or recommend products. Nick Horween for example recommends Venetian Shoe Cream and Venetian Leather Balm.
    Yet, someone who doesn’t work in the industry comes up with some “all natural” product that gets marketed virally online, and it looks convincing to people who also don’t work in the industry…and I should be convinced?
    I don’t mean that to be mean or overly critical, so please don’t take it that way. I just struggle to understand why I shouldn’t take the word of the tanners directly.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  2 роки тому

      I didn’t see the original comment, but I’m not at all offended. There’s a reason I leave the “I’m not a professional” in my intro. You have a valid point. I’d listen to Nick Horween before me too, but I’ve never had a chance to talk to him, nor have I ever seen his opinion in any video or article. I SHOULD have included VSC in the video. I didn’t intentionally exclude it, I just have so many other conditioners, I never got around to getting it. That’s why I did mention VSC in the comments, as it was the one other product that multiple guys I listen to respect and use. Also, I try to make it clear, this is not a complete list. There are SO many products out there.
      Also, the video is titled “WHY and HOW to condition, not WHICH conditioner is best. That’s also why I stated twice, for emphasis, that I believe the fact that you condition shoes is better than which one you use.
      I never looked at PP as a “viral marketing co.” Andy’s a good guy, and he’s been good to me, and others I personally know, like Russell the Sartorial Chauffer, that has a few hundred pairs of shoes, uses and likes PP. I also like it not just bc of the relationship with Andy, but as I stated in the beginning of the video I like how it seems to work.
      That being said, yes, I’m not the final word. I gained my opinions in every one of my interests, whether it was shoes, or building big block Oldsmobile V8s, or Karate, by listening to lots of different people and testing myself to form my own opinions.

  • @timsmith1589
    @timsmith1589 Рік тому

    Cool video bro.

  • @Xman80888
    @Xman80888 Рік тому

    Great video

  • @marvindickerson3631
    @marvindickerson3631 2 роки тому

    I love your channel.

  • @dennisgirard420
    @dennisgirard420 Рік тому

    Enjoy your videos!

  • @pf1793
    @pf1793 Рік тому

    Thanks

  • @LSDDDP
    @LSDDDP 2 роки тому

    Comment because you told me too. I learned a lot.

  • @JohnWagner-d3q
    @JohnWagner-d3q Рік тому +1

    Robert, I notice that your fingernails seem to be a bit deteriorated. Is that from the products you use on your shoes? Having sensitive skin, I'm weary of using products that might be inflammatory.

    • @CobblerBob
      @CobblerBob  Рік тому

      No, absolutely not. My fingernails are that way even when I touch no products. I used to work on cars a lot, I’m pretty certain I damaged the cuticles/nail bed on both of my thumbs. You’ll notice it’s only on my thumbnails. I don’t use shoe products enough for that to be a problem. Besides, most of the products I use now are Pure Polish, which are natural ingredients like Coconut oil and beeswax.

    • @JohnWagner-d3q
      @JohnWagner-d3q Рік тому

      @@CobblerBob, thanks for the quick reply. All the best.

  • @philschiavone101
    @philschiavone101 2 роки тому

    Awesome, someone who is not selling product explaining shoe conditioners.

  • @Javi_C
    @Javi_C 2 роки тому

    👍

  • @eak74
    @eak74 2 роки тому

    Hello!

  • @fallingdown2720
    @fallingdown2720 2 роки тому

    I'm commenting