[cokewithvanilla]

I have a pair of alden shoes that I have managed to remove the finish from. It all started when I tried a new leather conditioner, and the shoes water spotted. In trying to clean the water spots, I used a new cleaner, which removed that portion of the finish. Using Saphir, turned it all dark in that one spot... so I got out the saddle soap and soaped down the whole shoe until they were raw leather. let them dry, applied saphir, many layers until they would finally take shine... well.. now they look blotchy and one of the top caps is an entirely different color than the other..... is there any saving these?

 

[cokewithvanilla]

Oh and obviously the boots dont look anything like they used to

https://aldenmadison.com/collection/cap-toe-plaza-bootburnished-tan-calf3914h/

 

[TimF]

So what? Apply whatever color of polish you'd prefer. What separates leather from plastic is that leather is a living material. So it won't stay the same color or texture as it is worn in. If you don't like the feature then get fake leather shoes.

 

[TDWat]

I don't think they look too bad. It'll be much less noticeable from eye level when you're wearing them. You could pay to have them professionally redyed, but I don't know if that's necessary. Cream polish tends to soak in a bit more, so you could try coloring them that way. A higher shine on the toe cap may also help obscure the difference in color there.

 

[Shaver]

*chuckles softly to self*

That is an impressively long list of products that you have inflicted upon those poor boots.

Do not fret, however, blotchy is patination. Calf leather demands you meddle less and enjoy more.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

Oh and obviously the boots dont look anything like they used to

https://aldenmadison.com/collection/cap-toe-plaza-bootburnished-tan-calf3914h/

I actually prefer the character they are assuming. Just polish them regularly and they'll look fine.

 

[frankmartin]

I also prefer the way they are now compared to when they were new.

 

[SG_67]

Sorry...,I’m not seeing an issue here. The boots look fine. Just wear them.

 

[eagle2250]

I actually prefer the character they are assuming. Just polish them regularly and they'll look fine.

The best advice to be offered, in this present instance. Good luck in your quest for the perfect shine!

 

[challer]

Not ruined. Don't use saddle soap on dress shoes. Whenever you strip shoes they look just like yours do. Couple layers of saphir cream and your good to go. I tend to wear my shoes hard, often in the country or at the range. I strip some pair at least annually. It doesn't hurt the leather.

 

[Doctor Damage]

It's called "patina" and they look better with it.

 

[cellochris]

cokewithvanilla, I get it, the toe cap difference would bother me too. I have a few pairs with similar discrepancies and I like to think of them as having "character"; otherwise I'd strip them down with renomat, polish, strip them again when they looked funny, polish and strip again, and ultimately destroy them trying to get them to look just right.

The other folks are spot on (no pun intended); just wear your boots and enjoy, they will develop more character over time. I wore a pair of Brooks Brothers tweed boots out to breakfast a few months ago and someone spilled coffee all over them. Stuff happens, they're just shoes.

Hope that helps!

 

[cokewithvanilla]

Thanks. I had put some cleaner on the shoe that caused discoloration. I used saddle soap in the process of fixing. I have since rubbed them down again, and I made the mistake of coating the one shoe toe twice and the other once with saphir before wax, and I cannot get the right toe looking the right color..... but overall, some aggressive polishing has made them look better

thanks!