A lesson on how to care for your leather shoes from the staff of BEAMS F!

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As the saying goes, "fashion starts from the feet," shoes are an important item that greatly influences your first impression. No matter how much care you put into your suit or jacket, if your shoes are dirty, you will give off a sloppy impression. So this time, we will introduce the most basic of basics: how to care for calf leather.

Yasuharu Ooka, the service master at BEAMS F, will explain how to care for your leather shoes step by step, which is easy even for beginners. Pay attention to the unique attention to detail that has earned Ooka the trust of his customers, who are entrusted with everything from repair consultations to shoe care.

Preparation

Prevent your shoes from losing their shape with shoe trees

"Shoe trees are an item that we would like you to use on a regular basis, as they help to return your shoes to the correct position. When caring for your shoes, start with shoe trees in place, as they will help remove wrinkles and dirt."

STEP 1 Remove dirt

The secret to a beautiful finish is brushing
"Brush the entire surface evenly. Don't forget to brush the edge (the side of the sole) as this is where dirt tends to accumulate. Just removing the dust can bring back some of the shine. I like to use a boar bristle brush, but a fine-grained horsehair brush is also recommended."
Prepare the cloth
"Use the tips of your fingers to polish the surface. In my case, I put the cloth around two fingers and squeeze it, then wrap the remaining part around them twice to secure the surface. There are commercially available cloths available, but basically you can use anything that doesn't absorb too much water, such as an old shirt or T-shirt."
remove dirt with remover
"Be careful not to apply too much remover, so use a small amount at a time. Remove the dirt by moving it in a circular motion like you would in a car wash. Once the cloth is stained to a certain extent, move it to another location."
Evenly without applying force
"Repeat this process depending on how dirty your shoes are, and make sure to thoroughly remove any old cream and dirt from your shoes. It's often said that thoroughly removing makeup helps make your makeup stick better, so this is a necessary step to take before applying cream."

STEP 2 Apply cream

Nourish your leather shoes with cream!
"Apply a cream that nourishes the leather and gives it a glossy finish. It's best to get a cream that matches the color of your shoes, but to start with, get a neutral color that can be used with all colors."
Use water to make it shiny
"If you are using a cream with a high water content (such as an emulsifying cream), this is not necessary, but I recommend using a small amount of water to create a glossy finish. In my case, I dip my finger in water and drip a few drops onto the areas where I want to apply the cream."
polish with cream
"Mix the cream with the water you have dripped on, and polish in a circular motion just like before. Applying the cream in thin layers several times, rather than just once, will increase the shine."
Brushing to finish
"Once you've applied the cream all over and the leather has a glossy finish, brush the entire shoe to distribute it evenly. This is basic shoe care, but if you polish the shoe with a soft cloth, you can remove excess cream and prevent it from staining your clothes."

STEP 3 Mirror finish

Get a higher level of shine with wax
"To make it even shinier, use wax. Leave it for about 30 minutes after applying the cream. If you want to maintain the color when you bought it, it's best to use a colored product. However, when applying it for the first time, apply it in an inconspicuous area and check how the color adheres."
Polish while mixing water and wax
"Apply a small amount of wax with water and polish while spreading it. Wax is harder to spread than cream, so it's best to use more water and apply it more frequently."
Basically the part where the core is
"When applying wax, be careful not to apply it too much to the parts that bend, as this can cause cracks. In general, you should only apply it to the parts that have a core, such as the toes. Again, applying a small amount of wax multiple times will give your shoes a nice shine."

Complete

Not only does it have a glossy finish, but it also has a water-repellent effect.

"While wax is a matter of personal preference, it gives the toes a glossy finish and makes them water-repellent when it rains. For me, I like to do my shoe care while drinking coffee or by taking a chair outside on a nice day, which is a nice change of pace."

Shoe care Q&A

How often do you need shoe care?

As a guide, you should give your shoes proper care about once a month. It's okay to just brush them off to remove dust and dirt before going out. If you feel like your shoes aren't getting any shine even after brushing, it's time to take care of them.

How do I care for my new shoes?

Generally, no care is required, but if the leather is hard, apply a delicate cream such as M.MOWBRAY or SAPHIR that contains ingredients that soften the leather. Softening the leather may help it fit better to your feet.

How to make shoes last longer?

After wearing them for a day, let them rest for a few days. We also recommend using shoe trees.

What to do if it gets wet in the rain?

Leaving them wet will cause the leather to harden and crack. If the insoles get wet, wipe the surface and stuff shredded newspaper into the soles for about half a day to remove the moisture. During the rainy season, it is useful to have shoes with rubber soles that are resistant to rain.

Click here for shoe care list

Shine your shoes. and improve yourself

"There are many sayings about shoes, but this one comes from Berluti. I don't have a quote that I would call a quote, but I often start putting together an outfit from the shoes, and coming to work wearing well-polished shoes makes a difference that day. Also, famous European shoe brands are known for not only taking orders but also repairing them afterwards, and are considered top-notch. I have been influenced by this spirit, and I am in charge of shoe care for customers with whom I have built a relationship of trust. They often say that style starts from the feet, but I always feel that it is important to cherish and maintain the things you acquire, rather than the brand or price."

BEAMS F SERVICE MASTER Yasuharu Ooka
In addition to the shoe care-related items introduced this time, we are currently publishing a blog with a unique perspective on the theme of "a perspective and atmosphere of the times that is not about STYLE and FASHION."

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