Before & After: Florsheim Imperial Custom Patina

Go to my Instagram @robert_powers_ to see the shoes with the Navy laces.

0:43 - Canadian John McHale Florsheim information
3:15 - Differences between the John McHale Florsheims & US models
4:24 - Dating & inspecting the shoe's quality
7:10 - Unboxing the re-dyed shoes
10:01 - Re-finishing the sole edges
12:20 - Re-coloring the sole edges
13:43 - Brushing the heel/sole edges
14:24 - Shining the heel/sole edges
15:45 - Shining & conditioning the uppers with Pure Polish neutral cream polish
16:08 - Additional Mirror shine with Pure Polish High Shine wax
16:59 - The finished shoes
19:45 - The shoes shown with a couple outfits
21:07 - Some examples of Alberto's work
21:31 - Bloopers & outro

Related videos:
"Florsheim Royal Imperial LWB ReSoling at Home 1/3"

My "Patina/Dye/Color Change" video Playlist

Music Credit: YouTube Audio Library:
1. "Brahma (Artner Remix)" by Metaharmoniks (Be A King)
2. "Church of 8 Wheels" by Otis McDonald

Music Credit: YouTube Audio Library

Photos from Alberto Suastez's Instagram @PatinaWorksArizona were used with his permission

[wizaxed]

The toes almost look like black marbled shell. Love how that tan color pops out in the sunlight. Nice shoes!

[bernardofernandez]

Very nice pair of shoes, I feel lucky to have several pairs Alberto has done patinas on, he is definitely one of the best out there.

[zefdin]

Great video Bob! I have a couple vintage Canadian made Dack’s that I purchased used online and I love them! The Canadian’s made some wonderful shoes in 60’s, 70’s & 80’s that really stand the test of time. The quality sole leather I have found is particularly good and very long wearing. I have heard and have looked at McHale brand and they look very well made to me for the vintage ones.

They came out beautiful!

BTW, I totally agree with you about sellers hiding and adulterating the soles on used soles for resale. Whenever I see this on a used shoe for sale, I am immediately suspicious and 9.5/10 I am going pass on any shoe when I see this is done. The only way to get people to stop is not to purchase from them.

Very well done Robert!

[JohnEZang]

Not typically a fan of applied patina jobs but those look fantastic. Almost looks like naturally worn teacore leather. And dark navy/almost black is such an interesting color and versatile.

[bronovalter]

Gorgeous shoes! The edge treatment really does add to the effect. I have also never see longwings with with a derby lacing system like that. Very unique. You've created and ultimate smart causal shoe. Just the thing for the jeans/dress shirt/sports jacket (w or w/o tie) look that I'm very fond of. It is a great weekend or, depending on the formality of the office, casual Friday look.

[philschiavone]

If you still have video of your projects that went so bad that you decided not to post, that compilation would be awesome.

[shoemanfu]

Alberto did a fantastic job as always! BTW, I love the shirt you're wearing from the unboxing until the end.

[benjaminkenobi]

They look awesome. Good job. I like the color you picked!

[tobywalker]

a slightly larger shoe tree (or a water bath prior to the dyeing) might help with the rolling in the vamp

[Jstatham]

Not my style, but I appreciate your effort/ workmanship

[francoisrobidoux]

Hello Bob from Montréal. I do not want to sound too critical but your patina artist guy had a big challenge in front of him I will explain why. Being the owner of the exact same pair of Mchale Florsheim in the identical color, I know that these shoes share the nice qualities that you mentionned. But there is one "characteristic" that is worth mentionning and that probably caused problems when working the patina. The leather is corrected grain "wax infused". Yes, the leather is very thick yet supple and the color has variations and is not homogenic. It is not a cheap bookbinder leather that you can find on some Bostonians and Barkers. Nevertheless, it is not natural "calf" as we know it. The additives act as a shield, blocking anything that wants to penetrate the leather (Renovateur, Pommadier AND leather dye). This "hand wax finish" was meant to provide a easy shine by just rubbing the leather with a chamois. Dack's and Hartt used the same type of leather on many of their shoes from the late 1970's to the late 1980's, early 1990's.

When you look closely at the shoes, you can see spots on the vamp where the leather dye did not penetrate into the leather. I remember trying to remove the factory finish with acetone with bad results. That leather was meant to stay the color it was produced. I would rate the patina you obtain as "fragile" in the sens that it will never be totally permanent. For exemple, it could be altered if you use moisturizers or cteams on the leather.

Here are a few tips for conserving your patina:

- Always brush your shoes with a soft goat hair brush. Avoid harsh horse hair or pig hair brushes.

- Never use saddle soap to clean the shoes. Just a humid rag.
- Never use Reno Mat or other strong cleaners (even the Saphir gentle cleaners for cordovan or the plant based one). This will automatically strip the patina.

- Avoid waxing your shoes because the solvents will act as "nail remover". If you can, use the hardest wax possible like Saphir Mirror Gloss instead of Medaille d'Or. Apply the wax at cool temperature with your fingers, no rags, in very thin coats. Use your fingers to "massage" the cool hard wax by doing back and forth movements. Do not go overboard. Once you have a satisfactory shine, stop.

-Never spray weather protection (even Saphir Super Invulner) on the patina because it could create smudge and leaks.

-Never use an automatic buffer (Dremmel or Ronson Roto Shine).

-Always keep your patina shoes in dust bags.

Consider your patina shoes ON THIS PARTICULAR shoe model with this particular type of leather as a drawing on a white board with a non-permanent marker: it only sits on top. A white board brush can easely wipe it away...

Your sole edges are gorgeous.

[weldonwenturine]

Robert I have a question about the glue you’ve used for your shoe repair? How is it holding up? I’ve done some work on mine using masters. Just want to see how yours is holding up cause it’s easier to get.

[jessetabije]

Great video! Where did you purchase your heel savers from?

[Supercalbmg]

I don't know why you don't open a shop.

[stevenjm]

With leather dye, how did he manage to get the lighter color toe on top of that blue?

[wjvlodek]

Hey Bob...Do you have an e mail address or FB page so that I can send you a message? THANKS!!