New Leather Shoes? 7 MUST DO'S Before Wearing

In today's video, I give you 7 VERY important steps to make before wearing your brand new leather shoes.

Timestamps:
0:30 - Try them at home
1:39 - Add some heat
2:13 - Create traction on your leather soles
3:30 - Shoe horn
4:05 - Extra shoe laces
4:32 - Shoe trees
5:18 - Leather conditioner
6:09 - Wax polish
6:49 - Waterproof spray

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[jordanbrown]

Let me just say, the blowdrying method is a lifesaver.
My feet were killing me, so today I tried it for 5-10 minutes and then wore the shoes. What a world of difference it made! It was much easier to put on(I have wider feet) and I was able to walk around without crying. Day 3 of breaking them in.

[incogkn]

Antonio, I love your videos however I have a few issues with this one.
First of all, most of your advice is generally correct for non-oiled, non-suede leather shoes. However for shoes that are made out of shell cordovan, oiled leathers, and suedes: you would not perform some of these steps as you may permanently ruin the shoes.  

As an example for Shell Cordovan shoes: you should never use heat or use a wax (you only use creams specifically for shell or none at all). Otherwise you will ruin the shell. On an oiled leather such as a reverse chamois shoe/boot, you would never use a waterproof spray. There is no such thing as one care regimen that fits all shoe leathers.

As a suggestion for a future video: How to properly identify the different types of leather that shoes/boots can be made out of and how to care for them.

Thank you and Semper Fi.

[amosaiccosmos]

Leap Year Action!!! Thanks for all the work you and your team has put in over all these years RMRS.

[thomasdenmark]

Every gentlemen should know this! I own several nice leather shoes and boots. I always keep them clean and conditioned and use a horsehair brush after every use. They will last a very long time, and I think it is worth the efford. Quality shoes are not cheap. Great video by the way 👍

[idrdhan]

What a coincidence, I'm about to buy a new leather shoes and Antonio uploads a video about leather shoes

[andreit]

Saw a dude with a nice suit walking in business casual Cole Hans. Almost got out of my car to lecture him, but I decided to carry on with my day instead.

[Richard-jqmq]

As a owner of numerous shoes, this is an excellent, educational video to prolong and protect your shoe collection.

[tedcapellos]

The very first thing i do after trying them on for an extender test run inside my home and determining that the shoes fit well is bring them to my cobbler and have thin rubber soles put over the leather ones as well as the heels . My local cobbler will perform this must do procedure for 35.00 Then i move on to the shining process.. I do appreciate the tips you have provided but being brought up in the leather industry i just cant bring myself to having leather bottoms while walking on wet or hard slippery surfaces. Cedar shoe tree is also a must . This is of course my own humble opinion .

[XpriestX]

Antonio, I don't know if you agree or disagree, but once I have decided that I'm going to keep the shoes, I send them to my cobbler for a half outer sole. I do this before I even wear them for the first time outside. I know that I don't have to think about traction or wear and tear. To me, this is worth the cost.

[leonbridges]

Thank you, you are a real man with real style, keep up the good work!!!

[sahilc]

A few things you said cause more damage to leather than helping solve the issue. Hairdryer directly on to the leather and silicone based waterproofing sprays are one of the worst things to do your leather products. The best thing to do with a new pair is to actually clean it with saddle soap, apply conditioner, polish and seal it off with wax layers. After this, caring for it regularly by brushing off dirt following every wear and storing with cedar shoe tree will ensure the best protection for the best investment. Saphir products are excellent, however are tad too expensive but there are affordable options out there like bickmore leather conditioners, fiebing's saddle soap etc. I personally use them and can certainly vouch for it.

[CaptainMarvel]

Antonio, liked all the steps that you covered. The only area that I am skeptical, is that I noticed you used the Kiwi brand to protect the shoes. Have watched shoe cobblers, and they suggest to stay away from Kiwi and instead use Saphir products. In other words, perhaps Kiwi for budget shoes, and Saphir for more quality build shoes, what say you?

[L_D]

I love everything you said, but I have to disagree on the silicon-based spray or any silicon-based product. Much love though & thank you for the great tips. 😊

[richardgraham]

A 12 inch horn feels amazing! I love how it just "slips in there" make sure to lube up well on the first attempt until you get used to it.

[Philter-Coffee]

From a leather-worker - heat can be a very useful tool when used properly, but it needs to be used carefully. In short, use sparingly and only to the degree that your own skin would be comfortable. Far and away better to take 5 mins at a distance from the shoe than 30 seconds 2" away.
longer version with explanation: the leather used for most 'decent quality' dress shoes is called veg tan, and is a very traditional and natural process for treating hides. This has many benefits which make veg tan uniquely suited to certain tasks, but also some big downsides you need to watch out for. The most common issue by far is that its more susceptible to the elements (unless specifically treated for them). Because it's a gentle and natural tanning process, hides still have lots of fats and oils found in skins present. There are two problems that can come with heating - 1) burning the leather. rule of thumb is warm not hot, the surface can burn like your skin does before even warming the underside. Don't do anything that would hurt your own skin. Basically distance and lots of movement are essential. And 2) drying out - this tends to be an issue only after lots of heat or wet cycles but it pays to bare it in mind. As you heat the leather the fats it contains dispurse a little, and moisture gets pulled out. This is why old and not fully cared for leather goods begin to crack at bend points, as even sun or normal daily heat can and eventually will cause it. This can be easily prevented if you use some leather balm or conditioner. Do your research here, as there is alot of variation. Some may darken the leather significantly but protect from elements, while others will be hard to notice but do very little in protection from the elements. It definitely pays to get a well regarded product here rather than some random DIY recipie. it's a small investment and a tiny jar really will last you years.

[alexisidro]

Just got myself a new pair of Allen Edmonds (based on your recommendation from a video at some point in the past) and definitely trying some of these tips! The shoes themselves fit so well, and almost feel like they're already broken in. I can definitely feel the quality.

[chevanecooke]

Wow, I almost didn't recognise Antonio, I like the relatively new format seems more modern and informal. 👍🏽

[Youtuber-o]

Shoe obsession, I like it... Man, Antonio Centeno is the master of shoes. I feel like i'm going to shoe school. Thank you Antonio, I learned a lot watching your videos.

[AJB_]

Add heel plates after the first wear. The first wear allows you to see how you walk in those shoes and where to place the plates.

[johnwongtw]

Antonio, when you condition your leather shoes the following season, do you remove the polish/wax first?