There are a lot of people out there that would love to buy a really nice pair of shoes regardless of their sex (yes men, it is ok to want a really nice pair of shoes.) As these "people" increase their expendable income, some of them eventually take the plunge to get a nice pair or two. However, very few of these people then take care of the shoes that they worked so hard to acquire. A classic pair of shoes, if appropriately cared for, can last you many years. Let's talk about how one can accomplish such a feat.
The best bet would be to purchase some sort of a cedar valet kit. These kits usually come with several polishes, brushes, and cloths... all of which you will need at some point or another. Instead of shelling out the $100 or more for a brand new kit, I encourage you to do a little bit of thrift shopping. Shoe care kits used to be commonplace, and now a lot of these former home shoe-care doctors are retiring their well-used kits. A vintage care kit with some personality looks so much better than one of those new shiny ones... plus, you can more than likely walk away from a yard sale $95 less poor. The only thing you'll want to inspect when picking out a kit is the "state of the union" regarding the brushes. The creams may not be in great shape but you can easily pick up the necessary colors at a store like Brooks Brothers for the low price of $9 a pop. New brushes will set you back much, much more. As for the creams, I suggest getting neutral, tan, brown, and black for starters. Stay away from the waxes as they do not help rehydrate the leather.
Polishing shoes is pretty self explanatory, so I'll skip that part but remind you to let them dry before wearing them out. If you are in the mood for something different, try a darker cream first and before it gets a chance to set, rub most off... then apply the normal color. This can create the illusion of a more well-worn shoe sans the miles you would have had to walk.
A little trick of the trade for scuffs while out is to use the inside of a banana peel. The natural ingredients act as a polish and will fix your error until you can address it later. Finally let's talk about when you have pushed your shoes a little too hard. If you live in the northeast, the winter can be a dangerous time for your poor soles. Salt damage will lead to unfixable cracks if left untreated. Much like the scuff mark, this can be remedied with a household item. When you get your shoes back inside, use white vinegar on a cloth to leach the salt out of the leather. You may have to repeat this a few times in order to get the desired result, but your shoes will thank you. Finally, if your shoes are really on their last leg so to speak, take them to a knowledgeable cobbler... he will most likely look like the man below. This person will not only fix your shoes, but often returns them looking good as new... plus you now can tell people you have a "shoe guy".
Final Verdict: If you are going to spend hundreds on a new pair of shoes, why not spend the few extra dollars to keep them looking sharp? Also, every pair of shoes you buy make sure to get the matching cedar shoe trees.
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