New Brouges and a question

**McMurdo** · 23rd January 12, 02:24 PM

I have been trying to find a pair of black brogues. My last pair of black dress shoes were a rather modern slip on style from Kenneth Cole, while fairly serviceable footwear, I have been finding myself more drawn toward brouges. I could not however find brouges that would both look good and work for my budget. After Christmas this year I happened across a pair that were my size and looked like they would meet my needs. I ended up purchasing Florsheim Vinton shoes in black. Here are some photos

The photos do not make them appear as shiny as they are in person. So my question for those who know:

Before I wear these out for the first time this coming Saturday for a Burns Night, would it be smart to polish these? If so what tips do you have to polish these besides Kiwi Parade Gloss and time?

**bigdad1** · 23rd January 12, 02:31 PM

Kiwi Parade Gloss and time would be my best advice. I first used those two in 1963 and find they still work best today.

Nice looking shoes and Florsheim are quality shoes. Enjoy

**Guinness>water** · 23rd January 12, 02:38 PM

I'm no expert but I used to shine my Corcoran Jump Boots. They have a toe cap with little holes in it and we had to be careful not to clog the hole. I used a regular applicator brush and then buffed them off. Then used a wet cotton ball with VERY light amount of polish on it to "spit" shine. Go easy on the polish. Good luck.

**artificer** · 23rd January 12, 02:43 PM

Kiwi and a soft rag would be the way I'd go.

**Tobus** · 23rd January 12, 02:51 PM

would it be smart to polish these?

Yes, of course. Did you expect a different answer?

If so what tips do you have to polish these besides Kiwi Parade Gloss and time?

Not sure what you're looking for here. There's really not much else to it. Just gotta get a decent quality polish (Kiwi parade gloss is what I use too) and spend the time doing it.

A good applicator brush, as well as a buffing brush will help. But really, the fine-tuning of a good polish job is in the elbow grease, done with your finger, polish, and moisture.

**McMurdo** · 23rd January 12, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Yes, of course. Did you expect a different answer?

Not sure what you're looking for here. There's really not much else to it. Just gotta get a decent quality polish (Kiwi parade gloss is what I use too) and spend the time doing it.

A good applicator brush, as well as a buffing brush will help. But really, the fine-tuning of a good polish job is in the elbow grease, done with your finger, polish, and moisture.

What I meant was would it be smart to polish them before the first wearing? I know they will need polishing at some point.

**artificer** · 23rd January 12, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

What I meant was would it be smart to polish them before the first wearing? I know they will need polishing at some point.

Wear them around the house for a while to break them in & get the initial "creases" in the toe area. THEN polish like mad.

**room2ndfloor** · 23rd January 12, 03:15 PM

This advice from my late father, the US Army Sergeant Major: Yes, polish them before the first wearing. That's a precaution for all smooth leather shoes.

It is just smart to take good care of your shoes. They will last much longer.

**AFS1970** · 23rd January 12, 03:20 PM

I bought a similar pair this year from Johnston & Murphy. I am glad to hear folks like the parade gloss as that is what I use on my boots for work. I had not thought of polishing them before wearing them.

Now for those in the know, is there a trick to polishing these so as not to get the polish stuck in all the little holes?