Quote Originally Posted by Thunderbolt View Post
They are not patent leather, I'm sure of it.

As a shoe expert, DWFII, what to you recommend to keep them in top shape? Also, what are your opinions on hobnails and the metal heel and toe pieces to keep them from wearing?

Thanks for all the info all!

T.
If you are sure they are not patent, you want to strip off all that old wax. Once that's done, recondition the leather, and start your spitshine anew. I use a mixture of one part water, one part ammonia, and half part denatured alcohol. I don't believe this will harm the lacquer if it is patent but you may want to try a small patch on the inside of the arch.

As for hobs and so forth...hey, it's up to you. It's more environmentally gentle but it's certainly noisier.