"crunchy" shoes

[Lauren]

howdy.

Just got my 5 buck shoes in the mail... but the leather at the heel is so stiff it kind of crackles, when I flex my feet. Does anyone know if this can be remedied or if you just kind of put up with the stiffnes/crunchiness?

Here's the shoes:

 

[Rosie]

I've heard of people oiling leather in order to make it softer, more supple. Maybe this will help: www.leathercpr.com

Cute shoes and a steal at 5 bucks.

 

[BellyTank]

Manly advice- sorry...

Since this was a topic of a more 'household' and less 'delicates' nature,
I have taken the liberty of posting here- in the interests of helpfulness and goodwill to all Women you understand.

Castor oil does a brilliant job of softening hard leather- BUT be careful if it's on the fancy stuff- discolouration/darkening may occur.
I've used it with great success on stiff boots- but boots are brown and black and not fancy stuff at all. Somebody once mentioned to me that Castor Oil may rot cotton stitching but I haven't noticed that happening.

In Denmark, Castor Oil is known as 'American Oil'...



B
T

 

[Shimmy Sally]

You can just borrow some saddle soap.

 

[magneto]

Oh my, what a deal! usually "the experts" say to use mink oil but I would be worried about oils making the leather darker.
(Just a thought: I have seen old mass-market vintage leather things that were a thin layer of leather covering a kind of stiff "crunchy" cardboardy material...? No offense to your shoes!)

 

[jitterbugdoll]

I would suggest oiling the shoes from inside, using something like Lexol Leather Dressing (which as I recall from my days as an equestrienne is not supposed to darken leather.)

However, I would take then to a reputable cobbler first--that is what I always do, to make sure the shoe is repairable.

 

[Lauren]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I love the shoes, and more importantly they actually fit! But I don't want them to flake off my feet as I walk... Thanks so much!

 

[swinggal]

Wow Lauren! What a great find! I don't know if you guys have leather softener for shoes in the US but we have it here. As your local cobbler maybe.

 

[Caledonia]

Just reiterating previous stuff really. Castor oil the soles and arch without worrying. Put more on than you think they will take (I pool it in my hands and massage it in basically), seal in a plastic bag overnight, and let out to leap about in freedom the next day. But it will darken the leather upper unless it's a dark leather so be very careful. Saddle soap is just about perfect for uppers, unless they're reptile in which case you need oil again, but get a specialist advice because I don't know which oil to use (I have three pairs waiting, so if I find out I'll let you know). Jitterbug's notion about going from the inside is also necessary if they're leather lined, and I would work in saddle soap with my fingers, not castor oil - the staining thing again. Saddle soap needs warming, so either plastic bag them again in a warm environment like an airing cupboard (not a radiator, too direct and drying). Or, a low warm temperature hair dryer used at a distance and very lightly. It softens the soap and lets is soak in. Use that on bags too. Buff over with a cloth. And if the shoe is really dry and crackly, do it all over again.

 

[maisie]

Where do you get saddle soap?

 

[Caledonia]

Most cobblers (well shoe repairers - not many real cobblers around anymore sadly). And if you've got something called variously a "country", "agricultural" or "equestrian" store anywhere near. Most ironmongers will do it in amongst the polishes. And occasionally an outdoor activities type shop. Love the new avatar! I'm trying to knit a snood at the moment, but it's not coming out right.

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Be carefull to avoid over-oiling though, as the oil can rot the stitching and eventually cause the leather to turn mushy.

 

[jitterbugdoll]

Where do you get saddle soap?

I've seen it at grocery stores, tucked in with the rest of the shoe care products. Or, you can pick it up at what I would call a tack or feed store (where you can purchase products for horses and other farm animals.)

 

[ITG]

Try pecards if you have access to it. That what most of the Indy group uses on their whips and jackets. Dan, Baphy, or DocIndyJones might have some lying around.