(Un)breaking in old shoes?

[Zach R.]

I found a pair of really nice brown spectators at a goodwill store, the downside is that the previous owner obviously bought the shoes too big and because of that the toe of the shoe is turned up and there are crinkles in the leather of the uppers.

I actually am wearing the right size, they would fit perfectly if not for the crinkles left in the uppers from the previous owner, but as of now they are virtually unwearable.

The uppers are pretty hard, I assume from years of repolishing and cleaning. I know this may sound like an incredibly stupid question, but is it possible to relax or soften the leather of the uppers in some way that they could return to their original shape(maybe remold them over a shoe-tree?) and be re-broken in by me?

 

[shamus]

I'd try applying a lot of leather conditioner, really soak them, to relax them, then put in the trees. And try to dry them out then and re-break them in. It's a long shot but what.. you're out 5 bucks? Right now you can't wear them...

But the thing about leather is once it's creased, it'll always be creased, but with some polish you may not see them as much.

But don't take my word for it... I'm only suggesting something. I'm by no ways an expert on leather...

 

[Johnnysan]

Zach,

If you have a cobbler in town, take the shoes in for a diagnosis. Some of these guys can really work wonders. Good luck!

 

[Zach R.]

No cobbler around here, I've checked. :cry:

I was looking at the Pecard website, which product would be best to soften it up? The lotion, the paste, or the classic dressing?

 

[Zach R.]

Did you even read my post?

 

[Andykev]

Put your best foot forward, Gentlemen!!

Civility folks.

I strongly suggest using shoe trees of the proper size and leather conditoner if the leather surfaces are cracked, dry, or brittle.

Depending on the make, ie. Allen Edmonds, you can send them out for recrafting. This is usually a nominal fee.

I would also try GOOGLE or some other search engine for "shoe repair", "recrafting", or similar.

If the shoes are in good shape, I suspect that shoe trees, time, and a good cleaning, conditioner, polish would work wonders.

Any Pictures?

 

[Zach R.]

I didn't mean to be rude with my statement.

I'll go out and pick up some shoe trees tomorrow, can you suggest some good conditioner to purchase?

 

[sandysot]

Zack:
Just a suggestion, but if it is economical for you, I would have the shoes re-soled with full soles.The net effect will be to pull the uppers back into their original shape. Dont do it if the uppers are so brittle that they will crack under the initial strain.Even old leather is so supple that you can put the oil back into it and actually create new flexibility.Most times its the sole that causes the warpage.
Get a shoe makers opinion first or, alternatively, slather the creases with liquid shoe dressing and put shoe trees in them.If the creases dont worsen, resoling will be a snap-but it has to be FULL soles made of leather to reshape the shoe, not half-soles..Shouldnt cost more than $40-50.00.I dont recommend you trying to remove the polish before you lubricate the shoes to straighten them.It isnt necessary and can complicate an otherwise simple job.

Sandy

 

[zeus36]

I would suggest Obenauf's Leather Oil. It will really penetrate into the leather more than most other cream or jell products. You may have to treat the soles since they are leather as well.

Apply it and put the shoes into a plastic bag, leave the bag sit in the sun for a few hours. The shoes should be nice and soft by then.

Put on the shoes and go for a walk, they will conform to your feet. Wear them for the remainder of day then use the trees overnight.

http://www.obenaufs.com/oil.php?osCsid=93dc2a391f2ff9fd8c0430d53ca3f752