With shoe care gaining attention as an essential part of personal grooming, and the number of care products on the market increasing, we often hear people ask, "What should I choose?" Here, we'll introduce the correct way to care for leather shoes, along with some explanations from shoe care professionals at "Columbus," and best-selling items from three major shoe care brands favored by customers at ISETAN MEN'S , as well as convenient shoe care sets for everyday use.

This is a must-read for anyone looking for advice on caring for leather shoes or recommendations for shoe polishing kits.

Ask the pros: "What's the difference between shoe care and shoe shine?" The basics you need to know first.

A question we often get from customers is, "How can I make my shoes shine?" First, let's understand the difference between shoe care and shoe shining.

Shoe care is about protecting the leather material. Leather is a mass of protein, so it's easier to maintain its condition if it contains about 10% oil. Think of shoe care as "replenishing the lost oil."

"Shoe shining" is a finishing touch that enhances the appearance of shoes. Adding shine not only improves their appearance but also protects the surface. However, focusing solely on appearance can damage the leather, so it's recommended to prioritize shoe care first.

Shoe care is just like skincare for humans: "Wash" → "Nourish" → "Finish". Following this order will significantly extend the life of your shoes.
Instead of just applying cream, clean off any dirt with a cleaner every three times you apply cream. Even just one careful treatment a month will help your leather last longer. (Narita)

A comparison of the top 3 best-selling leather shoe cream brands at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building

Now, let's introduce the best-selling items from three popular shoe care brands at ISETAN MEN'S . These are all basic items, but the key is to choose the right one based on the shoe's material and purpose (color restoration, leather conditioning, or mirror finish).

 

1. "Good finish and consistent quality" has earned it a good reputation among customers.
COLUMBUS 's high-grade line Boot Black

For those who want to achieve both color and nutrition in their daily care routine.
Boot Black Collections Cream Puff (85g)

Daily nourishment and color correction. An emulsifying cream that makes color adjustment easy. Formulated with a generous amount of dye, the color gradually deepens with each application, leaving a moist finish. Contains argan oil, which has excellent leather conditioning properties, making it ideal for those who want to balance color and nourishment in their daily care.

M. MOWBRAY excels at craftsmanship that meets even the most detailed requests.

This classic item has excellent spreadability and fragrance, making it safe to use even on soft and delicate leather.
M. MOWBRAY Delicate Cream (60mL)

It contains a lot of moisture, has a non-sticky, smooth finish, spreads easily, and is easy to use. It is suitable for soft and delicate leather, and is recommended for softening dry and hardened leather, as well as for moisturizing care after rain.

SAPHIR NOIR is appealing for its packaging, fragrance, and color variations.

This multi-functional cream performs four functions: removing dirt, nourishing, polishing, and color restoration.
SAPHIR NOIR Krem 1925 (75mL)

Formulated with shea butter, it achieves a "zero-moisture" formula while maintaining a soft, spreadable texture similar to an emulsifier. It offers high color payoff and penetration, and is resistant to rain, ensuring long-lasting results. Recommended for those who want to reduce the frequency of touch-ups and also desire color-correcting effects!

A professional reveals: "The key to mirror polishing (high shine) is how you use water!"

Mirror polishing is all about the "water control" technique. First, smooth out any unevenness with a base coat, then apply thin layers of wax. After that, use just a little water to smooth the layers. Be careful not to use too much water because it won't shine, as this can damage the leather.
Apply a thin coat, smooth with a moderate amount of water, and let it rest. To improve reproducibility, use specialized items suited to the application. For example, a two-step process of creating a base (oil-based) and finishing with a coat (emulsified) reduces the chances of failure. (Narita)

High Shine | Recommended Care Items Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building

Boot Black "High Shine Base" / "High Shine Coat"

First, use the oil-based, water-free "High Shine Base" to fill in any unevenness on the leather surface, creating a flat surface. Then, finish by applying the water-based (emulsifying) "High Shine Coat" over the oil layer. These two products work together effectively, and a thin coat is enough to achieve a mirror-like finish, making this a highly recommended method.

Other recommended care items for high shine

►For those who find mirror polishing difficult! High-concentration wax designed for mirror polishing.
SAPHIR NOIR Mirror Gloss

Its key feature is that by applying thin layers and smoothing with a small amount of water, you can quickly achieve a strong shine.

►A special cleaner that can smoothly remove thick wax films.
Boot Black High Shine Cleaner

High-shine finishes can be reset or refinished quickly, and the next layer can be applied evenly.