A shoe care set recommended for everyone from beginners to leather shoe enthusiasts, and also makes a great gift.

We've picked out the "Columbus" Boot Black shoe care set, perfect for gifts or as a first set. The lineup includes options for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users, making it easy to choose the right set for your needs.

1. Perfect as a gift! A starter set that beginners will love.

►Affordable and perfect for first-time users or as a gift! Includes a neutral (colorless) cream that can be used on a wide range of leather shoe colors and finishes.

Boot Black "Salty Dog Set" 3,300 yen

[How to use]
Take some "Lotion ①" onto "Cloth ③" and remove any old shoe cream or dirt. Next, take a small amount of neutral "Cream ②" onto "Cloth ③" and spread a thin layer over the entire shoe. Finally, polish the shoes with a "Boar Bristle Brush ④" to bring out the shine, and then wipe them dry with a "Glove Cloth ⑤" to complete the shoe polishing process!

2. Keep your feet looking stylish! A set that even intermediate foot care enthusiasts will be satisfied with.

►A 9-piece set that includes all the basic items needed to improve your skills, from removing dirt to polishing.

Boot Black Screwdriver Set: ¥5,500

[How to use]
Remove dust from your shoes with a horsehair brush (black bristles) ①, then mix in lotion ② and apply it to a cloth ④ to remove old shoe cream and dirt. Next, for black shoes, apply a small amount of either black-specific lotion ③ or neutral lotion ③ (which can be used on any color) to the cloth ④ and spread it thinly over the entire shoe. Finally, polish the shoes with a pig bristle brush ⑤ to bring out the shine, and then wipe them dry with a glove cloth ⑥ to complete the shoe polishing process!

3. Professional-grade shoes that will bring tears of joy to shoe lovers – a special gift for that special person!

►A wooden box designed by "polishing professionals" for a truly professional cleaning experience!

Boot Black Sangria Set: 11,000 yen

[How to use]
Take some "Leather Lotion ①" on "Cloth ④" and use it to remove old shoe cream and dirt, creating a good base for the cream to adhere to. Next, take a small amount of "Cream ②" (for nourishment and color restoration) on "Cloth ④" and spread it thinly over the entire shoe. After that, polish it with a "Boar Bristle Brush ⑥" to bring out the shine.

For cleaning the edges (sole), use the "bamboo toothpick ⑦".
If you want to give the entire shoe a shine, take a small amount of "Polish ③" which creates a firm oil film, with a cloth, spread it thinly over the entire shoe, and polish it with a "Boar Bristle Brush ⑥". If you want to give the toe or heel a mirror finish, dampen a small amount of water with a "Polish Cloth ⑤", apply "Polish ③" in small amounts, and build up the shine to your liking!

Are shoe trees really necessary? How do you use shoe trees? When and how do you choose them?

Shoe trees not only help maintain the shape of your shoes, but they also help to evenly restore the fibers that have loosened due to sweat and moisture. Some believe that inserting them immediately after returning home allows the shoes to "contract to the shape of the shoe tree" and maintain their shape more easily, while others believe it's better to leave them overnight to allow moisture to escape before inserting them. In short, you should choose according to the condition of your shoes and how you use them. Italian and British shoes have different lasts that are best suited to shoe trees, so it's recommended to try them out when you purchase them.

If you follow the correct shoe care procedures, your leather shoes will last surprisingly long. Start by following the basic steps to find the right cream and application method for your needs. If you're unsure about shoe care sets or leather shoe creams, please consult our staff in-store.

View the product list for "Shoe Care Sets: Gift Ideas for Stylish People" at the Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store.

[Also recommended to read]
►What professionals recommend for proper care and storage of leather jackets

Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa
Editing: STUDIO ALTA