After a ride this morning I was putting my gear away when I really took a look at my Sidi Sympatex riding boots and said, I think out load, "Holy Cow - these things look like Crap!". Here's a quick snap of them showing just a few miles of wear and tear.
(Click to enlarge and see the full extent of the wear)
Many years ago as a young lad my grandfather gifted me with a shoe shine kit complete with daubers, rags, brushes and a few tins of polish. The only problem at that time I think was that the only shoes I owned were a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops in white--not exactly the ideal candidate for spit shine practice.
As an adult, I still keep a shoe shine kit on hand, since I now actually own a few pairs of shoes. I no longer have the exact kit or tools from my grandfather as I have replaced various items with new as they've exceeded their useful life.
I decided to pull out the kit and have a go with my boots - the result can be seen below. While there are a few battle scars that cannot be repaired or hidden with polish, overall I have shown some love back to some items that have taken good care of me for many miles, and likely will for many more.
(Click to enlarge and see how they look after a little facial)
Nice job Mike. I really need to do that to my Diadoras as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you are a shine buff :~)
ReplyDeleteas am I. I enjoy going through the process of shining my various shoes and boots - although I do need to treat my riding boots; thanks for the reminder.
I was passing through Penn Station Saturday and had some time to kill so I went to the shoe shine and had my boots (walking) professionally shined. What a treat to watch a master. He applied 4 coats of polish buffing and polishing each using a spray bottle of water (better then spit) too. Well worth the saw buck ($5.00+ tip). I am anxious to apply the same techniques although I am sure my results will not be as fine as his.
Dear Michael:
ReplyDeleteI have left my boots, 12 pairs, outside the back door. Please have these cleaned and polished by tomorrow.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads -- The Ultimate Biker Blog
http://jackriepe.blogspot.com/
Michael,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what a few minutes of time and a bit of elbow grease does to well loved gear. I believe you may have inspired a bunch of people (sans Riepe of course) to take a close look at their boots.
Enjoyed the post.
Michael (Cantwell that is.)