Shoecare before and now

A cup of grease, or a cup of shoe polish, is heated on a stove. Such type of cups had been in use until at least 1950. The cup used to contain shoe polish produced of tar and slaughter leftover grease. In the morning, the cups would be lifted over the billets placed on the stove, the oven, or any other kind of warm place. Alternatively, the cup could be kept warm all the time, so that the cream could always be ready to use. The shoes were greased specifically in the morning, as they had previously been dried overnight. The soles were coated with tar, the flanks and shafts were greased. Regular lubrication would prevent the shoes from becoming ‘bounded’ and was necessary for water resistance. The cup was made out of a gouged aspen burl. Read here how you can take care of your own shoes and extend their usage time. Check out also the different shoemaker’s tools.

Shoe-care tips

Proper care of shoes is worth the while. Regular, material-friendly treatment can significantly prolong the life of footwear!

Dirt and dust should be brushed or wiped off with a cloth dampened with water. When considering machine washing, it is advisable to take into account the requirements of different materials, for example, in the case of leather shoes, alkaline detergents should be avoided. After washing and use, the shoes will naturally dry at room temperature.

The active care of shoes depends on the materials, different hides and textiles need different care. The protective spray is put during commissioning, but you should also add it regularly to all kinds of shoes later. It is also advisable to use shoe polish regularly to maintain the condition and gloss of leather shoes.

In addition to active care, it is good to take into account the proper resting of shoes and, sufficient airy storage. In addition, the service life is extended by the use of, for example, a shoe horn and loose insoles. It pays to take care of shoes, it increases their longevity and keeps them looking good.

Shoemaker’s tools: