Tools to take care

Protecting the shape of the Stingray Orwell's.

Over the last twelve months my addiction to quality shoes has spiralled and is well documented on the blog. Now that I have amassed a collection that I can be truly proud of I want them all to last for as long as possible and be value for money. Now, EJ knows about my addiction all too well and used this as a basis for my Christmas present as she succeeded in giving me the tools to look after my shoes. If we have learnt anything this year about the upkeep of footwear it is that shoe trees are vital. When we spoke to Nathan Brown at Lodger he declared that "a proper shoe tree will make sure your shoes last longer than anything else you could possibly do" and with this in mind every pair of Lodgers comes complete with a pair of bespoke shoe trees which are made from the original last used to make the shoes. Unfortunately not all shoe brands offer this service and aside from the ones which came with my striped oxfords, my other shoes were not protected ...until EJ ventured on to eBay for my Christmas present and found two wonderful but very different shoe trees. After a little searching, you can find a quality pair of second-hand shoe trees for a reasonable price. The above cedar pair fit my Stingray Orwells perfectly and I could not be more pleased knowing that the shape of my Stingray uppers now have greater protection.

Shoe tree or instrument of torture?

Now, the second pair of shoe trees initially appeared to be an instrument of torture but they are beautiful. Unfortunately they are a little small to stretch the bridge of any of my shoes but Susie has had her grubby mitts on them and they are currently inside of her Irregular Choice patent brogues. EJ continued the shoe protection theme throughout my stocking fillers and I now have a well stocked draw of leather and suede protection! I promise to research the best shoe shining tips over on the ever informative Gentleman's Corner (taking particular notice of the Value & Longevity column). To ensure that I am fresh and raring to go for the new week ahead I think it is time to visit my draw to get the slyvette cloth out for a spot of polishing...

Well stocked polishing draw.