【D&A Knowledge Hub】How to Choose the Proper Shoe Cream?

“Leather shoes after finishing” is also known as “shoe upper finishing”, which refers to the use of a series of chemical materials and processes to form a layer with special properties on the upper to cover the natural defects of the leather surface and make the surface gloss consistent while keeping the clear grain. The treated shoe upper is granted with a waxy feel and hand feel. Among these, shoe cream is an essential part of the after finishing process of leather shoes.

 

There are many classifications of shoe cream. If classified by gloss, there are high-gloss shoe cream, medium-gloss shoe cream, natural light shoe cream and matt shoe cream. If classified by the method of operation, it can be divided into polishing shoe cream, self-brightening shoe cream and spray shoe cream. In terms of function, it can be divided into filling shoe cream, iron shoe cream, strong waxy shoe cream, slippery touch shoe cream and coloring shoe cream.

Before further exploring the selection of shoe cream in the upper treatment process, we need to have a rough idea of the leather used to make the finished shoes. Shoes are divided into different styles and have different functions accordingly. Thus, there are different requirements for choosing materials. In general, men’s shoes are thicker while women’s shoes are thinner, formal shoes are made of fine and elegant materials while casual ones can be thicker and softer. Therefore, sheepskin and calfskin are especially suitable for women’s shoes, while cow, reptile, ostrich and other leathers are suitable for men’s shoes. It is necessary to use different types of shoe creams to apply on different leather materials.

 

Types of Shoe Cream and Function

Filling Shoe Cream

For cowhide use. The characteristics of cowhide are thicker capillaries. When finishing on the upper, it is necessary to use filling shoe cream to make the pores finer. Filling Shoe Cream helps to make the upper smoother and finer, and improving the roughness of the grain.

 

Iron Shoe Cream

For thin leather such as fetal cowhide, calfskin, sheepskin, etc. These leathers are characterized by small pores, soft leather organization, thin leather plate, fine skin texture, and soft and smooth hand feel. These features also lead to the fact that wrinkles on leather often found after the shoe is lasted. The function of the iron shoe cream is to flatten the leather surface. After applying the shoe cream, use the iron to heat the leather can make the leather surface smooth.

 

Strong Waxy Shoe Cream

For men’s formal shoes, outdoor shoes, etc. The leather surface is granted with a more waxy feel and has a water-repellent function after use.

 

Slippery Touch Shoe Cream

Designed for casual shoes and women’s shoes. Used as a top coat shoe cream, it imparts a smooth and slippery feel to the leather surface after use.

 

Coloring Shoe Cream

Often used in the hand-made shoes with antique effect. This product has strong penetration and coloring power, and can easily create different antique effects on the shoe upper.

 

Spray Shoe Cream

Often used in the finishing of women’s boots. The treatment is relatively uniform by spray and it is efficient to carry out large-area finishing.

 

Lorence has developed and launched a complete set of shoe cream products for different styles of shoe upper treatment effects. Please email to info@lorencech.com if you want to know more about how to finish the upper on different leathers.