Greetings to all of you who joined us at the Jalan Sriwijaya Shoe Polish Festival this month! We're truly grateful for your enthusiastic participation. The festival was a bustling success, and we can't thank you enough for being a part of it.
We're excited to announce that we will be hosting the event next year as well, and we can't wait to share the details with you in the near future. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates!
In this special blog edition, we're diving again into the world of shoe care brushes. While many of us are familiar with the standard brushes, we're here to introduce you to some less common ones.
Let's start with goat hair brushes. Pictured here is my personal goat hair brush from Columbus, a renowned Japanese shoe care manufacturer. What sets goat hair brushes apart is their incredibly thin and fine bristles, perfect for gentle use on wax layers and mirror-polished surfaces. This brush is by no means a must-have for everyone, however it is not an exaggeration to say that many shoeshine enthusiasts will appreciate its fine quality.
If you're in Singapore, you may not easily find these brushes, but we highly recommend seeking them out. The Columbus goat hair brush boasts a wooden handle that securely holds the bristles, making it easy to use for finishing touches! Once you've experienced the magic of this brush, you'll understand why it's a must-have for shoe aficionados.
Next up, we have the steel suede brush. This specialized tool is designed to remove dirt and debris from the textured nap of suede leather. While pig-bristle and synthetic fiber brushes work well, steel brushes, with their stiff tips, excel in tackling the unique challenges of suede. Suede's textured and open-pored nature tends to trap dirt, making this brush an invaluable companion for maintaining your suede shoes.
A gentle scraping motion with this brush will effectively cleanse your suede. After using this brush, you can spray the leather with a color-enhancing spray or waterproof spray. There's a wide variety of steel brushes on the market, so be sure to explore your options if you haven't been giving your suede shoes the attention they deserve.
Lastly, allow me to introduce you to the Dauber Brush, also known by various names depending on the brand. This versatile brush is ideal for applying shoe creams. It's perfect for those who prefer to keep their hands clean and for reaching tricky nooks in the welt that fingers struggle to access. Cleanup is a breeze, making this brush a convenient addition to your shoe care arsenal.
In-store, we often apply shoe cream with our fingers.
There are several reasons why we apply shoe cream with bare hands or fingers.
- The friction between the fingertips and leather surface warms the cream making it easier to spread and absorb into the leather.
- It is easier to apply the cream to scuffed or scratched areas by rubbing. The color can be more easily applied.
- As you get used to it, you will be able to identify dry areas (areas that need more cream application) on the shoe itself by feeling it with your fingers, allowing you to care for your leather shoes with a more personal touch.
- Using your fingers is easier to control than the Dauber Brush.
Despite concerns about cream stains, rest assured that they can be easily washed off with soap and water.
There's a world of brushes to explore, but for now, we'll leave you with these unique finds. Stay tuned for our next blog topic, where we'll delve into more exciting aspects of shoe care. Until then, keep those shoes shining bright!
About the Author
Yohei is employed by GMT Inc, the parent company of Jalan Sriwijaya, which manages various footwear brands from around the globe. Within this organization, he has gained experience working with prominent retailers such as Isetan Men’s and Ladies. Yohei has been residing in Singapore since 2017, spanning six years.
His hobbies encompass a passion for leather shoes, vintage clothing, music, martial arts, and travel.