There’s something hugely relaxing about taking an old, well made pair of real shoes and making them gleam. Cloth, stripping the old polish with nail varnish remover, new polish, cream, brush, cloth…

So often we spend our days busy with nothing tangible to show for it. But sorting out a pair of calf half-brogues (in this case vintage Church’s found for a song, if you’re interested) gives you a result that you can see and appreciate. And if, like me, you believe that well chosen and carefully maintained shoes tell you a lot about a person, it’s a good investment of time.

I’m a whole new man now.

Before and after below.