any prep prior to wearing new AE's?

[nismodrifter]

While I was in boston this summer I picked up a pair of AE's from their store on Newbury

Anyone use toe taps? I find most pairs of shoes are getting eaten away at toe quite quickly. Have yet to ever have them added to my shoes but was thinking about them this time around.

Matching cream/polish was included (Chili colour), and I have the usual AE general conditioner. Do you guys give a good coat of either prior to wear?

Any suggestions most appreciated.

[flipstah]

I condition my shoes better than my own skin.

Shoe trees. Necessary.

[90_Shelby]

I have rubber soles put on the front half of my AE and replace the rubber when they wear out as opposed to wearing out the leather.

I personally stay away from shoe trees as I found they stretched my fifth Avenues. You may have better luck then me though.

[bjstare]

Originally posted by 90_Shelby
I have rubber soles put on the front half of my AE and replace the rubber when they wear out as opposed to wearing out the leather.

I personally stay away from shoe trees as I found they stretched my fifth Avenues. You may have better luck then me though.

Are you sure you had the right size shoe trees? I swear by them. I have a pair of Prada loafers that are much softer leather than my normal dress shoes, and have shoe trees in them probably 6.5 days a week and they haven't stretched at all.

[flipstah]

My shoe trees didn't stretch my shoes at all.

[gqmw]

Shoe trees are a must if you don't wear your shoes everyday, if you get the right size it should not stretch it out.

I'm in the same boat, just got a pair of boots this year, they see a bit more wear and the outside of my heel usually eats away quickly, so debating some rubber taps. I think I will probably get them on. They do recommend wearing the shoes before putting in taps I believe.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Shoe trees + clean/polish/protect.

If your shoe trees are stretching your shoes more than your own foot is, they are wayyyyy too big. AE's don't stretch much either. Been using trees for years with no issues.