how should I condition this pair of crown northampton leather sneakers?

Submitted by Connect_Boysenberry8 t3_zx6rzq in BuyItForLife

https://imgur.com/a/rP786DU

I recently bought this pair of used sneakers for roughly 65 USD. It's in good condition, basically mint expect some dirt on the outsoles. Previous owner said he had inly worn them for a couple of times.

My problems are:

  1. What kind of leather is this? I'm new to leather shoes, and I've never seen this kind of texture on leather. Is it high in quality? I assume it is cuz the linings rough out leather is really fine and smooth to touch. I couldn't find the same sneakers at crown northampton's website, I guess it's because these are old, and not made anymore. But god forbid, could they be knock offs?

  2. Can I condition it like normal (smooth) leather? I mean like, clean it with saddle soap, add corresponding colour shoecream such and such.

  3. Can you guys see the cut on the shoe tongue? It's for lace to get through, but it's purely a cut, no reinforcement at the back at all. So I'm worried that the cut will stretch or even tear in the future. Should I find a cobbler to add a circle of stitches around it, or just don't worry about it and use it like a normal person?

Thank you all in advance. Any opinion or knowledge will be appreciated.

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Comments

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Velociraptor2018 t1_j1yw2kn wrote

I’m guessing the leather is embossed with a texture. If it’s real leather, you should be able to condition it. I would recommend Saphir Renovature. As for the cut, I have no idea a lace would need to get through the tongue up there, but maybe try and figure out a way to mend it or reinforce the back to keep it from tearing more.

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Connect_Boysenberry8 OP t1_j1zcjj5 wrote

I assume it's for centering the tongue cuz it's long. I'll try to not to use them for a while to see if it is ok not to put laces through those cuts. Thank you for your help!

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SonnyListon999 t1_j1zsuip wrote

You got a pair of Crown Northampton for £60!? I’m very impressed. I would get in touch with Crown. They will be more than happy to help you look after your shoes.

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Connect_Boysenberry8 OP t1_j20y9rk wrote

Haha, I know you're joking. But it's a really good deal right?

I guess it's a really old, the label says it's Abington style, but it looks very different from the pics of Abington high cut sneakers on crown northampton's website.

Owner says he doesn't know how to style with this pair so he basically let it sit in closet for years.

Feels pretty high quality in hands, but I don't know

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SonnyListon999 t1_j22l8wz wrote

Maybe I’m confused. Prices on their website start around £250. £60 would be a great deal.I heard of them through Rose Anvil who cuts boots and shoes in half to dissect them. I had never heard of them and, knowing Northampton, I thought I would look them up. Very impressive.

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Connect_Boysenberry8 OP t1_j22xr5x wrote

Oh no dude, it was me being stupid, I thought you mean "you would content the company for me" rather than "you would content the company if it were you who bought these sneakers", so I thought you were joking. Haha I'm learning English.

Yea, definitely recommend it, this brand along with another English brand, Goral, you may like them too

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SonnyListon999 t1_j24awmn wrote

The British and Americans are two great peoples divided by a common tongue. I wish you well and a Happy New Year.

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Muncie4 t1_j1ze3lb wrote

  1. 0 people can tell you online what kind of leather this is. Online leather diagnosis, like online cancer diagnosis, is not a thing. The texture bears no role as you can emboss any leather like substance with any texture. With diagnosis of material, you cannot speak to quality online either. With diagnosis of material, you cannot speak to authenticity online either.
  2. You can condition any leather with any texture. But, you are likely better to take these to a cobbler and have them do it. White is tricky. Using Product A might change the color. Using Product B might work great. Leather care products require testing in an inconspicuous area first and/or knowledge....a cobbler will likely know what works without you having to do trial and error.
  3. The cut is for laces and as long as you don't lace them using this and/or snugging them up with the strength of five gorillas, it will not be an issue. Though a cobbler could put in a courtesy stitch at the top and bottom if you like.
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Connect_Boysenberry8 OP t1_j1zfruv wrote

Haha you're funny, dude. And you couldn't be more right. Now I realized that even saddle soap has color. I'd better be more cautious when dealing with them. Thank you so much.

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