Reddit mentions of Fiebing's Leather Sole & Heel Edge Dressing - Shoe Shine Finish - Black - 4 oz

Hi. I recommend you use some Saphir Cordovan Cream Polish if you want to minimize those scuffs. It’ll also make the shine really pop if you want that look.

I would also clean up the sole edges with some edge dressing

I personally use this Fiebing's Leather Sole & Heel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00551BVPM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Allen Edmond also make good heel dressing and saphir has a cream (rather than a liquid edge dressing)

I'm not the best person to answer this, but in case no one else steps up I'll give it a shot.

1. I think this is a fair assumption. If a seller (especially the manufacturer) itself does not specify the type of leather then it's probably not very high quality. If it was nice leather, it would be in their best interest to advertise that. Perhaps the only exception would be buying from a manufacturer that is well known for having quality products, but even then I would be skeptical.
   
   
2. If you're talking about the creasing of the leather, then yes that's normal, but it can be mitigated greatly by using shoe trees. As far as I know, it's not bad for the leather, but most people like preventing it as much as possible.
   
   
3. I think this is normal too, but it probably wouldn't wear out as quickly on higher quality shoes. But you can clean that up with edge dressing. Just be careful not to get it on the leather.

For the rubber, you can use edge dressing. The leather can be restored with any normal leather conditioner.