Reddit mentions: The best shoe horns & boot jacks

I'm pretty new to boots as well, but I'd suggest picking up a few things if you don't have them already. This will apply to most leather shoes/boots (doesn't really apply to suede or roughout leathers... for that you'll need a suede brush)

FYI below is basically a tl;dr of this post that got me started on all of this. I recommend you read through it all and check out /r/goodyearwelt and maybe just use this post as more as a quick reference or for ideas.

• Split toe cedar shoe tree (shoe trees can be found on sale for ~$10 sometimes, but make sure they are split toe cedar shoe trees)
  
  
• Leather cleaner & conditioner (This will work great, but some people use coconut oil as a conditioner)
  
  
• Horsehair brush
  
  
• Shoe horn
  
  Once everything is acquired you'll be ready to give your boots an initial tune-up and have some daily-care tools.
  
  

1. Brush off your boots as much as you can with the horsehair brush
   
   
2. Wipe down your boots with a wet rag
   
   
3. I'm guessing you won't get everything off, so wait for them to air dry and then use the leather cleaner on them (you probably won't have to use leather cleaner every time... and you might not want to as it dries out the boot)
   
   
4. Wait for your boots to air dry
   
   
5. Condition the leather on your boots.
   
   
6. Wait for your boots to air dry
   
   
7. Repeat whenever your boots need it. On average that will probably be every 3-6 months, but the best way to tell is by feel.
   
   Daily Care
   
   

• Use a shoe horn to put your shoes on
  
  
• When you take off your shoes give them a quick brush. Ideally you'll take off the shoelaces first but it won't kill them if you don't do this every time. I'd recommend at least brushing them off once every few wears, and brush+wipedown with water/rag every 5-10 wears.
  
  
• Always put cedar shoe trees in your leather boots/shoes when you take them off and leave them in until your next wear... this is what happens if you don't. The shoe trees will help keep your boots from developing unwanted toe spring, will help control moisture inside the boot, and will keep them smelling fresh.
  
  
• Let your boots rest/dry for 24hrs in-between wears with shoe trees in. If you wear them every day you will significantly reduce their lifespan.

Just a few random things I do in no specific order.

I keep my room extremely clean and wash the floor between every client. That way my room always has a great scent. I only use sheets and face cradle covers that have absolutely no blemishes. I always use a table warmer in the cooler months and use a smart plug so I can turn it on 30mins before I get to work. I keep myself in very good shape and am always well dressed with clothes that fit me properly, thanks to my tailor. My hands and fingernails are always clean and manicured. I installed acoustic sound panels on the walls to give the room a more intimate and cozy feeling. I run a white noise machine on very low setting that creates a subtle background drone. Everything in my room is of good quality, including furniture, decor and even lotions. I drape perfectly always making sure my clients feel secure, which includes pulling the sheet and blanket up a bit if drops too far past their iliac crest when face down. I only talk when spoken to. Quite a few more that I can’t think of as I’m on my way to work now!

edit: Ok, went to work and have some other 'touches' to add. I keep two small decorative bowls filled with hair ties and moist towelettes. I also provide a small leather handle shoe horn similar to these. Between every treatment I disinfect and clean the face cradle, arm rest, lotion bottle, bench, door handle and light switch.

No shoe lasts forever, but here is how you can help yours try

• Avoidance: Try not to wear your shoes in the rain, wet leather soles wear several times as quickly as dry ones and are more susceptible to tears or other serious damage. Treat your shoes like you would your foot, don't kick anything or drop anything on them.
  
  
• Rotation: Wear your nice leather shoes only every second or preferably third day, this gives the leather time to dry, which will reduce wear and tear. Cost $0 Last: 10-15 years From: You
  
  
• Shoe Trees: Pulls moisture out of your shoes after they're worn. Maintains shape and keeps them smelling nice. Cost: $24.95 Lasts: 10-15 years From: Woodlore/Allen Edmonds, Jos A Bank on sale, Nordstrom
  
  
• Shoe Horn: goes behind your heel as you put your shoes on, keeps your heel from folding over the leather in the back and degrading it over time. Cost $2.50 Lasts: Lifetime From: Amazon
  
  
• Toe and heel: they're little metal plates that are nailed into the sole to keep that area from wearing. Doubles the life of the sole. Cost ~$20 Lasts: 1-2 years From: Local cobbler or shoe repairman.
  
  
• Topy: Thin rubber top coat over the toe of the shoe, lowers the wear of the leather. Cost ~$30 Lasts: 1-2 years From: Local cobbler or Shoe Repairman.
  
  
• Leathr conditioner: Every two weeks to two months depending on wear. Keeps the leather soft and happy. Cost $4.95 + Shipping Lasts: at least a year. From: Allen Edmonds
  
  
• Horsehair Brush: Keeps dirt, dust and salt off your shoes, brushing down when you get home will keep your shoes clean and happy. Cost: $6.99 Lasts: 5-6 years From: Kiwi
  
  
• Creme Polish: Helps moisturize leather, maintain colour and keep them shiny. Cost: $9.00 Lasts: At least a year From: Allen Edmonds
  
  
• Edge Dressing: Applied once every couple of months to the edge of the sole and heel, it will keep your shoes looking neat and sharp. Cost: $4-5 Lasts: 3-5 years From: Fiebings, Allen Edmonds.
  
  If you take care of your shoes and treat them well, they can last up to 15 years and still look beautiful.
  

Sounds like they fit, but you just need some help getting them on and off. That’s pretty common for cowboy and engineer boots.

You can get a boot puller to take them off more easily (and without even bending over)!

You can get a long shoe horn to help with putting them on.

I’m not recommending those specific brands. They’re just the first ones I found when searching.

Good luck!

Last week I bought both of these:

http://www.amazon.com/7-25-Inch-Profesional-Metal-Shoe/dp/B006GT633M

http://www.amazon.com/Durable-Easy-Grip-Long-Handled-24-inch/dp/B004X6SWNE

I recommend both, they are very sturdy construction and thick metal/plastic. I love the metal shoe horn and it looks like it will hold up for a long time.

Cautions:

• Metal shoe horn is a bit wide (especially for narrow shoes)
  
• Plastic shoe horn is large (could be good or bad, probably best for boots)
  
  If anyone has a recommendation for a particularly thin shoe horn for narrow heeled shoes, please let me know.

You need a special tool. I had great success with something like this

He actually got these plastic shoe horns. These exactly: Jasmine Seven - Shoe Horns for Kids - Pack of 4 (Multi) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0767LTTJ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4LHxDb7HVGKFQ

Pretty sure He used the green one lol. I brought the pink one home with me. But He placed the widest part inside the hole and wedged His cock in and once it was in He pulled it out from behind Himself like under His ass between His legs. It worked well. And then He fucked me and it went deeper. Then putting my legs above my head. Oh boy. It was great. I also want a PA piercing. I do think that would be a good idea to help open it up enough.

I very happy with this one. It's stainless, and comfortable and a full 15."

https://www.amazon.com/Shoehorn-Paracord-shoes-Stainless-Lifetime-Warranty/dp/B01M8JCM74/ref=pd_sbs_469_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01M8JCM74&pd_rd_r=8A3XFS5Z4EXPV7RZQF5X&pd_rd_w=3HLhB&pd_rd_wg=Pq1c5&refRID=8A3XFS5Z4EXPV7RZQF5X&th=1

amazon dot com/dp/B00E3K9MGQ/

this is the one i have. good service too they replaced mine when it cracked, 2nd one still goin strong after 3 years

The hand is probably the best as it gives the operator the most accurate feedback on how hard the swats are.

If your still looking for a toy to bring to the party, one of my all time favs is also cheap as hell: long plastic shoe horn. You do want the more flexible variety, as I have encountered some that where on the brittle side. These are exactly what I have: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001V80A96

Haha, well if you're interested I got this one.

Shoe Horn

I thought the spring would conform to my shoe but it keeps bending and actually prevents my foot from sliding in. Gee, I sound like such a tool with this post. I promise I'm not normally like this.

Get this one, it's worth it: http://www.amazon.com/Kingsley-Silver-Plated-Engravable-Shoe/dp/B001615ZQG

I bought it years ago and still use it. It's solid and looks fantastic. You'll feel like a king living in the wrong century.

Looks like a shoehorn

eta- like this one: https://www.amazon.com/31-Long-Handle-Shoe-Horn/dp/B013CXKH3Q

The best shoe horns are the ones you can use standing up or sitting down without bending over like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/31-Long-Handled-Shoe-Horn/dp/B000KJT1HO

A shoe horn (especially a long one) would allow you to put more force downward as you try inserting your foot.

Something like this would keep the entire back more stable while you put your foot in.

D&D strength plot device

http://www.amazon.com/Shacke-Metal-Shoe-Horn-inches/dp/B00H9RZDRM

Why didn't I get your name in the gift exchange?!

I personally like these metal sturdy ones

I have something like this and it's really convenient because you can slip your foot in while standing.

https://www.amazon.com/Jobsite-Premium-Puller-Rubber-Removing/dp/B00TY2MLES/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1506361247&sr=8-3&keywords=boot+jack

This is the boot jack I use for my cowboy boots. Works very well and I have not noticed it leaving any marks on my boots.

You dropped this.

They actually make something called a boot jack: https://www.amazon.com/Jobsite-Premium-Puller-Rubber-Removing/dp/B00TY2MLES/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1506361247&sr=8-3&keywords=boot+jack

live that soap life.