How to Refinish the FootJoy Classics Dry Premiere

Golf shoes can take a beating in bunkers, water hazards and rough turf

The calfskin leather on FootJoy Classics Dry Premiere golf shoes give them an elegant look, but if the shoes have taken a beating, the result is shabby. Refinishing calfskin leather can restore the shoes' beauty. The work is a bit messy, but worth the effort. The grain of calfskin leather holds a shine and provides rich color finishes. The shine is resistant to minor scuffing, and the comfortable, elegant fit is preserved.

Things You'll Need

• Protective apron, gloves, and/or set of old clothes (optional)
• Well ventilated or outdoor flat work space
• Plastic sheet to cover work surface
• Old Sheets of newspaper
• Masking tape
• Soft clean cotton rags
• Water
• Ivory dish soap (or leather cleaner)
• Old toothbrush
• Horsehair (stiff) brush (2)
• Leather stripper
• Leather conditioner/balm (optional)
• Lanolin-based shoe cream/polish (clear or to match shoe color)
• Small round applicator brush
• Mink oil or water and stain protective spray for leather

Instructions

Preparation and Stripping of Leather Finish

1. Set up your workspace, don protective clothing and put supplies within easy reach. Cover the work surface with plastic liner or newspaper.

2. Remove the shoelaces. Cover shoe edges and soles with masking tape to protect existing finishes. Gently brush loose dirt from leather surfaces or clean with a soft, dampened cloth, wiping off dirt and debris from each shoe. Use a toothbrush to get into the stitching and tight areas. Work until all surfaces are free of loose dirt.

3. Dampen a clean rag with water and squeeze out the excess. Apply a small dab of mild soap or leather cleaner to a rag and gently rub the remaining dirt or stains, one area at a time, being careful not to soak the leather. Wipe off any soapy residue. Repeat until the shoe is clean. Stuff with crumpled newspaper into the shoe and set it aside to dry. Repeat on the second shoe.

4. Dampen another clean, soft rag and apply a dab of leather stripper. Gently rub the stripper into the the shoe to remove finish, working from heel to toe, and back to heel. of the Keep using clean rags until you remove all of the finish and no color appears on rag. Stuff the shoe with newspaper and set it aside to dry. Repeat the process on second shoe.

5. Dampen another soft rag and apply a dab of leather conditioner. Gently rub it into shoe, working around shoe from heel to toe and back to heel, wiping off the excess as you work. Stuff the shoe with crumpled newspaper and set it aside. Repeat on the second shoe.

Finishing with Polish

1. Remove the paper from the shoe. Apply a dab of cream polish to a clean, soft rag. Beginning at the heel, gently work the polish into the leather using small, circular motions until you have covered the shoe in a light, even layer of polish. Stuff the shoe with crumpled newspaper and set it aside to dry. Repeat with the second shoe. When dry, the shoe will have a milky finish

2. Pick up the shoe and buff all leather surfaces with a horsehair brush, working around the shoe to produce a shine. Enhance the shine by buffing again with a clean, soft rag. Repeat the process with the second shoe.

3. Remove the masking tape from the edges of the shoe. Apply a dab of mink oil to a clean, dry rag and gently work into the shoe's surfaces, making sure to cover stitched areas and seams. Repeat with the second shoe. Allow the shoes to dry overnight.

4. Buff each shoe gently with a clean horsehair brush to remove excess oil and bring up the shine. Repeat the process with soft rag to enhance the shine. Store your shoes in a dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Select polishing creams a shade lighter, or use a neutral (clear) polish. Wipe the outside edges of your shoes and check the interiors before cleaning. After use, store your shoes on unfinished cedar shoe trees to dry and retain their shape between wearing. Protect shoes from dust by storing them in a soft, cloth bag or in a covered box. You can brighten leather sole edges with edge dressing if desired.

• Avoid cleaners that contain acid or detergent, including saddle soap, which is highly alkaline and abrades hide and stitching. Never use any type of heater to dry your shoes, and keep them away from heat. Use only high-quality cream polish that include moisturizers. Never use liquid polish, and avoid products with silicone bases.

References

• FootJoy: Shoecare
• Johnston & Murphy: Guide to Style
• Auto Geek: No Saddle Soap Please
• Tony Rago, Rago Brothers, Morristown, NJ