• Derrick Miller of Barker Black explains his shoe care routine.

Kits from
$8 at Blackbird

Sentimental Shoe Care

The newest items on the shelves at Blackbird? Ironically, they're from decades ago. From Huberd's Shoe Oil, a beeswax-based leather conditioner invented in 1929 in McMinnville, Oregon to Lincoln Shoe Polish that has been used to spit shine soldiers' boots since 1925. There's also a selection of hardy laces and handsome horsehair brushes. Other remedies from yesteryear include Meltonian's famed saddle soap and mink oil. Sno-Seal, invented back in '33 to protect mountain climbing gear and ski boots won't necessarily condition or soften the leather, but it will make it 100% waterproof (while still allowing the leather and lining to breathe). The retro design of the packages is enough to pull out the credit card and give them a whirl. After all, you can tell a lot about a man by his shoes. And perhaps even by his shoe care collection.