The Top-Siders are a must for lovers of the relaxed and preppy style, and are especially suited to maritime environments. These are shoes which, by the way, are quite comfortable. However, they take some time to conform to the foot before developing their hold and classic look. If you have a luxurious yacht and plenty of free time, that's good for you, but if you're like most of us mere mortals, here are some ways to start bringing your brand new Top-Siders smoothly.
Steps
Step 1. Take the shoes out of the box, try them on and decide if they are the right size and / or style for you
You have to be absolutely sure, because, after starting the process of conformation to the foot, no shop will want them back.
Step 2. Get a watertight container large enough to fit your shoes into
They should lie flat without extending over the hem. A Tupperware or similar container is ideal, otherwise you can use a baking sheet or plastic tray. You will need to fill it with water, so make sure it has no holes.
Step 3. Fill approximately two thirds of the container with cold water
Step 4. Add some sea salt
The amount you need largely depends on the size of the container and the volume of water inside it. In general, for every liter of water, you will need 35 g (approximately one tablespoon) of sea salt. This will give the liquid a salinity of 3.5%, a percentage that is close to the average salinity of sea water. Don't worry, you don't have to be too precise. If in doubt, it is better to abound with salt than to add too little. The taste should be awful, just like salt water.
Step 5. Swirl the water well to dissolve the salt, then place the Top-Siders in the solution
If they float, use a weight to keep them submerged. You can also put them inside out, which ensures that all of the skin is well submerged.
Step 6. Leave them to soak for 24 hours
Step 7. Remove the soaked shoes from the salt water, shake them to remove excess water and put them on
Take them for some time, until they dry. It won't take long, don't worry, and then the skin gets pretty comfortable and warm. You won't even realize you have wet shoes on.
Step 8. Walk, play golf, lunge, practice dance moves
The shoes will begin to conform to the feet, and the shiny patina that characterizes new shoes will be considerably softened. The leather will take on a more interesting patina, as if you have been sailing for two weeks.
Advice
- You can repeat the process considering the level of "use" you want to give to the shoes. The Top-Siders are born to be taken to maritime contexts, such as at the sea or by boat, and to be wet every single day without getting damaged.
- Better not to expose shoes soaked in salt water to direct sunlight when it is very hot. Wear them for a while while they are still wet, then put them away and treat them as you would any other everyday footwear.
- Never forget that the skin dries up over time. Make sure you apply a conditioner (such as mink oil) twice a year to keep the skin in good condition and to increase its useful life. You will get better results if you use the conditioner before summer arrives (when you start wearing these shoes again) and when it starts to get cold (when you will have to put them away for winter).
