Why Bootblacking?

 

Ask any bootblack you find, and you'll get quite a few answers as to why they practice their craft. Riley has always been interested in getting things shiny. In his childhood, Riley happily polished the family silver, and marveled at the effect of tomato sauce on a copper bottomed pan. Years later, Riley came to bootblacking by way of a fated bootblacking demonstration.

Over time, he has begun to hone his craft, testing out polishes and new techniques, and he expects that his style will continue to evolve.

For Riley, a practicing Zen Buddhist, the simplicity of the action and the ability to relieve stress create a fertile ground for practice, and the sensory experience of bootblacking is one major draw. It's the feel of warmed wax, the heft of leather, and the ooze of warmed Huberds between one's fingers. It's the lick of the brush, the physicality of buffing, and the way the light hits a perfect cold shine.

If you're interested in talking shop with Riley over sweet tea or Mojitos, drop him a line. He's always interested in speaking with budding bootblacks or boot aficionados.