Saphir Médaille d’Or Shoe Care

The Saphir Médaille d’Or line represents the brand’s most traditional and refined approach to shoe care. Developed using time-honored methods and premium ingredients, these products are often favored for high-quality footwear, restoration work, and deeper conditioning needs.

Médaille d’Or products focus on nourishing leather thoroughly, restoring suppleness, and building rich finishes while respecting the natural character of the material. This line is particularly well suited for fine calfskin shoes, heritage footwear, and situations where careful, deliberate care is preferred over quick maintenance.

What Makes Saphir Médaille d’Or Different

When discussing serious shoe care, the distinction between average and exceptional lies in the ingredients and formulation. Saphir delivers quality across the board, but the Médaille d’Or line is the pinnacle of the brand’s work. With a higher concentration of natural ingredients and more traditional preparation methods, the difference becomes evident with continued use. Over time, leather maintained with Médaille d’Or products simply looks healthier, richer, and more refined.

See the full Saphir range here.

When to Use Médaille d’Or Products

Médaille d’Or products are best used when leather requires thoughtful, deliberate care rather than quick maintenance. While the entire Saphir range performs well, this line is particularly well suited to situations where long-term preservation and refinement matter most. For more daily upkeep shoe care products, see our Beauté du Cuir offering.

Conditioning Dry or Tired Leather

When leather begins to feel dry, slightly stiff, or visually flat, deeper nourishment is required. Médaille d’Or conditioners and creams are formulated to restore suppleness without over-softening the structure of the shoe. Used sparingly and consistently, they help maintain flexibility and prevent premature cracking, especially in high-quality calfskin. Look into the Renovateur product for this step.

Preparation Before Polishing

Proper polishing begins with proper conditioning. Before applying wax for shine, leather should first be nourished and evened out. Médaille d’Or cream polishes, such as Pommadier, provide both pigmentation, conditioning, and a light shine creating a balanced surface that allows wax products to adhere evenly and develop depth. Just make sure to allow ample drying time before each application of product.

High-End or Sentimental Footwear

For fine dress shoes, bespoke pairs, or footwear with personal value, a more careful approach is warranted. Médaille d’Or products are often chosen for higher-grade leathers and shoes that are expected to age gracefully over many years. When the goal is preservation rather than quick cosmetic improvement, this line offers a more measured and traditional method of care.

Popular Médaille d’Or Products

  • Renovateur

    Renovateur is the world's greatest shoe conditioner. But it's powerful. A little goes a long way and it really works wonders when used properly. It also works across many leather types. It is the jack-of-all-trades shoe conditioner.

    Learn more here 

  • Mirror Gloss

    Mirror Gloss wax polish offers a special formula that helps you build your shine faster than your traditional wax. But it is not magical. It takes time to learn how to use it but once you do, you will be building your mirror shines in no time!

    Learn more here 

  • Pommadier

    Pommadier is a highly pigmented cream polish that will greatly help to restore your shoes to their rightful color. It will also help nourish your leather and provide a light shine. Apply it with the applicator brush.

    Learn more here