Let the shoe dry completely before repairing it if you used a damp cloth to wipe it down.
The jelly should fill in the light scratch so it’s not visible anymore. Avoid using petroleum jelly that’s colored or scented.
Apply a shoe polish to your leather shoes after using the vinegar, if possible, to keep your shoes looking shiny.
Match the leather shoe’s color to the leather marker or recoloring balm as closely as possible to ensure your scratch isn’t visible. Use a clean rag to apply recoloring balm to the leather.
If you’re aiming the hair dryer at your hands and it’s too hot, then the hair dryer is too hot for the leather as well.
If you use sandpaper, be sure not to rub too aggressively so you don’t mess up the leather. Use 120- to 220-grit sandpaper.
Let the shoes dry if you used a damp cloth on them before filling in the scratch. Pay extra attention to the spot where you’ll be filling in the scratch when you’re cleaning the shoe.
Look for a leather cream polish at a specialty shoe store or online.
Rub the cream polish into the shoe gently to avoid causing damage.
Consider buffing the shoe with a horsehair brush after the polish dries for a final sheen.
To be sure your leather shoes match, apply the colored cream polish to both shoes, even if only one of them had a scratch.
