Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

In Person: Brooks Brothers Cedar Shoe Valet

June 26, 2013 By Alan S. | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Brooks Brothers Cedar Shoe Valet Kit – $96.00 ($128)

Currently 25% off as part of the Brooks Brothers Semi Annual sale. Includes the cedar valet, two horsehair brushes, two horsehair daubers, two polishing cloths, plus black and brown shoe cream.

The Brooks Brothers Cedar Shoe Valet is a pricey purchase at $128, but does the current sale price of $96 bring this kit into the realm of possibility? Let’s break it down.

The most notable feature of the kit is the valet, itself. It’s larger than most on the market, and is able to store not only the kit that it came with, but also all of my other shoe care products. The importance of a large valet can’t be overstated here. If you care enough to spend $96+ on a shoe valet, you will probably also be adding more polishes, waxes, and conditioners to your collection. Thankfully, the valet has little trouble fitting it all…

The Extras, not included with the Valet: Justin mink oil, Fiebing’s edge dressing in black & brown, Meltonian All-Purpose Cleaner & Conditioner, Allen Edmonds Premium Shoe Polish, Leather Lotion, Spray Waterproofer, and Saddle Soap, and three jars of Meltonian Shoe Cream Polish.

I do have one gripe, but it’s a small one. The valet is sturdy, but it wobbles. I eyeballed it at one or possibly two millimeters. The construction is solid, but for someone trying to use it over a hard surface, this could get irritating in a hurry. However, I expect I will be using it over a towel (for traction and cleanliness) so it won’t be a problem for me. I don’t know if this is a common problem, but none of the eight reviewers on the Brooks Brothers website seemed to have the same issue.

The best part of the kit is the brushes. They’re the largest I’ve come across. While most brushes on the market are in the 6 inch to 7 inch range, the Brooks Brothers brushes weigh in at a whopping 8 inches. The black brush is 2.5 inches wide while the brown brush is 3 inches wide – just the right size for my medium sized-hands. They have arched backs to help them fit the contour of your hand, and they have a channel along either side that makes gripping them a simple matter. If you have small hands, though, they may be uncomfortable.

Horsehair Brush

The daubers are daubers. There’s really not much to be said about them other than they appear to be made to the same high standards as the brushes. Not everyone uses daubers so they’re a bit of a luxury item, but this is a luxury kit. What’s so wrong with treating yourself, right?

The kit also comes with black and dark brown shoe cream. Truth be told, I haven’t had a chance to test them yet. However, they are the two most basic colors so they’re the perfect jumping-off point for someone who’s starting their shoe care kit from scratch. Each jar is about the size of a Meltonian jar and has the same consistency.

At the full price of $128, the Brooks Brothers Cedar Shoe Valet is probably priced higher than most of us here would pay. It’s still a splurge at $96, but it’s a viable splurge. When you look at the cost of high-end horsehair brushes and valets sold separately, they come in pretty close to or above the $100 mark. Plus the Brooks Brothers valet is still the largest on the market (that I’m aware of) with plenty of room to grow. I feel comfortable recommending this shoe valet to anyone starting from scratch. It sure beats the shoebox I kept everything in before.

Roving style reporter Alan S. is an active member on Threads, and you might remember him from such posts as The Great Double Monk Resurrection Experiment.

Filed Under: Etc., Shoes Tagged With: brooks brothers, made in the USA, shoe shine kit, shoe shine valet, shoe valet

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Totes, sneakers, and Nordy Rack is worth a look.

Style Scenario: Groundhog Day

Style Scenario: Groundhog Day

Bing!

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

They’re calling it their Red Label line. So… why another line? And how?

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • BR Factory New Arrivals (and 49% off), Seiko 5KX decent price, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.