The Stitchdown Expo x Chicago Super Trunk Show 2026 is nearly upon us, and Saphir is bringing something special to this year’s event! As one of our presenting sponsors, Saphir will be hosting a series of FREE shoe care masterclasses throughout the weekend, giving attendees the chance to learn directly from the experts about everything from suede care to achieving that elusive mirror shine.
There are four different classes to choose from, but here’s the catch: you can only sign up for ONE! Each session is limited to 25 people, so you’ll want to choose wisely and reserve your spot before they’re gone.
Taking place November 6th–7th at Artifact Events in Chicago, this year’s event is going to be packed with incredible shoemakers, bootmakers, leather goods, and plenty of things to see and do. But it’s not just about buying more shoes. It’s also an opportunity to learn how to take care of the ones you already own!
And if you haven’t purchased your general admission tickets yet, now is the time. You’ll need one to attend the event and participate in these complimentary masterclasses.
Saphir Shoe Care Masterclasses
We’ve all seen people absolutely smother their shoes in polish, thinking that more product somehow equals better care. Well, it doesn’t. In fact, it’s often a good way to ruin a perfectly good pair of shoes.
Knowing what to use, how much to use, and when to use it is half the battle. And that’s precisely what these classes are designed to teach.
Saphir will be offering four different types of masterclasses throughout the weekend, led by Levi Elliott, Preston Soto, and Felix Ruiz.
Saphir Boot Care
Learn how to properly care for your leather boots, particularly as we head into the colder months. From conditioning to general maintenance, this is a great opportunity to learn how to keep your boots looking good and lasting longer.
- Friday, November 6th: 1:00–2:00 pm
- Saturday, November 7th: 9:30–10:30 am
Saphir Suede Care
Suede is one of those materials that people tend to fear, often unnecessarily. Learn how to clean, maintain, and protect your suede footwear without making a mess of it.
- Friday, November 6th: 4:00–5:00 pm
- Saturday, November 7th: 1:30–2:30 pm
Saphir Mirror Shine Masterclass
One of my personal favorites. Learn how to achieve that beautiful mirror shine on your shoes, along with the techniques needed to maintain it. If you’ve ever wondered why your polish keeps going cloudy or why you simply cannot build up that shine, this is your chance to learn from the experts.
- Friday, November 6th: 2:30–3:30 pm
- Saturday, November 7th: 11:00 am–12:00 pm
The Saphir $50 eBay Challenge
This one should be particularly interesting!
The Saphir team will take a $50 pair of used Allen Edmonds shoes purchased on eBay and demonstrate just how dramatically they can be transformed using Saphir Médaille d’Or products.
It’s a great reminder that you don’t always need to buy new shoes. Sometimes you simply need to know how to bring an old pair back to life.
- Saturday, November 7th: 12:30–1:30 pm
How to Reserve Your Free Masterclass
Here’s the important part.
The Saphir masterclasses are free for attendees with general admission tickets to the Chicago Super Trunk Show x Stitchdown Expo. However, you must reserve your spot separately.
Each class is limited to just 25 people, and you can only register for one masterclass. So choose the one that interests you most!
Step 1: Get your general admission ticket.
Step 2: Reserve your free Saphir masterclass.
That’s it. Just make sure you’ve got both your event ticket and your masterclass reservation sorted before arriving.
Don’t Forget the Optimo VIP Experience!
And for those looking to make even more of their Chicago experience, don’t forget about the special VIP event taking place at the Optimo Hat Factory on Thursday, November 5th.
This exclusive experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fine hatmaking, along with a shoe shining masterclass and a cocktail reception with Kirby Allison.
It’s another opportunity to learn something new, meet fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a side of the menswear world that you don’t often get to experience firsthand.
The Optimo Hat Factory Tour Pass is $225, plus applicable taxes and fees, with a limited number of places available. The pass also includes additional VIP benefits throughout the weekend.
Learn more about the Optimo VIP Experience here
See You in Chicago!
Whether you’re coming to discover new shoemakers, pick up a pair of boots, learn how to properly shine your shoes, or simply meet people who share your enthusiasm for quality footwear, this year’s Chicago Super Trunk Show x Stitchdown Expo is shaping up to be something special.
And don’t forget, we’ll also be hosting the Americas Championship of Shoe Shining on Saturday, November 7th, where some of the best shoe shiners will compete to see who can produce the finest shine under pressure.
There is certainly no shortage of things to see and do!
We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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