The BOOTBLACK BADGES BOOK is a playful, pocket-sized journal for bootblacks to help build confidence and track progress through:
- knowledge, skill and experience badges you can colour in or mark with stickers
- exercises to assess your skills and test your knowledge
- journal pages to log your sessions, note challenges, and set intentions
- encouragement to personalise your bootblack practice to suit your identity, context, and values
The book also provides a wealth of information in concise, easy to read format, including:
- step-by-step guides for cleaning, conditioning, and shining boots and leather
- clear explanations of the basics a bootblack might want to know from what is ‘oil tan’ to how to treat scuffs
- reflections on the history of bootblacking and its ties to race, class, and queerness
- tips for how to negotiate with sitters and prioritise self care
- advice on how to set up a new bootblacking stand / introduce events and venues to bootblacking
Buy the BOOK & STICKERS from us
£14.99 plus postage / or pickup
We will mail you the book and one set of badge stickers within 7 days of your order or you can save on postage by picking up your copy at The UK Bootblack and Leather munch at the BBB.
Buy the BOOK from Amazon
£12.99 / €13.99 / $13.99 plus postage
The book gets printed near you and shipped by Amazon. Sold without the stickers but you can buy these here or just colour in the badges. Estimated delivery time: 4 days. (If you buy using the links below as an Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk)
Buy just the STICKERS from us
£4.50 plus postage / or pickup
We will mail you one set of badge stickers within 7 days of your order or you can save on postage by picking up yours at The UK Bootblack and Leather munch at the BBB.
FAQs:
Do you ship internationally?
Yes we ship to most countries. Please note, that if you are in the EU you may be asked to pay VAT on receipt of your parcel. If you want to avoid these charges we recommend buying the book through Amazon.
What are your delivery times?
We aim to dispatch orders within a few days, and by 7 days at the very latest. Estimated delivery time after dispatch: UK 48hrs, Europe 3-5 days, rest of the world 6-7 days.
How does pick up at the Birmingham Bizarre Bazaar work?
If you are attending the BBB, you can pick your order up from The UK Bootblack and Leather Munch on the top floor. You will need to buy a ticket to enter the BBB (see www.thebbb.co.uk for more info). We are there most months except July.