I don’t see a “caring for your items” topic, so am sticking this in general.

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, my metallic ankle boots are showing considerable wear. Part of that is that the stitching holding the elastic panel on is breaking; I can get that repaired at the alterations shop Astrid recommended to me—they also do upholstery, so they know how to work with heavier materials. The bigger problem is discoloration. For the longest time, I thought the pattern was coming off the boots, but on closer inspection, I think there might be something black in them. I’m looking for ideas on how to get it off. They are made of leather, but the brocade is a slick surface that is not porous. I don’t think Saddle Soap/Schuh Creme is likely to work. I might take them to the US and try petroleum jelly or other slightly harsher formulae to clean them, but what??

Any suggestions or advice appreciated!