
How to Shine Your Shoes
- Step 1: Remove Laces Remove the shoelaces to prevent getting polish on them.
- Step 2: Fill Your Shoe Insert a shoe tree or stuff the toe of your shoe with paper. ...
- Step 3: Clean Off Dust & Dirt ...
- Step 4: Apply Polish ...
- Step 5: Don’t Forget the Welt ...
- Step 6: Buff ...
- Step 7: Wipe ...
- Step 8: Spit Shine ...
Full Answer
What is the best shoe shine?
- Shoe polish is an important part of ensuring that your leather shoes and boots last as long as possible.
- With its all-natural formula, great nourishing properties, and centuries-old pedigree, the French-made Saphir Renovateur is an old-school icon that remains the premier shoe polish.
- Check out more Insider style reviews here.
How to shine your shoes with and without Polish?
What is a Substitute for Shoe Polish?
- Olive Oil Shoe Polish. Reach for the pantry and grab your bottle of olive oil. ...
- Banana Peel Shoe Polish. Eat your banana for breakfast and then use the skin to shine your shoes. ...
- Rubbing Alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can be used instead of water to get that military quality high shine you’re looking for.
- Shine Shoes with Petroleum Jelly. ...
How to Shine Your Shoes like a soldier?
The Ultimate Guide to Shining Your Shoes
- Gather Your Supplies & Prep. Find an old towel or newspaper to spread over the area you will be working on. ...
- Clean Your Shoes. Clean the dust and dirt off your boots with a horsehair shine brush or damp rag. ...
- Apply Polish. ...
- Brush the Shoes. ...
- Give Some Extra Love to the Toe and Heel. ...
- Repeat Until Shoe is Shiny Like a Mirror. ...
What is the best shoe cleaning kit?
The Best Shoe Shine Kit
- Sethjcsy 12-Piece Travel Shoe Shine Kit. The Sethjcsy 12-Piece Travel Kit is our pick for the very best shoe shine kit available today. ...
- Kiwi Select Shoe Shine Kit. Those of you who are really in the know about shoes and shoe shining and lacing and all that jazz will probably show no ...
- Otter Wax Leather Shoe Shine Kit. ...

How do you shine shoes step by step?
How to Shine Your ShoesStep 1: Remove Laces. Remove the shoelaces to prevent getting polish on them.Step 2: Fill Your Shoe. Insert a shoe tree or stuff the toe of your shoe with paper. ... Step 3: Clean Off Dust & Dirt. ... Step 4: Apply Polish. ... Step 5: Don't Forget the Welt. ... Step 6: Buff. ... Step 7: Wipe. ... Step 8: Spit Shine.More items...
What should you do before apply the shoe polish?
Before you polish your shoes, ensure that they aren't wet, insert your shoe trees, remove the laces, and give the shoes a good once over with a horse hair brush. You want to make sure there's no dirt or dust on the leather before you apply any products.
How long does shoe shine take to dry?
Then, allow the polish to dry by setting the shoes aside for 10-20 minutes. The final step in polishing is to buff the shoe vigorously using your brush, which will help to work the polish into the leather and remove any excess, as well as create a bit of a shine.
How do you use shoe shine fabric?
Apply polish with cloth and let dry. Use different cloths for different color polishes. Shine with shoe brush and wipe off any excess polish. Buff with soft side of cloth for final shine.
Can you put too much shoe polish on?
let's start with the most important thing to note when applying shoe polish and shoe wax. Both care products must be applied sparingly. Shoe care is for shoes what moisturising is for your skin. When you use too much product, then the leather can no longer absorb the excess shoe polish or shoe wax.
Do you wipe shoe polish off?
0:336:35How To Remove Shoe Polish From Leather Shoes | Kirby AllisonYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce in a while it's a good idea to just remove all the wax polish from a pair of shoes in order toMoreOnce in a while it's a good idea to just remove all the wax polish from a pair of shoes in order to thoroughly conditioned the leather like what we do in our presidential. Shoeshine.
Is a shoe shine worth it?
There are many reasons to get a good shoeshine. It prolongs the life of your shoes, can give your professional image a boost, it feels good and will put a spring in your step, and, well, elegant footwear seems to be pretty important to women.
Does Vaseline make shoes shiny?
Use Vaseline as a quick alternative to leather polish on scuffed shoes, boots, handbags, baseball gloves, and leather furniture. Simply apply a bit of the gel and buff with a soft cloth to achieve a slick shine.
How often should you shine your shoes?
every four to six weeksShoe polishing is a more basic treatment that should be done every four to six weeks, depending on how often you wear your shoes, as part of regular shoe maintenance. A shoe shine requires further effort to achieve a high-shine you can see your reflection in.
Do you need a brush to shine shoes?
Regardless of whether you opt for a stiff-bristled brush or old T-shirt, we do highly recommend purchasing a long-bristled softer brush to help clean any excess polish on the shoe. It's also a great idea to have a spare cotton rag or chamois cloth on hand to give a polished shoe a quick wipe down once finished.
Do you condition or polish shoes first?
However, if you've also added a polish or leather balm on top of the conditioner, this can prevent the conditioner from drying. That's why we generally recommend avoiding polishing right after you've conditioned your leather. You'll likely find you won't need it at all if you're using a quality leather care products.
How do you get boots to shine like glass?
1:1211:47How to polish shoes | mirror shine | Quickest way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow once you've got the fluid on there let's switch to a fresh piece of rag. So the rag actuallyMoreNow once you've got the fluid on there let's switch to a fresh piece of rag. So the rag actually picks up the old polish and takes it. Off.
Should I polish shoes before or after spraying waterproofing?
Make sure to always apply water repellent spray before other care products such as polish, but after cleaning. Waterproofing products affect deep layers of the leather, whilst polish works on more surface-level layers.
When should you polish your shoes?
With the proper care, you can extend your shoes' lifespan. Polishing is one habit that'll preserve your shoes and ensure they last, and as a general rule, you only need to do it after you wear your shoes several times or occasionally if their shoes you don't wear much.
Do you need to prep shoes before painting?
The shoes will need to be clean and dry before you start painting them, so wash them thoroughly, then leave them out in the sun for a few hours to air dry. If the weather isn't good outside, then open your windows and turn on the fan in your room to get rid of any trapped moisture inside the shoes.
What do you need to shine brown leather shoes?
Just like when shining the Low Quarters, when you want add a shine to brown leather shoes or boots, you are going to need Kiwi Parade Gloss, Kiwi Protect All, your brush and your rag (picture 1). make sure that your leather shoes are clean before you try to shine them, just like the Low Quarters.
How to apply gloss to leather shoes?
Using the Basic Technique, get some gloss on the rag and apply the gloss to the leather sparingly (picture 2). As you rub the gloss on the leather, you will see that the leather starts to get a shine to it (picture 3). Keep rubbing the gloss on the leather until you cover the entire shoe. You shouldn't need more than one or two coats at a time on the shoe.
How to shine a shoe after layering?
After all of the first layers are on the shoe, take your brush and lightly rub it over the entirety of the shoe (picture 2). This puts a preliminary shine on the shoe and makes this whole process easier.
How to apply shoe polish?
Then you take the access rag material and twist it around your fingers so the rag is tight around your fingers (picture 2).
What is a low quarter?
1. A pair of Low Quarters (Military Uniform Shoes) or any other kind of leather shoe
How to tell if tip is shiny?
A good way to know if you're tip is shiny enough is the "Two Light Test". You don't actually need two lights for this test but, to perform it you want to take your shoes and bring it up to a light of some sort. If you can clearly see the light bulb in the shoe, it is shiny enough (pictures 1-2)
What do you need to shine shoes?
The main tool you will need for shoe shining is a horsehair brush. The bristles are soft enough to not scratch your shoes yet stiff enough to give a professional shine. This brush will be used while polishing to give the polish a nice shine and between polishings to make the shine last longer. Kiwi makes a durable horsehair brush .
What cloth do you use to polish shoes?
The final polishing of your shoe will be completed using a cotton polishing cloth. These cloths should be cleaned and dried when you finish polishing so that the polish does not harden on it. You can either purchase special shoeshine polishing cloths or simply appropriate an old cotton t-shirt for the purpose.
What to do if you don't have the space for shoeshine?
If you do not have the space or money for a real shoeshine kit, you can use any container that will keep you supplies safe and together. Whatever you do, keep your shining supplies in the same container so you don’t lose any of the important tools.
What is edge dressing?
Although not necessary, edge dressing can be used to add a final touch to a pair of nicely polished shoes. This substance is applied to the edges of your leather. Do you have a shoeshine kit?
How to make your shoes shine?
Choosing a good polish is one of the most important steps to a good shine. First, you need to match the color of your polish to the color of your shoe. Don’t try to change a shoe’s color by choosing a polish with a different color than your shoe. Use a dye to change your shoe's color. Once you have decided on the color, you must decide what type of polish to use.
Do shoeshine kits include gloves?
Although few shoeshine kits include gloves, these are actually a very important part. Because you will normally be polishing your shoes just before a formal event, you do not want to dye your hands with the polish. By simply wearing latex gloves, you can give your shoes a nice shine without discoloring your hands.
Who said "I take pride in the work"?
"You walk in here and you might sit next to the president of Kellogg Company or a congressman getting his shoes shined. I take pride in the work." - Harold Eanes
What is a Kiwi Deluxe Shine Kit?
Going for something a little less extravagant is the Kiwi Deluxe Shine Kit, which isn’t packed full of everything you’ll ever want, but does contain everything you’ll ever need in a shoe polish kit. Featuring just brushes and polish, this is a great way to start your journey towards better-looking shoes, and can also provide excellent protection against the elements at a great price.
What is the best way to shine shoes?
Ideally, you'll want a proper shoe shine box, but that isn’t always possible, so any kind of container will do. Brush - Your best bet is a horsehair brush, which is the standard and is durable enough to last many, many shoes shines. The bristles are also not too sharp to damage the material, too.
What is the Otter Wax Leather Care Kit?
The Otter Wax Leather Care Kit comes in a smart and sophisticated box (even though it’s only cardboard) that’s ideal for keeping everything organized, as well as providing all the tools you’ll need for excellent shoe car.
Why do you need a shoe shine kit?
If you want to impress and look as professional as you feel , a shoe shine kit is essential in completing your look.
How to shine with shoe trees?
Put down newspaper or something to cover the floor. Don’t wear your best clothes while shining. Shining with shoe trees will save you lots of time. Mirror polish looks best on the toes, heel and (sometimes) facing, try to blend the shine everywhere else. Hair dryers will (temporarily) remove wrinkles and creases.
What is Lincoln stain wax?
The Lincoln Stain Wax Variety Pack is the perfect this year’s stocking stuffer gift for someone you know who just cannot stop buying leather shoes of all colors. We’ve mentioned how much of a challenge black polish can be to get out of tan shoes, and this right here is the solution.
What is in the Florsheim Cedar Shine Box?
Inside the box, you’ll get daubers, brushes and both black and brown polish for everything you could need.
What is the difference between shoe polish and wax polish?
A cream polish will provide less shine but also moisturizes the leather as it is absorbed. Beware, cream polish can also affect the leather’s color. A wax polish, on the other hand, will add a layer of shine, cover scuffs and protect the leather. Be sure to match the polish to the color of your shoe’s leather as closely as possible. (If you are really unsure, use a neutral or uncolored polish, although it will add only shine, not add color). We recommend using a wax polish (like we’ve done here) for that classic shoe shine look.
How to make your shoes waxy?
Add a dab of polish onto your polishing cloth. Apply your wax polish to the shoe surface with circular motions . This causes friction that slightly melts the wax and allows it to spread more evenly. Add more polish as needed. Continue until the shoe has a waxy matte look to it.
What to use to shine shoes?
We recommend using a wax polish (like we’ve done here) for that classic shoe shine look. Polishing Cloth: A soft polishing cloth is essential for shining your shoes. While you can buy a cloth specific for shoes, an old t-shirt wrapped around two fingers also makes a terrific polishing cloth.
What is the best brush to use on leather?
Horsehair brushes are the best because they are sturdy but soft enough to not scratch the leather. They also help raise the fibers of the leather to create a great surface for shining. Welt Brush: This smaller brush will help you scrub dirt out of the welt strip and allow you to apply polish to hard to reach areas.
How to clean leather shoes?
Use a dry brush to remove any dust and dirt from your shoes. You can use the welt brush and water to get into small spaces, but make sure to let the leather dry completely before moving on to the next step. Scrub the welt of any dirt or grime with your small brush.
What to do if your shoes are dried out?
If the leather of your shoes is really dried out and scuffed, use a shoe conditioner to nurse them back to health. Check out our review of Chamberlain’s Leather Milk here.
How to polish shoes with a spit shine?
To start, use your finger to place a droplet of water on the shoe. With the polishing cloth, rub a small amount of polish into the water droplet in fast, small circles. Repeat this process around the whole shoe.
What is the best product to cover scuffs on shoes?
There are two main types of product that add color and cover scuffs to shoes: shoe cream and shoe wax, also known as carnauba wax. Shoe cream, our preferred product, shines and adds color to your shoes while also conditioning them and adding moisture. The importance of adding moisture to shoes can’t be understated.
What is the best brand of shoe polish?
Best Brands & Where To Buy 1 Saphir: Saphir is known amongst shoe enthusiasts as the be all, end all of shoe care products. Using the highest grade natural ingredients, Saphir cream is to shoes what Bentley is to cars. 2 Kiwi: Kiwi can be found in any drug store and is a perfectly acceptable budget option. Their shoe shine kit we’ve linked to will get beginners off to a great start. 3 Meltonian: Meltonian is another popular name in shoe polish that’s great for guys on a budget. If you’re looking for shoe creams in various colors, this is a great brand as they start at only $2.99 per jar. 4 Allen Edmonds: We’re big fans of Allen Edmonds in general, and their shoe polish is another great product. A bit more expensive than Kiwi or Meltonian, it comes in a convenient squeeze bottle that helps to minimize mess.
What is Saphir cream?
Using the highest grade natural ingredients, Saphir cream is to shoes what Bentley is to cars.
How much does Meltonian shoe polish cost?
If you’re looking for shoe creams in various colors, this is a great brand as they start at only $2.99 per jar.
What do you need to shine your shoes?
If you are new to shining your own shoes, then we suggest getting yourself a shoe shine kit. They tend to have everything you’d need from a starter pack (black and brown polish, conditioner, and horsehair brushes encased in a nice wooden box) and are not terribly expensive. In fact, you can often save money by buying a kit as opposed to acquiring each item individually.
How to buff shoes after cream?
After the cream has dried, take either a large horsehair brush or a dry, soft cloth and buff the shoes. Apply gentle pressure and use the same motion that you did in step two.
How long can you let polish dry on shoes?
After applying polish, you can let the shoes dry for as long as you like. The idea is to let the polish really get into the leather and nourish it, and the longer you let it sit, the more opportunity it will have to do this.
