How To Shine Shoes – A Step-By-Step Guide

Introduction

According to fashion icon Christian Dior, “You can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes”. Truer words have never been spoken. However, as a shoeshiner, I would change Mr. Dior’s statement just a little.

“You can never take too much care OF your shoes once the choice has been made. After all, If you’re going to spend money on a nice pair of dress shoes, it only makes sense to care for them”.

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes that could use a good shine? Are you unsure of how to shine shoes the right way? If so, my step-by-step guide on how to shine shoes is just what you need!

But before we get to the shine, there are a few essential supplies that you will need.

Choosing the Right Supplies

Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is essential if you want to give your shoes a good cleaning! I prefer Fiebing’s Saddle Soap but any brand will get the job done.

If you can’t get your hands on saddle soap, just use plain water. Don’t use regular soap as an alternative. Everyday soaps can act as a drying agent. We want to put moisture back into our shoes, not strip it from them.

Leather Cleaner

Next on the list is a good leather conditioner or moisturizer. Using leather conditioners is extremely important, especially if you live in areas of the world that get a lot of snow, ice, or rain.

Apply conditioner to your shoes about once every three months to ensure the leather doesn’t dry out and crack. This can also help to avoid discoloration of the leather. Fiebing’s Leather Lotion is a great choice for smooth leather.

Sole and Edge Dressing

A Sole and Edge Dressing is a dark ink-like liquid that will be used around the soles. This is a preference, if you do not wish to cover your soles you can skip this step. But remember, the dressing always adds a nice overall, finished look. Try Fiebing Leather Sole and Heel Edge Dressing to give your shoes the edge they need.

Polish

Next, choose your polish. I like to have multiple colors on hand but if you are limited try to find a good basic black, medium brown, and a nice neutral. My favorites are Saphir Shoe Polish Wax for a bright shine and Kelly’s Shoe Creams if you prefer an all-natural polish.

Brushes

I suggest using a few different brush types. A ‘dauber’ brush that will be used with Saddle Soap for giving the shoes a good cleaning, a polishing brush to buff and shine, and a smaller “edging” brush to apply the dressing to the edge of the sole as I discussed above.

When it comes to choosing your brushes make sure to use 100% natural horsehair. Pig hair is also a good choice if you prefer a stiffer brush, but it can be harder to find.

You can generally find authentic horsehair brushes at most boot stores or even your local Tractor Supply Store. Websites like www.myshoesupplies.com also offer a variety of brushes and other shoe supplies that you will need to achieve your desired shine.

Buffing Cloth

A pair of nylon pantyhose, or a good cotton chamois cloth works wonders to bring out the shine. Try to find good cloth that is double-sided. One side will have somewhat of a rougher feel and the other will be much softer. Have a couple of extra cloths handy as well to clean up any messes.

You can find shoeshine kits that contain all of your brushes and shine cloths at myshoesupplies.com

Rubbing Alcohol and a Spray Bottle

Alcohol is a drying mechanism so we only want to use a light amount. If done correctly it will help to add to your shine.

The Shine Process

Now that you have your tools, all that’s left is to grab your old shoes that need reviving, and let’s jump to it!

Step 1: Make Sure Your Shoes are nice and clean

The first step is to give your shoes or boots a good cleaning. Start out by using the small rounded ‘Dauber’ brush. Dab your brush in a cup of water and then dip it into the saddle soap. Get a good coat of soap on your brush and then start applying it to your shoes. Try to rub the soap in a circular motion. After both shoes are evenly coated take your rag, any rag, and gently wipe down the shoes to remove the soap and water.

Step 2: Condition the Leather

Now that you have cleaned your shoes free from dirt or dust, your shine will turn out much better now that you have a clean canvas to work with. In this step, we will apply the leather conditioner. Apply a small amount on your fingers and rub it into the leather. Make sure you massage the shoe to ensure that the leather is nicely moisturized. If you are working with boots, especially exotic leathers, make sure to moisturize and condition your leather footwear at least every 3 months. Cold weather, rain, and dry climates can cause dryness and even cracking.

Step 3: Apply your Polish

After the moisturizer has dried you will start to apply the polish. Coat your fingertips in polish and begin dabbing the polish onto both shoes. The heat from your fingertips will cause the polish to heat up and spread more evenly, and it won’t use up much polish.

An important thing to remember is that waxed-based polishes can be created differently. Some are to help create a very shiny look and some are made to have a very subtle shine. So, make sure you’re choosing the best product for your desired results.

Another thing to consider is if you want to use an all-natural product. There are many natural products that work very well. Using beeswax is a familiar all-natural approach. Purepolish.com offers a variety of colors with organic ingredients. This is all about preference.

Step 4: Buff them out with Brushes

In this step, we will bring out our buffing brushes. I like to use two brushes but you can achieve the same results with only one. Either way, take your brushes and begin on one shoe. With one brush in each hand strike them across the top of the shoe one at a time. After time you will develop a motion or rhythm that will help to glide the applied polish and allow it to set into the shoe. Make sure to buff out the sides and the back of the heel.. You should start to notice that the polish will slowly appear somewhat glossier.

Step 5: Apply Sole Dressing for a finished look

If you prefer to add a sole and edge dressing you will need to grab your smaller edge brush and a clean rag. The rag is to ensure that the dressing doesn’t drip from your brush. This can be messy if done too quickly. Dip your brush into the edge dressing and take away the excess.

Try to start at the back of the sole heel. Cover the entire heel. As you progress towards the front of the shoe the sole will begin to get much thinner. This is where you will need to be more careful and detailed with your work. Try not to get the edge dressing on the shoe itself. If you do, take your rag and gently wipe away. Finally, lift the shoe to get the inner sole to complete the finished look.

Step 6: Buff with your cloth

Okay, so now we have applied our polish and it has been evenly spread by our brushes and the edge dressing should be dried by now. Take out your buffing cloth and place it flat on the shoe using the more rigid side. Take both hands and grip each side of the cloth and slide it back and forth. You can do this in a slow or fast motion. Do this to each shoe, making sure to get the sides and the heel.

Now, take that same cloth and spray the softer side twice just enough to cover the cloth. You can wave the cloth to air dry if needed after the soft side has been very lightly sprayed with the alcohol place it on the top of the shoe and glide the cloth over both shoes until you reach your desired shine. Be gentle and don’t press the cloth too hard into the leather.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a professional Shoe Shine! I’m sure your shoes or boots are looking fantastic.

Shining shoes the right way is not as quick as a polish in a bottle, but taking the time and using the proper products not only achieves a great shine, but it restores your shoes’ overall health. I promise, they will last you much longer and stay looking brand new!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and check out the rest of our tips, tricks, and advice to make your events shine at The Shine Blog from Divine Shoe Shine Models!

If you’re looking for a quality event service that will make your marketing strategy shine, Divine Shoe Shine Models is the solution you’re looking for! Divine Shoe Shine Models provides you with a full exhibit service all in one shining package.

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Jeremy

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