When we say a gentleman always puts his best foot forward, we mean it literally. If you’re taking the time and money to invest in a great pair of shoes, it’s important to maintain them. I’m not a details kind of guy, is a poor excuse for overlooking dirt and scuffs on your shoes. A simple shine monthly using these eight basic steps on how to shine shoes will suffice. Because a freshly polished pair of eight-year-old dress shoes (like the one used in this tutorial) looks better than a neglected newer shoe.

Step 1: Gather your materials.

Most necessary shoe care products can be purchased at a drug store, or otherwise at a shoe boutique or repair shop.

Newspaper or towel

• Shoe polish
• Polish dauber (applicator) or cloth
• Horsehair shine brush
• Shoe shine cloth
• Heel and Sole Edge Renewal
• Leather Dye
• Scuff Cover
• Premiere Shine (optional)

Rubber gloves — These aren’t necessary, but the polish can dye your skin and nails, and no professional wants to shake the hand of someone with dirty fingernails.

Shoe polish: Kiwi and Lincoln are quality brands at inexpensive prices. If you’re more comfortable with a high-end brand for your finest shoes, try Saphir or John Lobb. You should have one large container for the main color of shoe you wear (typically black) and then smaller tins in brown, neutral, and cordovan.

Polish dauber or cloth: You can substitute a brush for an old t-shirt, hand towel, or any cotton cloth. Make sure you have one for each color of polish.

Horsehair shine brush: Again, get one for each color of polish.

Heel and Sole Edge Renewal

Leather Dye

Scuff Cover

Premiere Shine

Step 2: Lay down old newspaper or towel.

Pieces of the polish and shoe dye will flake off and can stain surfaces.

Step 3: Clean off your shoes with a damp cloth or shoe soap.

Shoe soap is more for removing any salty residue that lands on your shoes in the winter months.

A damp cloth works well for any dust or light dirt.

Optional: If you have any scratches or scuffs, apply a leather dye and scuff cover.

This is great to use on belts, too, where an office ID badge clip may have caused wear.

Step 4:  Apply shoe polish with a dauber or cloth in small circular motions.

 Be sure to cover all surfaces (creases, tongue, etc.) and apply a liberal amount.

If using a cloth, wrap it tightly around a finger or two.

Step 5:  Use shine brush.

Do not apply a lot of pressure or rub. Use a light motion and ensure just the tips of the bristles are touching the leather.

Step 6: Shoe shine cloth.

Put your shoe on, and stabilize your foot up on a box, or the edge of a table, chair, or step.

Begin using the rough side of the cloth, polish the entire shoe, and then switch to the smooth side for that final high-sheen.

Step 7:  Apply heel and sole edge renewal.

…to the heel and edge of the sole.

Optional: Apply Premiere Shine in neutral shade for an ultra glossy finish.

Step 8:  Final wipe down.

The difference is undeniable.

Posted By: Jess