When polishing leather shoes, you need to choose between four basic forms of shoe polish: wax, paste, liquid and cream. There are pros and cons to each option. Liquid polish dries quickly, but it does not come in a wide selection of colors or last as long as wax, paste and cream polishes. Wax polish is recommended for shoes that are regularly exposed to the elements. It protects leather shoes from rain and moisture and usually gives the shoes a glossy shine. However, certain types of wax polish can cause leather shoes to dry out. (Quality wax polish can actually be used as a conditioner!)
It is important to choose a polish that matches the color of your shoes. Be sure to try the polish on a discreet “tester” area of the shoe before brushing it across the entire leather upper. Once you are confident that you’ve found an appropriate pigment, you are ready to apply the polish.
Shoe polish can be applied either using a cloth or a brush. If you decide to use a brush, make sure that the bristles will not damage the leather. It is best to purchase a special “shoe shining” brush in a shoe shop. It should have soft, thick bristles. In order to polish your shoes properly, you will need two brushes (or two cloths, if you go that route). Take the first brush or rag and dip it in the polish. Firmly brush or rub the polish across the shoe, being careful to work the polish into the shoe’s crevices. Apply more polish as needed. Once you have applied the polish, take the second brush or rag and buff the polishing job you’ve just done. Some people who polish their shoes using brushes, apply the polish with the first brush, buff the shoes with the second brush and then finish by buffing the shoes with a rag to give the shoes a first-rate shine. Buffing your shoes with a clean brush or rag is absolutely essential; if you don’t remove the excess polish you will wind up with pant cuffs dyed to match your shoes!
