Nothing ruins a smart outfit quite like unpolished shoes!
But, where do you start when it comes to shoe polishing, what’s the best way to apply polish and what steps should you follow to achieve a mirror shine? Worry not, there’s no need to take your prized leather beauties to a professional in order to get them squeaky clean.
Featuring all the essentials you’ll need along with top tips and expert advice to keep in mind, you can learn how to polish and shine leather shoes and boots at home with our step-by-step guide. Stay tuned for our simple six-step method…
What you’ll need:
Let’s start with what you’ll need to create your own at-home shoe-polishing kit:
- Shoe polish
- Shoe brushes
- Renovating cream
- Shoe cloth
- Newspaper
1. Set up your shoe-polishing station
Firstly, the polish. Shoe polishes are available in wax, cream and liquid forms. Whereas the first two options are heavier and will protect the shoes from water damage, liquid polishes are ideal for a quick and easy shine. It’s best to choose a polish that matches the colour of your shoes for a smooth, seamless finish that doesn’t affect their original colour; some popular shades include navy, dark or light tan, burgundy and neutral.
Next, shoe brushes. A short-bristled brush or an old toothbrush are both good options for those hard-to-reach areas. However, you’ll also want a brush with longer, softer bristles to brush off the excess polish from the shoes and really work the product into the leather.
You’ll also need a soft, lint-free cloth to add that shiny finish to your polished shoes. Finally, don’t forget to cover your workspace with newspaper to protect your floor and furniture.
2. Give your shoes an initial clean
It may sound obvious but start off by removing any dirt and dust – you don’t want this to get trapped under the polish. For in-depth instructions on cleaning, check out our complete guide.
Top tip: You may want to remove any laces from your shoes at this point to prevent polish from getting on them.
3. Condition with renovating cream
Using a small amount on a soft cloth, prime your shoes with the leather renovating cream. Apply a thin layer and leave to absorb for around 15 minutes. This conditioning cream will help remove marks and restore colour in faded areas, revitalising tired-looking leather shoes and preventing them drying out.
4. Polish, polish, polish!
If you’re unsure how to use shoe polish and are a little apprehensive to make that first swipe, we’ve got you covered – you’ll be surprised at how easy it is!
Using a clean, soft cloth or a shoe polishing brush with stiff, short bristles, apply the first round of polish. Pick up a small amount of polish at a time and rub it into the leather with slow, circular motions. Apply a medium pressure and make sure to coat the surface evenly.
Pay particular attention to the toe and heel as these are often the most worn areas. Only coat the shoe in a thin layer of polish; however, if the shoe is looking dull, then apply another layer and leave to dry for 20 minutes.
Top tip: If you’re opting for the cloth method, try wrapping it around your index and middle fingers, using them to work the polish into the shoes. You can use a toothbrush or a cotton bud for those hard-to-reach places!
5. Buff and brush again
Once the polish has been absorbed by your leather shoes, it’s time to buff to remove any excess with your soft-bristled brush. Use quick, short strokes and don’t be afraid to use some force! Vigorous brush strokes help to sink the polish into the leather.
Top tip: Focus on using force from your wrist, creating quick brush flicks back and forth.
6. The finishing shine
Now all that’s left is to polish your shoes to a mirror shine. Using a clean, soft cloth, buff your shoes gently. Place one hand on either end of the cloth and work it backwards and forwards across the shoe in a side-to-side motion.
For a shine that rivals the Crown Jewels, repeat the whole process, building up polish and buffing with gusto until the leather is left with a beautiful finish.
Shoe polishing FAQs
Taking care of your leather shoes is a sure way to help them last. If you want to know more about shoe polishing, check out the answers to the most-asked questions, below.
Why is it important to polish leather shoes?
Leather needs to be treated to remain in good condition. Conditioning and polishing your shoes will help to protect the material and keep them from cracking or losing shape over time. You’ll want your leather shoes to be an investment, so take care of them!
How often should you polish your shoes?
If you’re wearing the same shoes on a regular basis, polishing every couple of months will help to preserve them and keep them in good condition. For shoes that you only wear occasionally, every six months will be enough to restore their shine.
Can you polish suede shoes?
The simple answer – no! You should never treat suede shoes the same way you treat leather, as suede is a much more delicate material. For everything you need to know about taking care of your suede shoes, refer to our useful beginner’s guide, here.
Et voila! That’s how to polish your leather shoes to a beautiful mirror shine. We hope you enjoyed our shoe polishing guide, and if you did – don’t forget to check out our other how-to guides right here.
For affordable shoe care products and polish that will ensure your favourite footwear stays looking as good as the day you bought it, discover the online range at Wynsors, featuring reliable brands like Cherry Blossom.
