How to Shine Shoes Properly

A well-shined shoe can be a necessary addition to work attire or a semi-formal outfit. Shining shoes is also an important step toward ensuring the durability of a favorite pair of leather footwear. Though shoe shining was once a commonly offered service, this practice has become less prevalent and is now increasingly in the hands of the shoe owners to properly shine their shoes. Read on for some tried and tested tips to do the job right.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shoeshine brush or cloth
• Shoe polish
• Shoe polish brush
• Cotton cloth
• Old toothbrush

1. Dampen a cloth or use a shoeshine brush to clean off any dirt or grime that may have accumulated on the exterior of the shoe.

2. Dip a shoe polish brush into a can of polish that matches the color of the shoe. Brush a small amount of polish over the shoe's surface, applying it in a circular motion. The leather should begin to take on a perceptible sheen.

3. Let the shoes sit out for about 15 minutes so that the polish can fully dry.

4. Using a shoeshine brush, go over the leather in even strokes.

5. For a shiny finish, rub the polished shoes with a gentle cotton cloth such as an old, clean shirt or bed sheet.

Tips & Warnings

• An old toothbrush is a helpful tool for applying polish in the harder to reach nooks and crannies of leather shoes. When in doubt, ask a shoe repairman for tips on the best shoe shining products for your particular pair of shoes or boots. And if all else fails, ask him to shine your shoes for you, observing as he does the job so you'll be better prepared to begin honing your own shoe shining skills.
• Refrain from polishing shoes with a suede, buckskin, or patent material as this will damage these types of leather.

Resources

• Askmen.com article with shoe shining tips.
• A webpage devoted to shining shoes properly.