How to Polish Black Leather Shoes

Shiny shoes create a good impression.

Black leather shoes cost considerably more than a synthetic pair, but they can last virtually forever if cared for properly. Highly polished leather shoes or boots are often associated with the military, where this is a requirement. Apart from the military association, a well-polished pair of shoes create a good impression, seeming to signify a person who is diligent in other areas of her life. If leather shoes are cared for, cleaned, polished and repaired when necessary, they will prove a good investment.

Things You'll Need

• Regular shoe brush
• Horsehair brush
• Vinegar
• 2 cotton cloths
• Container of saddle soap
• Leather conditioner
• Polish
• Tooth brush
• Gloss

Instructions

Cleaning the Shoes

1. 

   Undiluted vinegar can be used to strip off layers of old polish.

   Brush off any dirt or dust from the shoes. Strip the old polish from the shoes, if you have not done this for a while. Remove the shoelaces. Rub each shoe in turn with a little vinegar on one of the cotton cloths. Rub in small circles. The shoes will become dull, but this is good, it means that you are removing old polish. Wipe over with water to remove traces of the vinegar.

2. Allow the shoes to dry completely. Using a toothbrush and the saddle soap, clean the shoes well. Do not forget the area between the sole and the upper part of the shoe when cleaning and polishing. Allow to dry. Apply the shoe conditioner with a cloth. Wipe off the excess. Allow the shoes to dry.

3. Apply the polish to small areas of the shoe with a cloth. Cover all of the shoes. Leave on for 20 minutes so the polish can bond with the leather. Polish with the coarser brush. Repeat the process again, if you want an even better shine.

4. Finally, polish with the soft horsehair brush. If you want a high gloss, apply a gloss preparation, when the layers of polish have dried.

References

• Jontillman.com: Polish Shoes and Boots
• The Butler Bureau: Shoe shine and care