Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Simply brush and polish
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Well-polished shoes are an essential part of any outfit, and they make a good impression when you step into a room. There are several ways to polish your shoes - from simply buffing with a chamois to shining with water, or brushing for daredevils with fire. Read on to find out which method appeals to you the most.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Simply brush and polish

1. Apply one last coat of shoe polish. Now you can apply your last coat of shoe polish, using the same technique as before. Your shoes should now be very shiny, as if they were made of glass. If you wish, you can polish the shoes a final time with a chamois or a clean, lint-free cloth.

Tips

• You can brush the shoes between brushings to restore shine and remove dirt.
• If you have shoes in all kinds of colors, you can also buy clear shoe polish instead of colored ones.
• Silicone sponges leave a layer on your shoes that builds up. Only use it when you are traveling.
• For leather heels or soles, use liquid shoe polish.
• Shoe polish builds up on the leather (and can cause it to dull), so it's good to occasionally clean the shoes with saddle soap and leather conditioner.
• Shoe polish contains alcohol. Leather is no different from your skin. If you put alcohol on it, it dries out and can crack. Wax and liquid shoe polish contains more alcohol than creams, so use it accordingly.
• Another way to shine your shoes in an emergency is with a banana peel.
• Use wax if you want extra shine, and liquid shoe polish in between. The wax keeps the leather nice and prevents stains from rain.
• Are you in a hurry? There are also sponges to make your shoes shine very quickly.

Warnings

• The basic technique of shining shoes is effective for normal dress shoes, but if you want real high shine you should use the water or fire methods.
• Shoe polish is messy, so always put newspapers under your shoes when you brush them.

Necessities

• Shoe polish
• Brush
• Soft cloth
• Box to store all your belongings