How to polish your shoes like a pro
What's the story
Polishing shoes is a crucial skill that can amp up your look and add years to your shoes. Be it for an important job interview or just for maintaining your footwear, knowing how to effectively polish the shoes can prove to be a boon. Here's how you can get professional shine in just minutes with some simple tricks and readily available stuff.
Preparation
Gather your materials
Before you start, make sure you have all the materials: shoe polish of the color of your shoes, a soft cloth/brush for applying polish, another clean cloth for buffing, and optionally a shoe tree to maintain the shape of shoes during polishing. Having everything in place will make the process easy and get you better results quickly.
Cleaning
Clean your shoes thoroughly
Begin by wiping off any dirt or dust from your shoes with a damp cloth or brush. This first step is essential as it prevents the debris from scratching the leather when polishing. However, ensure that the shoes are completely dry before you move on to the next step. This is applying polish. This preparation leads to a smooth and even finish, making your shoe maintenance routine even more effective.
Application
Apply polish evenly
Using a soft cloth or applicator brush, apply a small amount of shoe polish onto the leather in circular motions. Make sure to cover all areas evenly without overloading any section with excess product. Let the polish sit for five minutes so that it can penetrate and nourish the leather.
Buffing
Buff for shine
After the polish has absorbed, take a fresh cloth and start buffing each shoe's surface with vigorous, circular motions. This step is essential for a professional shine as it removes any excess polish and smooths out streaks from the application process. The action not only improves the shoe's appearance but also ensures an even distribution of the polish, resulting in a lasting shine.
Finishing
Final touches with shoe brush
For an extra glossy finish, a horsehair shoe brush is key after the initial cloth buffing. Carefully sweep it across each shoe's surface with quick, light strokes. This method not only enhances the shine but also ensures the remaining polish spreads evenly across the leather. It's a gentle yet effective way to achieve a professional-grade luster without damaging the material. This step is crucial for that final, eye-catching gleam on your footwear.