How to shine shoes?
Congrats on getting a pair of shoes worth shining. Take good care of them, and they will last you a long time. But where do we start? Here's my life lesson learned.
Assembling a kit
I only use Saphir, but other brands are fine too.
- Shoe Shine Brush (horsehair bristles)
I have a different brush and sponge for each shoe color, so they don't mix. - Polishing cloth
I actually got mine from Edward Green, but they don't seem to sell it online (anymore?). - Saphir Renovateur (Cleaner/Conditioner)
- Saphir Pommadier Cream Shoe Polish
- Saphir Pate de Luxe Wax Shoe Polish
- Small sponge cubes (you could replace sponges with small dauber brushes if you like)
Instructions
Spoiler Alert: there is a lot of brushing
- Remove laces
- Brush shoe to remove debris
- Use sponge to apply cleaner and conditioner
- Wait for to them dry then brush
- Use sponge to apply shoe polish, which restores pigment. Don't worry, it's not that strong.
- Wait for to them dry then brush again
- Use cloth to apply wax, which protects the shoe. The trick is to dab the cloth on wax, then use your finger to dab droplets of water onto shoe, and then apply wax in circular motion. The rubbing/friction produces heat, which enhances the shine.
- Wait for to them dry then brush some more
- ???
- Profit?
A video is worth a million words?
Here are some videos that will help reinforce the steps.
I was very fortunate to meet Lauren Faulkner, master polisher at Edward Green. EG was hosting a trunk shoe at Leffot, and she was there to demonstrate proper shoe shining techniques. I was the only one that showed up for the midday session, so I basically had a 1-on-1 lesson. She said she uses sponges to apply the cleaner and cream because it's easier for her. I also ask her why I can't get as good of a shine with a cotton cloth. She gave me a polishing cloth and I have been using it ever since.
The John Lobb video below most resembles the session I had with Lauren.