Do you have a pair of shoes that you love but look a little worse for wear? They could need to be repolished to keep them in top working condition and to keep your outfit looking fresh.
If you have never polished shoes before, and you're unsure where to start, we've got you covered with our nifty guide on polishing your shoes. At Rieker, we will talk you through the process and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Contents
- Does polishing shoes protect them?
- What do you need to polish your shoes at home
- Shoe polish: wax or creme?
- How to polish your shoes step by step?
Does polishing shoes protect them?
Polishing your shoes has many advantages and can help you to retain the shape of your leather shoes and protect them from cracking. Polishing your shoes also helps to keep your shoes in the best possible condition reducing the build of grime and dirt while protecting the leather, so it doesn't crack or lose its original shape.
What exactly do you need to polish your shoes at home?
Although it may be cheaper to polish your shoes at home, you may need to make some minor investments to get the very best results - remember, it'll save on costs in the long run. It's also worth noting that the better products you invest in, the more rewarding your finish will be. So what do you need?
- Shoe Polish
- Polishing Cloth
- Clean Rag
- Horsehair Buffing Brush
- Welt Brush
- Water
- Leather Cleaner (also known as a leather conditioner)
Shoe Polish: Should you pick wax or creme?
When looking out for shoe polish, you will quickly learn that you have two choices of shoe polish: wax and creme. Ultimately the decision will lie in the type of finish you'd like to have, and we've broken them down below.
Shoe Polish Creme
Shoe polish cremes provide a lower level shine while offering protective moisturising elements that are absorbed shortly after applying them to your leather shoes. It is important to note that shoe polish cremes can slightly alter the colour of your leather, but this shouldn't make too much of an impact.
Shoe Polish Wax
If you're looking for a high amount of shine, you need to look for a shoe polish wax. This creates that classic, fresh look and is what we recommend and have used for the next steps.
How to polish your shoes step by step
The Prep
To get the perfect shine, you will need to prepare the shoes correctly, make sure that they have been cleansed from debris, mud or dust. To get the best look, use your horseshoe brush for this step.
Alongside the cleaning prep, you should remove any laces to avoid ruining them.
The Buffing Process
Dampen your wet rag and wipe over the shoes with pressure - it's really important to remove all of the dirt, as this can permanently damage the leather in the polishing process.
Conditioner - Keep it smooth
Leather is a material that, when well kept, can last for generations, so these steps will guide you to the future of durable leather, which is when the leather cleaner comes in. Before you polish, dab minor amounts of leather cleaner onto a damp cloth - trust us, a little goes a long way.
Subtly gliding the conditioner around the leather shoe should lift any remaining dirt and create a layer around the entirety of the shoe. Once covered, let this sink in for around 15 minutes - if the packet says longer, it's best to follow their recommendations.
Add the Polish
Now, get a clean damp polishing cloth alongside your polish, gently scoop a small amount onto the cloth, and apply. The perfect motion is slow, gentle circular rotations. Once correctly applied, a thin layer should cover the shoe, which will need to be set for 20 minutes.
If your shoes aren't in the best condition, you may need to repeat the process a few times to get the best shine.
Buffing
Wait for the recommended time, and then scrub the remainder of the polish off and give the shoes another round of buffing. Feel free to use more pressure now that all the prior dirt has been removed, and you will swiftly start to see your desired shine.
Get the shine
The most satisfying part of this process is getting that 'spit-shine' finish. Simply taking your damp cloth, applying a small amount of polish, and continuing the circular motions will give you that flawless shine - mission achieved.
A fresh coat adds life to your once-worn shoes, making you feel brand new for a fraction of the price. If you are searching for premium shoes that you can look after and polish for years to come, make sure you check out the selection of men's and women's shoes available at Rieker today.
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