Every man needs a nice pair of shoes for formal occasions. However, the prospect of having to shine them when they age can be a daunting one. Luckily, shining a pair of nice shoes is not as difficult as it may seem.
A good way to start is by brushing off dirt and dust. This gets rid of a layer of grime that can make shoes look dull and worn. This could include dust, pieces of grass and bits of dirt. Sometimes, a damp cloth may be required to remove all of the dirt. However, the shoe must be bone dry before it is polished as any excess water will not mix with the wax.
After an initial wipe, a seam brush should be used to reach creases and folds that a rag would miss. It is not necessary to brush the shoe hard. However, it should be brushed thoroughly. It is essential to pay close attention to the area in which the shoe and the sole meets as this is where dirt can easily hide.
Next, the shoe needs to be polished. Only a small amount of polish is required. Once placed on the shoe, the polish should be rubbed all over the shoe in a circular motion. It is essential to ensure that all of the leather parts of the shoe are polished. Following application of polish, the shoe should be left to dry for at least ten minutes.
Lastly, the shoe should be buffed. During this stage of the shoe polishing process, it is okay to be rough. The shoe should be visibly shiny and clean upon completion.
Polished shoes