The gentleman’s guide to shine your shoes like a pro

Shoe shining is a simple process that can help to keep your leather shoes looking their best. Here is a guide on how to shine your leather shoes:

1. Clean the shoes: Before you begin shining your shoes, make sure they are clean and free of dirt and debris. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt, and then let the shoes dry completely.

2. Apply a leather conditioner: Leather can dry out over time, so it's important to use a leather conditioner before shining your shoes. This will help to keep the leather soft and supple, and will also make it easier to achieve a high shine.

3. Apply shoe polish: Use a small amount of shoe polish and rub it into the leather using a horsehair brush. The polish should be the same color as the leather, or slightly darker. The brush will help to work the polish into the leather and bring out its natural color.

4. Buff the shoes: Once the polish is dry, buff the shoes with a soft cloth or horsehair brush. This will help to remove any excess polish and will also create a nice shine.

5. Apply a final coat of wax: To give your shoes a high shine, apply a small amount of wax to the leather and buff the shoes again with a soft cloth. The wax will help to seal in the shine and protect the leather from scuffs and scratches.

Note: If you are using shoe cream instead of polish, it needs to be buffed in with a buffing brush before polishing with horsehair brush.

Additional tips:

• Always test the polish on an inconspicuous area of the shoe to make sure it doesn't discolor the leather.
• Avoid using water and cleaning products too often on leather shoes, as it can damage the leather over time.
• Keep the leather moist by using a leather conditioner,and try to avoid exposing them to too much sunlight or heat.

By following these steps, you'll be able to keep your leather shoes looking great for years to come.