Do I need to clean my shoes before polishing them?
Yes. You can take a damp cloth and wipe away any visible dirt. If they’re very dirty or have stains, you can use saddle soap, like Fiebing’s, that can be applied using a slightly damp dauber brush. Rub the brush in the soap until you get a light lather and then apply on the shoes. Wipe away with a dry cloth. Now you’re ready to condition the shoes followed by shining them.
How often should you polish your shoes?Â
“That’s the age old question,” Pecorella said. “It differs by person and wear. If you wear the same shoes every day, once every two to six weeks. If you alternate shoes, maybe once a month to two months. It really is based on the eye test and nobody knows your shoes better than you do.”
When should I use a wax polish versus a cream polish?Â
According to a Saphir rep I spoke with, cream polish is more for nourishing and recoloring, while wax polish is for creating a high shine. Wax is mainly for dress footwear where you want a high gloss.
Can wax polish damage my shoes?Â
Tony Pecorella warns that wax polish, unlike cream, doesn’t moisturize the leather and can build up over time and dry the leather out. Cream polish won’t harm the leather, even if used frequently.Â
What’s the difference between leather and suede or nubuck?Â
The obvious distinction between leather, suede, or nubuck is the shine factor. Leather is usually glossy, while suede and nubuck have more of a matte finish. Suede and nubuck are buffed in an abrasive process that makes them feel thinner and softer. Leather on the other hand is smooth, and thus more water resistant. For tips on maintaining your suede dress shoes instead, see our guide on how to clean suede shoes.
Should you polish brand new shoes?Â
Preparing to put on a brand new pair of leather shoes doesn’t warrant a full shoe shine. According to The Shoe Snob, conditioning them before the pores have had time to open can cause the leather to crack. If you’re really intent on bringing out the shine on a new pair, try testing a small amount of conditioner on the inside heel. If it doesn’t darken, then you can try adding a small amount of conditioner and wax polish to the heels and toes.
How long should you let shoe polish dry?Â
Firstly, it needs to be said that you’re not going to to be able to speed up the drying process with a hairdryer, because the concentrated airflow will only spread the polish unevenly, and even low heat can dry the leather out. Give yourself ample time before you step out in a freshly polished pair. Once you’ve conditioned the leather, let the formula absorb for about 10-20 minutes before you apply the first coat of polish. Let this coat dry for another 10-20 minutes before you decide if it needs another thin layer. After another interval of 10-20 minutes of air drying, then you can use your horsehair brush to buff the leather and achieve an even shine.
