Everything you need to know about polishing leather shoes

How to care for leather shoes?

Good quality leather is a durable material that, thanks to its phenomenal durability, can serve you for many years... on one condition - that you take proper care of it.

Taking care of leather shoes involves, first of all, impregnation of the shoes, which should be done before wearing them outdoors for the first time. Polishing and polishing your shoes is equally important to help keep them looking great. 

In our guide, we have collected answers to the most frequently asked questions in this regard. Let's get started!

Why is it worth polishing leather shoes?

Are you wondering why it is worth polishing leather shoes? It's simple!

First of all, polishing your leather shoes will help you keep them in pristine condition, and you will look neat and aesthetic regardless of the circumstances. Shoe polish will bring out the natural beauty of the leather, making your shoes shine fantastically.

Secondly, regularly polished shoes are much easier to maintain. This is a great way to save a lot of time cleaning them. All thanks to the natural protective barrier created by the paste on the upper of the shoe. As a result, your shoes are not as exposed to moisture, dirt and other contaminants as if they were not polished. 

Thirdly, by polishing you can protect your shoes against stains, damage and scratches. Additionally, polishing the shoes will bring out the color and make them shine, while preventing fading caused by the passage of time. 

Moreover, if your leather shoes have any scratches or abrasions, a good quality shoe polish will help you deal with them. Remember, however, that time is your friend in this case and the sooner you take action, the greater the probability that you will remove these minor damages.

Plus, polishing your shoes is a great way to relax. Many people find this process very calming and therapeutic.

How often should you polish your shoes?

Now that you know why you should polish your shoes, you're probably wondering how often you should do it to get the best results. Basically, the frequency depends on how often you wear a given pair of shoes. If you wear them every day, polish them at least once or twice a month. For shoes that are worn less frequently, polishing should be done at least once or twice a year. 

Don't be afraid to trust your intuition. As soon as you see that your shoes are starting to fade and lose their natural shine, stock up on shoe polish and breathe life into them again.

However, do not forget that regular polishing does not exempt you from cleaning your leather shoes. It is best to wipe the upper and sole with a damp cloth every day or several times a week to remove dirt.

How to polish leather shoes?

To polish your leather shoes you will need:

• leather conditioner that will soften and impregnate the leather
• leather shoe polish - creamy for a delicate shine and perfect hydration or waxy for maximum shine and maximum protection
• a soft horsehair brush or a microfiber cloth (you can replace it with an old T-shirt) that will help you shine your leather shoes
• a clean cloth to wipe off shoe polish residue

How to polish leather shoes?

Polishing leather shoes is not as difficult a task as it may seem at first. We explain step by step how to go through this process to enjoy the best results.

Step 1. Prepare your shoes

First of all, it is worth preparing your shoes properly. This will not only make your task easier, but also distribute the product evenly. Get rid of the laces to gain better access to the entire upper. 

If you want to keep the original shape of the shoe, insert wooden shoe trees or replace them with rolled up newspapers or socks. 

Step 2. Get rid of impurities

Before you start, you need to get rid of all impurities from the skin surface. Thanks to this, the upper will be properly prepared for operation, which will prevent unsightly stains and discoloration.

To do this, use a damp cloth or brush that will allow you to effectively remove dust and dirt. Don't skip any parts where dirt may accumulate. If you used a damp cloth, be sure to wait until your shoes are completely dry. 

Step 3. Address your nutrition

The next stage is to nourish the shoes using a dedicated product. This will keep the shoes in perfect condition and protect them against cracks. 

Apply an even layer of conditioner over the entire shoe using a microfiber cloth. Wait about 5 minutes and wipe off excess product. Then wait until your shoes are completely dry and the conditioner is absorbed into their surface.

Step 4. Polish your shoes

Finally time for polishing! Choose a high-quality leather shoe polish and apply a small amount to the upper. Use a clean microfiber cloth for this purpose. Then, in circular motions, evenly rub the surface of the shoe, piece by piece, making sure that the product reaches all the nooks and crannies.

Step 5. Polish your shoes

Once you've finished polishing, start polishing your leather shoes. Move the previously prepared dry microfiber cloth or horsehair brush in one direction to remove any remaining polish and make the shoes shine. After a while, change direction.

Wait until your shoes are completely dry. Place them in a well-ventilated room. During this time, do not expose your shoes to direct sunlight or other heat sources, e.g. a radiator. Ready! Your shoes are perfectly polished and you can enjoy an impeccable look.