How to Polish Shoes

Bring a shine back to leather shoes with cleaning, polish, and buffing.

  1. Clean off dirt

    Remove the laces, then wipe the shoes with a slightly damp cloth or soft brush to clear dust and grime. Let them dry fully before polishing.

  2. Apply polish

    Pick a wax or cream polish that matches the leather color (or neutral). Use a soft cloth or applicator brush to rub a thin layer in small circles over the whole shoe.

  3. Let it set

    Leave the polish to dry for 10-15 minutes so it can soak in and harden slightly. This is what creates the shine.

  4. Buff to a shine

    Use a clean horsehair brush or cloth to buff briskly back and forth across the leather. For extra gloss, finish by rubbing with a soft cloth dampened with a tiny bit of water.

  5. Re-lace and store

    Put the laces back in and store the shoes with cedar shoe trees if you have them to hold their shape and absorb moisture.