5 essential steps to polish your leather shoes like a pro

Polishing your leather shoes is a simple but important measure to prolong their life and renew their shine. Many people neglect this task, but it is essential to keep your shoes immaculate, whether they are classic street shoes or leather trainers.

Find all the quick and easy steps to polish your leather shoes in our comprehensive guide. To get started, you should first make sure you have a protected work area and good lighting so that you can treat every surface of your shoe carefully. Besides, place a towel or newspaper on your table or the floor to avoid stains. And now follow the guide!

⁰¹ Step 1: Prepare and clean your shoes

Before you start waxing, it is important that you prepare your shoes. Remove the laces so that you can clean the entire surface of the leather and avoid stains from the shoe polish. Then dust your shoes with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt, residue and accumulated layers of wax. This basic cleaning is important so that the shoe polish adheres well and scratches on the leather are avoided.

Our tip: A microfibre cloth or a horsehair brush are the perfect tools for this first step.

⁰² Step 2: Apply a nourishing cream

Before you apply the shoe polish, you should first use a nourishing cream for leather. This step will moisturise the material and protect it from drying out, especially if it has been exposed to rain. Apply the cream to the entire surface of the shoe with a soft cloth in small, circular movements. Leave the cream on for a few minutes so that the leather can absorb the product well.

⁰³ Step 3: Apply the shoe polish

Once the cream has been absorbed, it is time to apply the shoe polish. The purpose of the shoe polish is to protect the leather and give it a certain shine at the same time. Firstly, insert shoe trees into your shoes to stretch the leather and achieve an even result during the waxing process. Then, using a cloth or shoe brush, take a small amount of shoe polish and apply it lightly in a circular motion. Do not overload the shoe with the material: a thin layer is enough to achieve an optimum result.

Our tip: Poor quality shoe polish can dull or damage the leather. It is therefore better to use a high-quality shoe polish that matches the colour of your shoes. For more unusual shades or for shoes that contain several colours, you should choose a colourless shoe polish.

⁰⁴ Step 4: Allow to dry and polish

Allow the shoe polish to dry for 10 to 15 minutes so that it can absorb well into the leather. Once dry, it's time to polish your shoes to give them that coveted shine. To do this, take a polishing brush and rub your shoes with quick, light movements to bring out the natural shine of the leather. For an even shinier finish, finish with a soft cotton cloth.

Our tip: A few minutes of polishing is enough to achieve an optimum shine. However, you can extend it if you are looking for a mirror effect, which is popular for special occasions.

⁰⁵ Step 5: Maintain your shoes regularly

How often should you clean your shoes? To keep your leather shoes looking like new, you should repeat the ritual of cleaning your shoes every month, or even more often if you wear them regularly. Between shoe cleaning sessions, a light wipe with a damp cloth can help to maintain the shine of your shoes. Finally, don't forget to put shoe trees in your shoes to maintain their shape and prevent creases.

Our tip: Use wooden shoe trees to absorb moisture and keep the leather supple.