Leather shoes make your overall styling smart and sophisticated when going to a business meeting and any other events. When you're wearing your shoes frequently to work or school, it's bound to lose its luster and shine over time. As a remedy, we need a shoe polish so that our footwear will look new and clean. You can select between a wax, cream, or liquid-based product to enjoy the coating that you prefer.
Not only does it keep your shoes nice and presentable, but it also extends the life of your shoes by giving them some protection against water and dust. With the growing number of products on the market, deciding on the best one can be challenging. So in this article, we've put together a buying guide and product recommendations on shoe polishes that you can buy online.
Quick List - Top Shoe Polishes
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Table of Contents
Are you ready to make your shoes look like new again? Well, here are some of the essential points to remember when looking for a shoe polish to use.
Three types of shoe polishes are available on the market. You can select between a wax, cream, and liquid-based variant. Each has distinct characteristics but serves a similar purpose. Keep reading to know more about how they differ from one another.
If you're thinking about shoe polishes, a wax-based variant is most likely the first one that will come to mind. The wax-based shoeshine, which is typically packaged in a small shallow tin can, remains to be the norm for polishing footwear.
It has a higher wax content than the other types of shoe polish to achieve a glossy finish when you are polishing your leather shoes. However, higher wax content means less oil content than others, making them a bit harder to buff.
Suppose you just want a clean, matte finish when polishing your shoes- to use for casual or semiformal events, in this case, we recommend a cream shoe polish. It has a higher oil content than a wax-based one making it easier to buff and control. However, it is not as glossy as wax-based.
Cream-based shoes are also great in conditioning the shoes for longer service life. Shoe conditioning means that the polish is not only for shining the shoes but also for protecting the shoes from cracks and damages, especially during weather changes – for instance, the random and sudden rain showers during summer.
Cream-based shoe polish typically comes in a small round jar instead of small round tins. It is used as the first coating because it lays a nice and even layer over the leather. Nonetheless, you can use it as is.
A liquid-based shoe polish is a double-edged sword of sorts. Yes, it is very convenient since most come in an easy-squeeze bottle with a sponge tip. It also adds a somewhat solid color to your shoes when you are coating them.
However, liquid-based shoe polishes can be challenging to handle and difficult to control for several users. Most people avoid using them as their primary shoeshine as they can be a hit or miss in squeezing the right amount of polish.
Beginners usually put too much liquid shoe polish and end up with a very dark layer- potentially wasting the shoeshine itself. Nevertheless, we recommend it for a quick fix solution in case of late notice during events or impromptu meetings and presentations.
Shoe polishes, particularly shoeshines, come in several colors. Matching the color of the shoes with the appropriate shoeshine shade will enhance the color of the leather. Alternatively, a neutral-colored cream can complement any shoe color- from black and brown to blue and white. Using this color of shoe polish can make the shoes look brand new.
Of course, you can mix and match the colors to change the look of your shoes. For example, applying brown-colored cream to black leather shoes will add a brown undertone to the footwear.
However, our advice is to use only a light coating as some brands of shoeshine can stick to the shoes and permanently stain the leather. We highly recommend using wax-based or cream-based polishes for this job, as they are more manageable to use.
An excellent shoe polish does not only give the shoes a glossy finish but also a waterproof one. Water is one of the main causes of easy wear-and-tear of any footwear, especially leather shoes. So a waterproof polish gives extra protection to your shoes from moisture and liquid spills.
It is also noteworthy to go for polishes that last long, so you don't have to reapply or re-polish right away. You can also check out product reviews and ratings from previous buyers in different e-shopping sites to validate the quality of the shoe polish you intend to buy.
When it comes to shining shoes, you must not forget the appropriate tool to pair with your shoe polish in buffing up your boots and shoes. Here are some of the commonly used brushes and take note on why and when to use them.
A horsehair shoe brush works well in both wax and cream-based shoe polishes. Its bristles can also remove any dirt, and small debris stuck in the shoes; hence, many prefer this brush.
With the proper technique, you can achieve either spit shine or regular buff - name it, and the horsehair brush can do it. Spit shine refers to a high gloss coating while a regular buff has a semi-glossy or matte finish.
However, keep in mind that it can be challenging to use when polishing textured leather. Using it on textured leather may cause excess shoe polish to go into the nooks and crannies and result in dirt build-up and unevenness. Still, we recommend picking up a horsehair brush as a primary brushing tool for boots and shoes.
When you are looking for a liquid shoe polish, you'll mostly see a sponge brush as an attachment or inclusion in the package. This type of brush works very well with liquid shoeshine as it can absorb and maintain a somewhat even coating on the surface of the shoes. However, as it doesn't have bristles, it can't shine your shoes.
Most users utilize it as a tool for applying shoe polish to the leather, whether if it is wax, cream, or liquid-based. For best results and shinier leather, use a sponge to spread the shoe polish, and after which, polish it with a horsehair brush.
If you are in a rush going to your work or school and there is no time to shine your old shoes, then an automatic shoe shiner can save your day! It comes in 2 main forms- a handheld electric brush and a big shining machine. Just turn on the button and, voila- you'll have well-polished shoes without any sweat.
Handheld electric shoe brushes are handy and can be operated using either direct electricity or chargeable batteries. It comes with different brush attachments to serve specific polishing or buffing needs. Use this when you are on a business trip, so your shoes remain presentable and ready in any meeting.
For big electric polish, you only need to stick your shoes inside the machine, and you can shine your shoes even while wearing them. Take note that this type of electric shoe polish is quite expensive. It's an excellent investment if you're into the shoe-making or shoe cleaning business.
If you need to shine your shoes but don't have the necessary tools to make it happen, keep looking for the best deals and packages online. It is more cost-effective to buy a set instead of individual purchases.
It is best to get a shoe polish kit consisting of a shoeshine and a brush, as it comes with all of the necessary tools you will need to buff your footwear. It can definitely save you a lot of money in the long run.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kiwi Paste Shoe Polish|Black | ![]() | Waterproof Shoe Polish From a Trusted Household Brand | |
2 | Gumay Deluxe Shoe Care Kit|8-pc Set | ![]() | All-in-One Cleaning Kit Perfect for Traveling | |
3 | Mr. Quickie Liquid Shoe Polish|Neutral | ![]() | Quick and Easy Way to Polish Your Shoes | |
4 | Flower Basket 3 in 1 Shoe Shine Care Kit | ![]() | Starter Polishing Kit That's Budget-Friendly | |
5 | Maximilian Premium Leather Shoe Polish Kit | ![]() | Next Level of Polishing With This Premium Kit | |
6 | Sof Sole White Shoe Polish | ![]() | Liquid Polish for Your White Loafers and Sneakers | |
7 | Kiwi Wax Rich Shine & Protect Instant Polish | ![]() | Achieve a Glossy Finish in a Breeze | |
8 | Dr. Martens Shoe Polish Cream | ![]() | Revive the Original Color of Your Black Shoes | |
9 | Sperry Leather Lotion | ![]() | Pamper the Leather to Stop Scuffing and Cracking | |
10 | Kaps Shoe Care Cream|Neutral | ![]() | Shoe Moisturizer for a Healthy and Glossy Leather |
Known for its taglines, "Wear your pride!" and "With Kiwi, you will really shine!", Kiwi is trusted by many households because it stays true in giving premium shoeshine products. This classic shoe polish contains carnauba wax from a Brazilian palm tree, proven to offer high-gloss and waterproof shine.
This wax offers superior protection from quick scratching and easy wear-and-tear of the leather. Besides black, Kiwi also offers a neutral shade. Keep in mind to close the tin after use, or your wax will become stiff and unusable.
This 8-pc shoe care kit consists of all the items that you'll need for polishing your shoes. This includes 2 kinds of horsehair brushes, a sponge brush, a microfiber cloth, and 2 colors of shoe polish- black and neutral. It is organized in a portable carry case for easy storage and convenience when traveling.
When cleaning, start with one of the horsehair brushes to remove dust and dirt off the shoes. Then dip the microfiber cloth into the shoe polish and wipe it on the shoes to give a matte coating. You can finish it off by using another brush for buffing.
This way, you can easily keep your shoes in tip-top shape. The kit also ocomes with a handy shoehorn to assist you when wearing a new pair of shoes. This is absolutely a must-have for shoe lovers.
True to its promise, Mr. Quickie's liquid shoe polish can provide a long-lasting shine, conditioning, protection as well as a and water-resistant coating on shoes and other leather articles. Besides the neutral shade, it is also available in black and brown.
Since it comes with an easy shake-and-apply bottle, all you need to do is to gently press the bottle and let the sponge tip spread the liquid polish evenly. No need to buff because the liquid polish is enough to give your shoes a glossy surface to protect them from dirt and water.
No budget yet to spend for a full-fledged polishing kit? This bundle is the best option you have. This 3-in-one package comes with a nylon brush for shining, a wax-based shoe polish, and a microfiber cloth to apply the polish with. It may seem basic but this set can do the job to achieve a glossy coat on your shoes.
Aside from the glossy finish, it also offers a waterproof layer to protect the shoes when it's raining. It comes in a black shoeshine to match your favorite black leather shoes or boots. Consider this as a must-have item if you want your leather shoes looking brand new.
Another entry with a complete set of cleaning and polishing tools, Maximilian, is preferred by professional shoemakers and designers. It includes a shoe brush for dirt removal, 2 applicator brushes, a microfiber cloth or flannel as well as 2 variants of shoe polish- black and neutral to cater to the typical leather shoe colors.
These tools are well-organized because the kit comes in a tin box with dividers inside to keep them in place. You'll also get a shoehorn to keep the shape of shoes Don't worry! It's still lightweight, perfect for carrying during travels.
Aside from leather shoes, you can also polish and restore your white sneakers and athletic shoes. The Sole® White Liquid Polish from Sof is created to add a layer of protection to running, biking as well as casual shoes. It has a long-lasting, sponge-tip applicator for a mess-free polishing.
Simply use a damp cloth to remove the dirt from the surface of the shoes. After it dries, squeeze the bottle and apply a thin layer over the shoes as evenly as you can. Do it in a circular motion to get the best results. This liquid polish can be used all over your shoes for full protection.
Another entry from Kiwi is this liquid instant shoe polish. It can give a long-lasting, smooth, and shiny finish that you need when reporting to work or school. Despite being liquefied, the carnauba wax is concentrated enough to give the gloss you always wanted.
It comes in an easy-squeeze bottle and a sponge tip - just gently press it and wipe it all over the shoes. As expected from a trusted brand, it is cost-efficient and of great quality. It has garnered good reviews and high star ratings from previous buyers, so you can never go wrong.
Dr. Martens' leather boots became a trendy school shoes in the Philippines back in the '90s, and now, it's slowly regaining its popularity for their quality. And the good thing? It has expanded its market with this polish cream that is useful and effective not only with its own products but also with other leather shoe brands, too!
This black shoe polish cream can make your shoe's surface smooth and glossy. Also, it promises to revive the original color of the shoes once applied. It also nourishes the leather to keep it in good condition and protects the footwear from liquid or dirt that may damage the shoes.
Another shoe care product from a well-known shoe brand is this Sperry Leather Lotion. It is created to moisturize any leather footwear, besides providing a glossy or semi-glossy surface. The lotion can help prevent drying of the leather that can lead to cracks and scuffs on the shoes and shorten their service life.
Available in natural color, just pour a liberal amount on a soft cloth and gently wipe on the shoes to see the amazing results. Apply it regularly to all types of leather shoes, such as boat shoes, penny loafers, boots, oxfords, and flats. Keep in mind not to use it on suede and nubuck shoes.
Locking down the top 10 list is Kaps delicate shoe cream! Manufactured in Europe, it is formulated with a natural wax that is transformed into cream to rejuvenate leather-skinned shoes, for a brand-new look! It also helps to recover the original color of the shoes while giving a shiny finish!
One of the brand's highlights is the 6 color options available that will cater to various leather shoe colors! Besides the normal leather hues, it is also available in bordeaux or maroon and navy blue. Keep in mind to remove the dirt and wipe the shoes with a wet cloth first before applying the cream.
Shoe polishing is just one of the many ways to take care of your footwear. Here are other essential items to try so you can give proper care for your shoes, as well as your feet. Click the links below and take some time to review our other buying guides and product recommendations.
Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
No. 1: Kiwi|Paste Shoe Polish|Black
No. 2: Gumay|Deluxe Shoe Care Kit|8-pc Set
No. 3: Mr. Quickie|Liquid Shoe Polish|Neutral
No. 4: Flower Basket|3 in 1 Shoe Shine Care Kit
No. 5: Maximilian|Premium Leather Shoe Polish Kit
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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