Some Dandis liked the smell of magic markers when they were growing up, me, I was a little obsessed with the smell of Kiwi Shoe Polish, still am a little bit, but less so if I’m not polishing my shoes (lol). ‘Tis the season to start wearing your heavier boots and leather shoes Dandis, so it also the season to take good care of them. Not to say your spring/summer shoes shouldn’t get the same attention and love, but more than likely most of them are canvas and need a different kind of care.
Which also goes for leathers that are made from more exotic skins. I would suggest you get those done by a professional whether that be a shoe shop or skilled old-time shoe shiner that can be found in Barber Shops or airports. But for shoe care at home I always use Kiwi… My dad used it and I have followed suit. He was a Marine so he could really get an amazing ‘spit-shine’ on his shoes. I don’t care so much for a shine so glossy I can clean my teeth after dinner but I do know that there is nothing the girls like more than a Dandi who loves shoes and keeps them to perfection.
I tend to polish my shoes at least once a month, however if they have been in dusty area, like an outdoor concert or a hike for a romantic picnic, I will polish them right before I wear them again.
Instructions for getting the best polish:
1) Clean you shoes first with a shoe brush or cloth.
2) To really do it right remove laces (I tend not to have the time).
3) With a slightly dampened tip of the cloth get an ample amount on your rag and spread it over the entire shoe.
4) Buff it into perfection using a natural brush …or
5) Using a different cloth and a sprinkle of water on the shoe buff it side to side across the toe, vamp and back until you generate desired shine, use brush for sides.
Photos courtesy of:
kiwicare.com
flypaper.bluefly.com
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