No matter your personal style - whether you're a suave gentleman who loves suits and formal wear or someone who leans towards the laid-back vibe of jeans—you likely own at least one pair of leather shoes. It’s a universal truth: when a girl doesn’t know you, the first thing she often notices is your shoes. It’s almost instinctive. And let’s be honest, a pair of dirty, mud-splattered shoes after a rainy day, neglected by their owner, is just unacceptable!
In the past, I used to rely on the shoe shiners who frequented cafes. However, after some research and hands-on experimentation, I decided to invest in a comprehensive shoe care kit for home use. This kit includes a horsehair brush, a polish applicator brush, shoe polish, and more. I picked these items up at a shoe care store located at 367 Kim Ma in Hanoi. Most of the products are from Woly, a reputable German brand, and they offer specialized items like water-repellent sprays and gloss creams.
The steps for polishing your shoes are incredibly straightforward, so why not give it a shot? After all, a man should take pride in the items he uses every day.
Note: This is just an example; you don’t need all those tools!
Start by laying out your tools. In my opinion, a horsehair brush is ideal because it’s durable and can tackle dirt without damaging the leather. You’ll also need a few soft cloths. While the store sells specialized cloths, they can be pricey and aren't really necessary; a few old T-shirts will do just fine. The polish applicator brush is optional since you can also use a soft cloth to apply the polish evenly on your shoes. Lastly, make sure to select a polish color that matches your shoes to avoid any accidental "dye jobs."
Clean Your Shoes
Before you start, cover the floor with old newspapers or towels to catch any dust or polish that might fall. Use a clean, slightly damp cloth (100% cotton is best) to thoroughly wipe down the entire surface of your shoes to remove any dirt (don’t forget to take off the laces!). Wait about 2-3 minutes for the shoes to dry before moving on to the next step. This is crucial; applying polish on dirty shoes can scratch the leather.
Apply the Polish
Using the cloth, pick up a small amount of shoe polish (if using an applicator brush, just dip it enough to coat the brush thinly). Then, apply the polish evenly on the shoes using circular motions, paying special attention to areas like the toe, heel, and the body of the shoe around the eyelets.
Polish the Shoes
Take the horsehair brush and vigorously brush the entire surface of the shoes in a zigzag pattern. The harder you brush, the shinier your shoes will become. However, be mindful to use moderate pressure to avoid overdoing it. 😄
Wipe Clean
Finally, wipe the shoes clean with another cloth to remove any excess polish. Your shoes will look significantly shinier and be ready to serve their owner in top condition. 😄
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