How to Polish Shoes

You don't have to know how to get them Army-regulation shiny, but you should have some basic training.

Instructions

Step 1: Put down newspaper Put down some newspaper where you are going to work.
Step 2: Brush away dirt Take out the laces and use the shoe brush to remove any dirt from the exterior of your shoes.
Step 3: Wipe shoes down Wipe down your shoes with a damp clean cloth to make sure they're clean.
TIP: If your shoes are especially dirty, you can use a mild cleanser such as saddle soap.
Step 4: Open the polish Open a canister of shoe polish.
TIP: Use a wax polish for a stronger shine—the wax will protect the shoes and help prevent water damage if you wear them in the rain.
Step 5: Ready the rag Wrap a clean rag around your index and middle fingers, making sure that the rag is tight against the pads of your fingertips.
Step 6: Apply polish Dip your rag-covered fingertips into the shoe polish and apply them to your shoe with a circular motion, about one to two inches in diameter.
TIP: Apply the first layer liberally, with lots of shoe polish on your rag.
Step 7: Spit Spit on your shoe where you've just applied polish.
TIP: If the concept of spit-polished shoes revolts you, sprinkle water on instead.
Step 8: Rub Rub the polish into your shoe with your rag-coated fingers, moving them in a circular motion. Apply the polish evenly, and be sure to get into all the creases.
Step 9: Watch the swirls As you rub the polish, you will notice "swirls" appearing in the polished areas. When these swirls disappear, its time to move on to a new area.
Step 10: Apply, wet, and rub the polish on all the other leather areas, until the whole shoe has had a layer of polish applied.
Step 11: Add more layers Add more layers of polish to your shoe, each time using less polish, until your shoes are mirror shiny.
TIP: If your shoes become dull again as fast as you polish, you're likely adding too much water. This is easily corrected by adding more polish to absorb the water.
Step 12: Brush lightly Brush the shoe very lightly with the shoe brush to bring out the best shine.
Step 13: Let them dry Re-lace the shoes and let them dry in a cool room or a shoebox, if available.
FACT: In 2002, the U.S. Marine Corps adopted new boots for its members that don't require polishing.