Urban Monarch’s style savvy readers already know the overall importance of being well groomed. What you may not realize is how much attention is paid to the appearance of your shoes.

Most women will tell you a man with clean, well kempt shoes comes across as ‘together’ and someone who takes care of themselves.

Keeping your shoes shined to perfection need not be an expensive, or difficult proposition. As with most things, however, the proper tools are essential.

To begin with, we’ll talk about supplies.

To get a lasting, quality shine you’ll need more than the Kiwi brand ‘dab’ applicator you find at your local grocery store. These cream based polishes simply can’t compete with wax based alternatives.

THE TOOLS

1. Horsehair brush (to avoid scratching the leather)
2. Water bottle (for a quick, initial cleanse)
3. Applicator (a sponge tipped dabber is preferred, but a toothbrush can also suffice)
4. Wax based shoe polish
5. A shammy cloth (specific shoe shine clothes are preferred, but an old, soft tee shirt can also work)

I recently came across a very functional shoe shine kit at my local Rite Aid, that included almost everything above and cost $9.99. It has proven indespensible for travel and would be a great starter kit if you don’t have many of the supplies already.

Basic shoe shine kit: $9.99 @ Rite Aid

THE TECH

1. To begin, use the brush to remove any caked on dirt/debris from the leather and prepare it for the shine.

2. Next, *very lightly* spritz the shoes with water, immediately wiping off with either the shammy cloths or a paper towel

3. Use the dabber to apply a coat of polish to all exposed leather surfaces. A light coat is all that’s required

4. Allow polish to dry, I would suggest 10-15 minutes
5. Use shammy cloth to buff & polish shoes. For best results I recommend quick, back and forth motion while applying firm pressure.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 if necessary to increase brilliance of shine.

Voila; the finished product:

For higher-end shoe shine supplies, visit Shoe Shine Express