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The Best Way to Shine Leather Shoes

Mar 16, 2011 / By Eleanor Jewell

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What stands out about you? Is it your fierce hair color, mesmerizing looks or keen sense of fashion? Maybe it's the whole package -- or maybe it's your shoes! A good pair of stylish leather shoes is timeless, especially if the leather shoes are classic chic capable of spanning several years of couture. Such eye catchers demand impeccable care, and the best way to keep your leather shoes looking totally hot is to keep them clean and shine them regularly.

Run a clean cotton cloth under lukewarm water, wring it out and wipe down each of your leather shoes, removing dirt and debris. If you can't get in the crevices, wet a cotton swab and use it to get out the grime. The leather looks better already, right? Well, that's just the beginning!

Now it's time for the shoe polish. Choose a leather shoe polish cream that matches the color of your leather shoes. Dip a clean cotton cloth into the polish and rub it over each leather shoe using circular motions. Keep circling until you cover the leather with an even layer of polish. Once again, if you can't get in the crevices, a cotton swab is the best candidate for the job.

Kick-up the shine with a shoe brush. Rub the shoe brush over your shoes using a back-and-forth motion. The brush will shine your shoes uber bright and brush away any polish that the leather hasn't absorbed. Keep brushing your leather shoes to a mirror finish and then give the leather one last buff with a clean cotton cloth. How's that for shine?

1.Cotton cloths

3.Leather shoe polish cream

2.Cotton swabs

4.Leather shoe brush

If you don't have any cotton cloths, rip-up an old T-shirt. It will work just as well.

Is the process messier than you thought? Work outside or lay an old sheet or drop cloth over your work surface to keep it clean.

Shine your leather shoes at least once a month to keep the leather supple.

You've spent a lot of hard-earned cash on your leather, so don't skimp on the leather shoe brush. Avoid synthetic and go for natural horsehair bristles. The natural bristles will shine your shoes without harming the leather.