1. Kiwi Shoe Shine Kit
2. Saphir Medaille d’Or Pommadier Natural Cream Leather Shoe Polish
3. Kiwi Express Shine Sponge
4. Kelly’s Shoe Cream Professional Shoe Polish
5. Kiwi Shoe Whitener
6. Saphir Creme Surfine Pommadier Shoe Polish
7. Kiwi Color Shine Liquid Polish
8. Saphir Pate De Luxe Shoe Polish
9. Fiebing Edge Dressing Leather Soles and Heels
10. OrthoStep Boot and Shoe Cream Polish
Shoe Polish Buying Guide And FAQ
Features To Look For In Best Shoe Polishes
Before deciding which is the best shoe polish for you, make sure you check out these key features to get a better idea of what you should always look for.
Color - Whether you use shoe paint or shoe polish, you need to make sure that the color of the product matches the color of your shoes.
It may sound obvious if you are experienced with using shoe polish. However, if you order without first considering the color of the polish, you could be in for a terrible time. You are unlikely to ever find an exact match for the color of your shoes. This is okay, though, as you should still aim to match the color as close as you can to accentuate the existing color and make it more dynamic, restoring it as close as you can to how the shoes looked when brand new.
With this in mind, tan shoe polish is perfect for tan shoes. Likewise, the black polish is suitable for black shoes only, red shoe polish for red leather, and so on. Most products come with a wide variety of color options so you can be sure you select the closest match for your shoes. As most leather dress shoes are black or brown, you can also purchase double packs that provide both options, which also ensures excellent value.
For other materials or other colors, it’s always best to check t5he care instructions to make sure they are suitable for use with shoe polish.
Ingredients - To the layman, shoe polish ingredients may not seem that important, but if you know a lot about shoe polish and proper shoe care, whether leather shoes or not, then you will understand why it is worth considering.
Ideally, you want all-natural ingredients that won’t affect the material. These ingredients can be anything from beeswax to pine resin, among a plethora of other options. Some ingredients are more beneficial for treating, waterproofing, and nourishing leather, so if you have specific qualities in mind, it’s always worth looking out for these.
The right ingredients will also prevent the material from drying out and cracking, which can also accelerate deterioration. They keep it close to the natural state, which ensures longevity and durability. As we all know how pricey some leather shoes can be, this is a critical thing to consider.
Application - Depending on the shoe material, you are likely to need to apply it in unique ways. Typically, leather shoes require a leather cleaning brush, which provides sufficient scrub without scratching or damaging the leather. You can also combine this with an old t-shirt or cleaning cloth to add the shiny finish you want.
Horsehair brushes are the best option for leather, but if you don’t have a dedicated leather cleaning brush handy, you can always use a cleaning cloth.
As for other materials, such as canvas, you can use a cloth with polish that matches the color of the shoes to ensure the best and shiniest clean. Most often, you will clean white sneakers, such as Converse or Vans.
Some polish brands will come with an applicator brush included in the package, but if not, there are alternatives available.
Shoe Polish FAQ
Q: Does shoe polish soften leather?
A: Shoe polish is an excellent way to soften leather shoes, nourish them, and make them easier to wear. This is useful for brand new leather shoes, which are not yet flexible enough to be comfortable for all-day wear.
The more you wear them, the softer the leather becomes, making them more comfortable. Some people may prefer to achieve this softness the natural way. However, if you are desperate to wear these shoes but cannot cope with how hard and stiff the leather is, choosing the right softening shoe polish will be the best way to go.
There are other ways to soften the leather, but as you will already have shoe polish, this is the best place to start.
Q: Is shoe polish vegan?
A: It's difficult to discern which shoe polish brands are cruelty-free and vegan friendly and which are not. We know that Kiwi prides itself on being a vegan polish, but this is not necessarily the case for everything, and it can often depend on your definition of what is acceptable as a vegan product.’
For example, as some products use beeswax in the polish formula, you could argue that this is not vegan. However, this can also depend on how the beeswax is sourced. That being said, if you are at all concerned about the nature of the development, then you can get in touch directly with the manufacturer for more information.
Q: Does polishing shoes waterproof them?
A: Polishing shoes will, sometimes, provide a slight and temporary waterproofing element. Leather is one of the most waterproof materials as it is, so you shouldn’t need to worry too much about wet socks and feet even without shoe polish.
Despite this, vegan-friendly faux leather, canvas, and other materials are not always as waterproof as you might want them to be. Here, it’s useful to know whether the shoe polish you use will provide the adequate waterproofing you need to handle wet days and nights wherever you are.
For the most efficient waterproofing elements, beeswax and pine resin are two of the primary ingredients which are effective for sufficiently waterproofing leather shoes. Anything else and you will only get minor waterproofing success. Beeswax and pine resin also provide the extra shine you need, which ensures that your shoes will be both protected and look good whatever the occasion.
Q: Can you leave shoe polish on overnight?
A: Yes, you can. In fact, most brands recommend that you leave it on overnight. This is useful if you do not have the time to spend too long polishing your shoes or are in no particular rush to make them look as good as new.
Experts recommend that the longer you keep the polish on, the better the result will be. Therefore, leaving polish on your shoes overnight will be more beneficial compared to leaving them for just 20 minutes. This is because the extended time allows the natural ingredients to work into the leather and nourish it more effectively.
If you are consistent with your shoe polish, you may not need to leave it on for so long. However, if you are polishing your shoes for the first time to prepare for a big event, such as a wedding or interview, then leaving it on overnight will provide the best results.
