Post: #1

General consensus is that a good pair of shoes can help to make a suit combination. And I can't deny that I get a real sense of satisfaction from seeing the finished product and hearing the infrequent compliment when noticed.
The only problem is that it can be quite time-intensive. I use the cloth rubbing method (as opposed to the brush on/brush off technique) and to get a really good sheen can take over half an hour for each shoe. Usually they're only used for a few hours at a time so I don't have to worry about wear and tear too much.
The time between use is when it gets frustrating. No matter where I keep them, be it at the foot of my bed, inside the wardrobe, by the front door, they always end up losing the edge and covered in little flicks of dust.
Obviously I'm not looking for a way to avoid polishing altogether. But what I'm curious to know is if anyone here has any tips or tricks for increasing the amount of time between polishes - something to keep them fresher for longer, so to speak.

Post: #2

This is what I do, and good shoes usually last years and go through multiple reheelings and maybe a sole or two as well.

- Don't wear them everyday.
- Use shoetrees. Don't put them in right when you take off the shoes. Let them "cool off" for a few hours or overnight before putting trees back in them.
- Brush off with a soft cloth (old t-shirt scrap) when they've gotten dusty.
- Use one of those shiner things with the foam if they need to be shinier (you can carry one in your bag when you're out).
- Occasionally clean with gentle soap and water then polish (you can use a toothbrush to get in the gap between the sole and shoe).
- When polishing, clean first then put on a coat of polish. Let dry and buff with a soft cloth. You can put a few coats on if you need to.

Post: #3

(08-22-2015 07:27 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  - Brush off with a soft cloth (old t-shirt scrap) when they've gotten dusty.
- Use one of those shiner things with the foam if they need to be shinier (you can carry one in your bag when you're out).
- Occasionally clean with gentle soap and water then polish (you can use a toothbrush to get in the gap between the sole and shoe).
- When polishing, clean first then put on a coat of polish. Let dry and buff with a soft cloth. You can put a few coats on if you need to.

The T-shirt tip is good. If you bought a genuinely high quality pair of shoes, they should have come inside small cloth shoe bags within the box. Those are also good for wiping them with.

Best bet in most cases is to just use a shoeshine shop or stand. Never costs more than a few bucks and they do a great job.

Post: #4

(08-22-2015 05:23 AM)Hardy Daytona Wrote:  General consensus is that a good pair of shoes can help to make a suit combination. And I can't deny that I get a real sense of satisfaction from seeing the finished product and hearing the infrequent compliment when noticed.
The only problem is that it can be quite time-intensive. I use the cloth rubbing method (as opposed to the brush on/brush off technique) and to get a really good sheen can take over half an hour for each shoe. Usually they're only used for a few hours at a time so I don't have to worry about wear and tear too much.
The time between use is when it gets frustrating. No matter where I keep them, be it at the foot of my bed, inside the wardrobe, by the front door, they always end up losing the edge and covered in little flicks of dust.
Obviously I'm not looking for a way to avoid polishing altogether. But what I'm curious to know is if anyone here has any tips or tricks for increasing the amount of time between polishes - something to keep them fresher for longer, so to speak.

Time intensive? Polishing shoes doesn't take me more than 10 minutes at best. I try and polish them once a week on Friday. I have a little shoe shine kit with a brush, a bunch of clothes, and some polish. I polish all of my shoes including my dress boots. Polishing them has extended the life of the shoes greatly. Make sure to get some shoe strings that are cedar so it will absorb moisture, keep the shoes fresh, and maintain the shape.

I have a pair of Cole Hann's i've had for over a year. They still look excellent. In fact, i'm having them re-soled right now. If you own designer shoes you paid a lot of money for it would behoove you not to have a shoe shine kit.

Post: #5

Clean the dust first while polishing, then put on a coat of polish.

Post: #6

(08-22-2015 07:27 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  - Use shoetrees. Don't put them in right when you take off the shoes. Let them "cool off" for a few hours or overnight before putting trees back in them.

Shouldn't shoetrees go straight in so they absorb the moisture?

Post: #7

(08-31-2015 10:24 AM)FilipSRB Wrote:  

(08-22-2015 07:27 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  - Use shoetrees. Don't put them in right when you take off the shoes. Let them "cool off" for a few hours or overnight before putting trees back in them.

Shouldn't shoetrees go straight in so they absorb the moisture?

Yes, I've read that you need to put in the shoetrees right after you take off the shoes.

As far as shining, I understand that after taking the shoes off and putting in the shoetrees, you should grab a horsehair brush and give them a good buff before putting them away. This will help keep the dust and grit from settling into the pores of the leather and keep the shine from getting dull as quickly.

Post: #8

late to the party, but there are places that will shine your shoes (nordstrom, NM, Barneys) for only around 3$ and they do a solid job.
Just doing this once a week, with shoe trees, and you're solid.