Shoe shine stands may not be as rampant on the streets as they once were, but people are still polishing their shoes at home. If you are a shoe store owner or even own a shoe repair business, you should be aware that at home shoe polishing is still alive. Keeping that in mind, you should be stocking some different types of shoe polish in your store for your customers.

If shoe polish confuses you, take a few minutes to brush up on a few helpful key terms that can help you understand shoe polish better.

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Saddle soap

Prior to polishing a pair of leather shoes, saddle soap might be used. Saddle soap is a mild cleanser used specifically to clean and soften leather.

I recommend: To learn more about saddle soap and to read a recipe for homemade saddle soap, visit Mother Earth News.

Stain eraser

You might not think of a stain eraser as a type of shoe polish, but for suede and nubuck shoes, that's what you use to 'polish' them up. A stain eraser is a type of shoe polish accessory that is specially treated to help remove marks and scuffs from shoes.

I recommend: At Shoe Tree Marketplace, you can read a description of a stain eraser.

Lambs wool buffer

A lambs wool buffer is used on electric shoe polishers. It fits over rods on each end of the shoe polisher, and when turned on and the shoe brought near the lambs wool buffer, it cleans and shines up the shoes.

I recommend: Visit ShoePolishers.com to see examples of red and black lambs wool buffers.

Shoe shine cloth

A shoe shine cloth is a very soft cloth used at the end of the shoe polishing process to buff the shoes to a very high shine.

I recommend: Over at Shoepolishandmore.com, you can see what a Kiwi brand shoe shine cloth looks like.

Cream polish

Cream polish is a type of shoe polish used to moisturize fine leather and keep it very flexible without drying it out like wax polish. However, it is not as good at covering scuff marks.

I recommend: Visit ShoeAndFootCare to see an example of cream polish and learn more about how to apply it.

Wax polish

Wax polish is used to shine leather shoes and also as an effective scuff disguiser. It seals the leather, but it can also cause the leather to dry out.

I recommend: At The Shoe Shine Kit, you can read a bit more on wax polish. They even provide instructions on how to use wax polish to perform a spit shine!

There are many options available when it comes to shoe polishing products. Many people know that clean, well-cared-for shoes will last longer and can even make or break a first impression. Proper shoe shining is a craft that is often overlooked in our hustle and bustle society, but look at any successful professional and nine times out of ten their footwear is well maintained.

Manufacturers realize that most people are very busy and want the maximum result in the minimum amount of time. Shoe polishing is no different, several shoe shine options are now available to make the job of shoe maintenance a lot easier. The shoe shine supplies you choose can play a big part in how the finished product comes out. Keep a few things in mind when purchasing your shoe polishing supplies:

1. Determine what type of services you want to offer, such as shoe cleaning.

2. Narrow down the shoe polish colors you wish to carry.

3. Compare shoe shine brushes and their uses.

4. Decide if you want to invest in a shoe shine machine.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide if you want to make shoe cleaning available

Shoe shining can entail many different services, including stain removal. This can make the shoe shine process a little more time consuming but well worth the extra effort.

I recommend: Saddle soap, such as this one offered by The Shoe Shine Kit, is an economical option to clean smooth leather. If you are going to service suede and nubuck shoes then you may want to consider a stain eraser. This one at Shoe Tree Marketplace assists in the removal of dirt and stains, and fluffs the nap as well.

Pick several shoe polish colors

There is a wide selection of shoe polish colors available on the market. You should, of course, always carry the traditional black and brown color, but the rest is up to you.

I recommend: In the long run, shoe polish is going to be your number one investment so it’s important to take a look at several different shoe polish brands and decide if you have a preference. Shoe Care Supplies carries this line of Meltonian cream in a 1.55-oz. size. With 44 colors available, it’s a great option if you want to stay within the same brand for all your polish. Kiwi Shoe Products offers many great options including wax-based polishes in a larger 2.5-oz. size, which is a more economical option for your basic colors.

Look for shoe polish brushes that are functional and comfortable

There are various options when it comes to shoe shine brushes. It's important to get several quality brushes that you are comfortable using.

I recommend: There are many brush sizes available, but bigger is not always better. Smaller brushes are great for getting into tight spots so be sure to pick up several different sizes. George’s Shoes has a great selection of horsehair brushes in various sizes with an ergonomic shape for comfort. Sherman Brother’s, Inc. carries a combination suede and nubuck leather brush at a great price.

Consider professional shoe shine equipment

Shoe shine machines are great items that will cut down the time it takes to shine a pair of shoes. If you're not a traditionalist, this may be a great choice for you.

I recommend: Shoe and Foot Care offers a great option for shining light and dark shoes in both leather and suede. It uses a neutral shoe polish so you don’t have the hassle of different colored polishes. If you’re looking for a more traditional shoe shine polisher, then consider the options from Shoe Shine Express. These all feature commercial-grade motors and lamb’s wool buffers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Shoe shine cloth is another great piece of shoe polish equipment to add that extra bit of shine.