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How to: Shine leather shoes

By William Hageman, Chicago Tribune, Source: MCT News Service

We got some tips from a pro, Michael Williams, who has shined shoes for "25 or 30" of his 74 years, he says, first on a French Quarter street corner in New Orleans and now at a stand in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel there.

     Step 1
     CLEAN YOUR SHOES
     A little spritz of water and a cloth will remove light dust and dirt.
     For heavy deposits:
     Use a special shoe brush that has an edge for removing serious dirt.
     Dry: Make sure the shoe is totally dry before polishing.
     Step 2
     RESTORE THE TOE IF IT'S WORN

Sometimes a toe will have lost its color. Before polishing, take a tiny bit of lighter fluid on a rag and rub the toe down. Rub it very gently, let it dry, then polish.

Step 3

APPLY POLISH

Holding the shoe: Put the shoe on your hand for better control.

Apply: Use a stiff brush and a circular motion to rub the polish in, then use a softer brush to bring out the shine, shining with a back-and-forth motion using short strokes. Do the sides and back as well.

Step 4

BUFF

Let the polish dry for five or 10 minutes, then buff to a shine, using a cotton cloth.

Depending on use and weather, a shoe can hold a shine from three days to two or three weeks.

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