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You don't have to know how to get them Army-regulation shiny, but you should have some basic training.
Step 1: Put down newspaper
Put down some newspaper where you are going to work.
Step 2: Brush away dirt
Take out the laces and use the shoe brush to remove any dirt from the exterior of your shoes.
Step 3: Wipe shoes down
Wipe down your shoes with a damp clean cloth to make sure they're clean.
Tip
If your shoes are especially dirty, you can use a mild cleanser such as saddle soap.
Step 4: Open the polish
Open a canister of shoe polish.
Tip
Use a wax polish for a stronger shine—the wax will protect the shoes and help prevent water damage if you wear them in the rain.
Step 5: Ready the rag
Wrap a clean rag around your index and middle fingers, making sure that the rag is tight against the pads of your fingertips.
Step 6: Apply polish
Dip your rag-covered fingertips into the shoe polish and apply them to your shoe with a circular motion, about one to two inches in diameter.
Tip
Apply the first layer liberally, with lots of shoe polish on your rag.
Step 7: Spit
Spit on your shoe where you've just applied polish.
Tip
If the concept of spit-polished shoes revolts you, sprinkle water on instead.
Step 8: Rub
Rub the polish into your shoe with your rag-coated fingers, moving them in a circular motion. Apply the polish evenly, and be sure to get into all the creases.
Step 9: Watch the swirls
As you rub the polish, you will notice "swirls" appearing in the polished areas. When these swirls disappear, its time to move on to a new area.
Step 10:
Apply, wet, and rub the polish on all the other leather areas, until the whole shoe has had a layer of polish applied.
Step 11: Add more layers
Add more layers of polish to your shoe, each time using less polish, until your shoes are mirror shiny.
Tip
If your shoes become dull again as fast as you polish, you're likely adding too much water. This is easily corrected by adding more polish to absorb the water.
Step 12: Brush lightly
Brush the shoe very lightly with the shoe brush to bring out the best shine.
Step 13: Let them dry
Re-lace the shoes and let them dry in a cool room or a shoebox, if available.
Did You Know?
In 2002, the U.S. Marine Corps adopted new boots for its members that don't require polishing.
