Black shoe polish on Cordovan shoes?

[TomS]

I was a U.S. Marine, and then a police officer for nearly thirty years. Suffice to say, I've shined shoes a couple of times. I simply apply the polish (Kiwi brand) with a horse hair dauber, and let it dry for a minute. Then I use a stiff horse hair brush, and quickly run it back and forth over the shoes until the desired amount of *shine* is achieved. Frankly, I've never had the patience or seen the value in a spit/water shine, as the gloss doesnt last. Also, I use the polish which cooridnates best with the shoes I'm shining. That is to say, black polish on black shoes, cordovan polish on cordovan shoes... well you get it. I really think the *secret* to an excellent shine is to use a quality polish sparingly, brush with a stiff horse hair brush, and do the job frequently enough that the shoes never get rough looking in the first palce. Just my .02
Best,
Tom

[Historyteach24]

Thanks Tom. I did some experimenting last night and found your advice to be true. Just use a lot of elbow grease with a good brush and it shines up good.

[MikePotts]

Here's a little video on shoe polishing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeScJ_Hemno

[kiwilrdg]

Earlier there was mention of using neutral polish. During the summer, or if for any other reason you will be wearing light-colored pants, it is a good idea to put a final coat of neutral polish over any colored polish so if any wax wears off onto your pants it will not show.

[Historyteach24]

Thank you

[TomS]

Thanks Tom. I did some experimenting last night and found your advice to be true. Just use a lot of elbow grease with a good brush and it shines up good.

Anytime! By the way, good luck with that custom hat from Cane!!