How to Shine Boots

Shining your boots to a high shine is key to getting that “dress uniform” look. To achieve a military standard takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. Of course, you can always get someone else to do it for you, but make sure they read this first!

1. Gently brush off any dirt, dust and grime on the boot, from heel to toe. Do this carefully since you do not want to the dirt to scratch the leather. If there are dried fluids, slightly dampen the cloth and wipe them away.
2. Wrap a soft cloth around your index finger (and maybe your middle finger) making sure the cloth is smooth across your fingertips. Apply a medium layer of polish to the boot using the duster and your finger. Rub it in, using a circular motion, until a faint shine starts to show. If using a new cloth, make sure that it isn’t shedding fibres (maybe wash and dry it first).
3. Once the faint shine develops and the polish has been worked into the leather, take your index finger and the cloth and dip it lightly into some water. Start rubbing it into the boot over the polish in small circles about an inch wide. Keep doing this until a greater shine comes through and the swirls start to disappear. Be patient!
4. Leave it to dry for a few minutes.
5. Once dry, repeat steps 2 - 4 but use a thin layer of polish.
6. Take the damp index finger and apply a tiny dot of polish to the boot. Work this in until a shine develops. Make sure that the cloth is very damp but not dripping.
7. Repeat Step 6 until you get a level of shine to be proud of.
8. Take a soft shoe brush and buff the boot all over to really bring out the shine
9. Finally, take the soft cloth and buff again until desired shine is obtained. Make sure you use a part of the cloth that is clean and polish free (a new J-Cloth is good for this).
10. Repeat the final steps if necessary until you are happy with results.