How to polish a pair of shoes

With the right tools, you can make your shoes shiny as mirrors.

Step 1: First, wipe the shoes down with a damp cloth. For best results, also wipe the shoes down with a saddle soap before polishing them.

Step 2: Wet the welt brush and scrub out the entire welt strip. The welt brush is designed to get the grit out of the welt, the seam where the shoes uppers join the sole.

Step 3: If the shoe needs it, apply sole edge dressing carefully. If you get it on the uppers, it will stain them permanently. Let the edge dressing dry before going any further.

Step 4: Apply polish using a circular, rubbing motion. You don't need to slather it on; you don't need to be gentle. And the more you rub the better. It should take about five minutes.

Step 5: Buff the entire shoe with a polishing brush. For extra glean, hold the shoes between your knees and buff the toe vigorously with a lint-free cloth.

You don't have to be in the military to have shiny shoes, you just need to watch this househeeping how-to from Esquire Magazine.