Shoes are an essential part of our wardrobe, especially when it comes to formal attire. If you prefer keeping your shoes clean and shiny, you might find yourself confused when choosing between shoe cream and shoe polish. Both serve different purposes and functions, so it’s essential to understand them before applying.
What you use depends on how often or roughly you use your shoes. In various scenarios, your shoes might lose color, shine, or both. We’ll delve into these scenarios here, but before that, let’s understand what cream and polish are.
What is Shoe Polish?
Shoe polish contains wax and pigment and uses solvents to prevent wax from drying out, making it easy to apply to your shoes. Polish can bring out the shine in your shoes and also serve as a layer over the colored leather. As it contains wax, it can also protect your shoes from water damage.
When to Use Shoe Polish
It’s best to use shoe polish when your shoes get dirty and lose their shine. Polish works best when you clean your shoes regularly. Keep polishing as needed, and you’re good to go.
Shoe Polish Tips
Try using two different brushes—one for removing dust and dirt and another for applying polish. Be sure not to apply too much pressure while buffing, as it could lead to color cracking. Continue buffing gently.
What is Shoe Cream?
Shoe cream contains oil, water, wax, and pigment. Unlike polish, cream moisturizes leather and enhances its color. The liquid in shoe cream makes it easier to apply and reach every inch of the surface. Shoe cream helps restore the leather’s moisture, thus improving its color.
When to Use Shoe Cream
Unlike polish, which acts on the bottommost layer of the leather, cream should be used when you feel your shoes are losing color. When this happens, your shoes become dry and start to crack, resulting in uneven polishing. That’s when you know it’s time to cream your shoes.
Shoe Cream Tips
Applying shoe cream is different from polishing. First, brush off dust with a polishing brush, then wipe the shoes clean with a soft, damp cloth. Now, apply shoe cream with a clean, soft cloth and let it dry for 15-20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Just as shoes need nourishment to maintain their shape, we use creams, polishes, and conditioners. Shoe cream and shoe polish have different purposes. Depending on your shoe’s condition, you can use one or even both simultaneously.
However, remember that frequent use of shoe polish may not be beneficial for your shoes. So, what are you waiting for? Keep leaving a lasting impression with your professional appearance.
