Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? - The Firearms Forum

76Highboy · 12-01-2012, 08:30 PM

I seldom wear a shoe that is not leather. One thing that I don't cut corners on is the quality of shoes and boots I wear. Statistics show that women have more foot problems then men and it is primarily due to the fact that women tend to buy cheaper shoes so they can have a larger wardrobe. On the flip side men normally don't have the bigger selection of shoes so therefore they tend to spend more on shoes so they will last longer.

Other then the shoes I wear at the gym, I only wear leather shoes. I wear them because they breath properly and I can keep them looking good. Typically every night I stop and polish my shoes. As a matter of fact I typically polish them while I am at my computer at the end of the day. I run my brush over them and when they need it I apply a little KIWI shoe polish on them, including my boots. Even on my days off I try to have nice looking shoes.

I notice that people don't wear leather shoes as much these days, and those that do don't seem to keep them polished so I was wondering, who polishes their leather shoes these days? It is interesting that some men don't even know how, but I am sure the old timers do. And, most of the time the old timers shoes look pretty good.

Also, when my holsters get a little worn, out comes the polish and the horse hair brush.

woolleyworm · 12-01-2012, 08:33 PM

I keep'em polished too, last longer and look better. And besides, what kinda Jarhead would I be with unpolished leathers??

76Highboy · 12-01-2012, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolleyworm

I keep'em polished too, last longer and look better. And besides, what kinda Jarhead would I be with unpolished leathers??

Ya, a Jarhead, that's the word. But you? Your not a Jarhead. Heck no!!!

woolleyworm · 12-01-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76Highboy

Ya, a Jarhead, that's the word. But you? Your not a Jarhead. Heck no!!!

I'll have to dig out some of my bootcamp pics, got "Kerr" shaved all over my head by that barber

and I never got gigged for an unsat polish on my boots; I don't spit-shine them anymore, just enough to look decent and stay conditioned.

76Highboy · 12-01-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolleyworm

I'll have to dig out some of my bootcamp pics, got "Kerr" shaved all over my head by that barber

Post them.

woolleyworm · 12-01-2012, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76Highboy

Post them.

I've no shame, I'll start digging and post some just for you Jim !

76Highboy · 12-01-2012, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolleyworm

I've no shame, I'll start digging and post some just for you Jim !

1LoneWolf75 · 12-01-2012, 08:50 PM

All I do is oil mine less I'm goin to someplace snazzy. I do have one of the old timers shoe shine kit and my wife has one also. I try to mink em once a month. Mainly to keep em softer and conditioned good also water proof. In the wastewater industry boots get put to the test.

76Highboy · 12-01-2012, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1LoneWolf75

All I do is oil mine less I'm goin to someplace snazzy. I do have one of the old timers shoe shine kit and my wife has one also. I try to mink em once a month. Mainly to keep em softer and conditioned good also water proof. In the wastewater industry boots get put to the test.

Oiling them counts. Oiling leather takes care of them and they look good. Then, your ready to polish them when you need to.

gdmoody · 12-01-2012, 09:21 PM

After 30 years in the Army, you gotta know I polish mine!

76Highboy · 12-01-2012, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdmoody

After 30 years in the Army, you gotta know I polish mine!

Ya, you military guys are the best at shining shoes. I admire that. I could not join the military because of my asthma so I am envious. Oh ya, and grateful for your service to our country.

cpttango30 · 12-01-2012, 10:20 PM

As soon as I Hit terminal leave I tossed my boot polishing kit and have never polished a boot or shoe ever again. I put sno-seal on my work boots and that was the extent of that.

aa1911 · 12-01-2012, 10:22 PM

spent a lot of time keeping the jungle boots kiwi'd nice and shiny every day. Now it's all suede tan color leather boots, no polishing! kinda like it.

I polish my doc Martins (black ones, I use kiwi not the good stuff too) but all my other leather boots get snow-seal or a spray on techron waterproof coating...

I used to cheat for my 'starch and spits' uniform boots, I would get them decent with a buff brush and then hit them with a heavy coat of 'mop-n-glo', that crap makes them SHINY shiny shiny! course direct sunlight makes it melt and it looks like a dull candy bar after an hour in the sun... oops...

m77user · 12-02-2012, 12:53 AM

I had the distinct privilege of working as an emergency hire for the Monatana Army National Guard while our troops were deployed to Iraq. I worked in the warehouse as a materials handler (shipper) along with some guardsmen who were not on deployment.

I had my haircut to military standards and spit shined my steel toe boots. I still have the boots and keep them shined. I met many good people during my time there, and made a few great friends.

Even though I miss the money I was making there was no happier day in recent memory than when the troops came home. Made me remember my time in the service many years ago.

Thank you all who have served and those who continue to serve.

time2shoot · 12-02-2012, 01:01 AM

not since i became a PFC. That would be Privet,______,Cavilien. for the none milatary folk.

68c15 · 12-02-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76Highboy

Oiling them counts. Oiling leather takes care of them and they look good. Then, your ready to polish them when you need to.

does it count if I use a custom blend of engine oil, trans. fluid, and antifreeze? at work I am always getting some of each on mine.

I have been against the grain for quite a while by buying the cheap shoes from Walmart. I just havent been able to find anything I like and fits me. 15 years ago I had Knaap shoes but I think they are no longer in business.

when I was working for our uncle Sam I kept mine shined but never understood why. shiny boots don't make me a better soldier.

stumpjumper · 12-02-2012, 04:43 PM

tossed the kit and brushes long ago. never could iron my shirts correctly either

Iron Eagle · 12-02-2012, 04:47 PM

One trick I use is lighting the Kiwi on fire, letting it melt, then blowing it out. Apply the hot polish to the leather, then buff it out.

ozo · 12-02-2012, 04:57 PM

Are you kidding ?
I even polish my brass balls I got in Quantico !

norahc · 12-02-2012, 04:58 PM

I polish mine periodically, but the boots I wear nowdays make it difficult. They have what is called a "tiger tip" on the toes, which is three ridges of solid rubber to resist scratches and nicks of the leather.

runes · 12-02-2012, 05:12 PM

After Nam I swore I would never shave or polish my shoes again.
My wife of 38 years has never seen me without a beard.
( yes it's white now)

dons2346 · 12-02-2012, 07:34 PM

Being flat footed, I only wear quality shoes which I polish quite a bit. Can't see wearing a suit with filthy shoes.

mjp28 · 12-02-2012, 07:50 PM

I always used to polish my better outdoor boots and shoes, not so much now.

Young kids that have only worn sneakers their entire life have no idea what we're talking about.

medalguy · 12-02-2012, 07:56 PM

mjp28, you're right about that. A few months ago I went into Wally World to pick up some polish and a new brush, and when I got to the checkout counter, the kid there picked up the tin of polish and after looking it over asked "What's this stuff for?" He was wearing sneakers.

I learned to polish my shoes long before I entered the Air Force. My dad was a colonel in the army and taught me well.

I still keep my shoes shined. He always said you could tell a lot about a man by looking at his shoes, and I still believe that.

76Highboy · 12-02-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medalguy

mjp28, you're right about that. A few months ago I went into Wally World to pick up some polish and a new brush, and when I got to the checkout counter, the kid there picked up the tin of polish and after looking it over asked "What's this stuff for?" He was wearing sneakers.

I learned to polish my shoes long before I entered the Air Force. My dad was a colonel in the army and taught me well.

I still keep my shoes shined. He always said you could tell a lot about a man by looking at his shoes, and I still believe that.

Bravo. Your dad was a man of wisdom.

12-01-2012, 08:30 PM	#1
76Highboy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Meridian, Idaho Contributor Posts: 6,969	Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? I seldom wear a shoe that is not leather. One thing that I don't cut corners on is the quality of shoes and boots I wear. Statistics show that women have more foot problems then men and it is primarily due to the fact that women tend to buy cheaper shoes so they can have a larger wardrobe. On the flip side men normally don't have the bigger selection of shoes so therefore they tend to spend more on shoes so they will last longer. Other then the shoes I wear at the gym, I only wear leather shoes. I wear them because they breath properly and I can keep them looking good. Typically every night I stop and polish my shoes. As a matter of fact I typically polish them while I am at my computer at the end of the day. I run my brush over them and when they need it I apply a little KIWI shoe polish on them, including my boots. Even on my days off I try to have nice looking shoes. I notice that people don't wear leather shoes as much these days, and those that do don't seem to keep them polished so I was wondering, who polishes their leather shoes these days? It is interesting that some men don't even know how, but I am sure the old timers do. And, most of the time the old timers shoes look pretty good. Also, when my holsters get a little worn, out comes the polish and the horse hair brush. Attached Images -->

12-01-2012, 08:33 PM	#2
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,885	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? I keep'em polished too, last longer and look better. And besides, what kinda Jarhead would I be with unpolished leathers?? __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

12-01-2012, 08:50 PM	#8
1LoneWolf75 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Humboldt KS Posts: 597	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? All I do is oil mine less I'm goin to someplace snazzy. I do have one of the old timers shoe shine kit and my wife has one also. I try to mink em once a month. Mainly to keep em softer and conditioned good also water proof. In the wastewater industry boots get put to the test. __________________ They can have my guns when they pry them from my cold, dead hands!!! "Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not." - Thomas Jefferson "I've seen the system fall apart from the rules and all our presidents lie"--"Soul Survive"- Asphalt Ballethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6DgVrYWw00

12-01-2012, 09:21 PM	#10
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,354	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? After 30 years in the Army, you gotta know I polish mine! __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

12-01-2012, 10:20 PM	#12
cpttango30 Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stafford, VA Contributor Posts: 3,071	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? As soon as I Hit terminal leave I tossed my boot polishing kit and have never polished a boot or shoe ever again. I put sno-seal on my work boots and that was the extent of that.

12-01-2012, 10:22 PM	#13
aa1911 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 3,115	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? spent a lot of time keeping the jungle boots kiwi'd nice and shiny every day. Now it's all suede tan color leather boots, no polishing! kinda like it. I polish my doc Martins (black ones, I use kiwi not the good stuff too) but all my other leather boots get snow-seal or a spray on techron waterproof coating... I used to cheat for my 'starch and spits' uniform boots, I would get them decent with a buff brush and then hit them with a heavy coat of 'mop-n-glo', that crap makes them SHINY shiny shiny! course direct sunlight makes it melt and it looks like a dull candy bar after an hour in the sun... oops... __________________ "Loud noises don't end gunfights.... well placed shots do."

12-02-2012, 12:53 AM	#14
m77user V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 149	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? I had the distinct privilege of working as an emergency hire for the Monatana Army National Guard while our troops were deployed to Iraq. I worked in the warehouse as a materials handler (shipper) along with some guardsmen who were not on deployment. I had my haircut to military standards and spit shined my steel toe boots. I still have the boots and keep them shined. I met many good people during my time there, and made a few great friends. Even though I miss the money I was making there was no happier day in recent memory than when the troops came home. Made me remember my time in the service many years ago. Thank you all who have served and those who continue to serve.

12-02-2012, 01:01 AM	#15
time2shoot Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brandon SD Contributor Posts: 2,601	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? not since i became a PFC. That would be Privet,______,Cavilien. for the none milatary folk. __________________ I AM A VETERAN MY OATH OF ENLISTMENT HAS NO EXPIRATION DATE! Last edited by time2shoot; 12-02-2012 at 01:03 AM..

12-02-2012, 04:43 PM	#17
stumpjumper Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: swflorida Contributor Posts: 655	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? tossed the kit and brushes long ago. never could iron my shirts correctly either __________________ after three rounds you're just making noise Guns have only two enemies rust and politicians

12-02-2012, 04:47 PM	#18
Iron Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 659	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? One trick I use is lighting the Kiwi on fire, letting it melt, then blowing it out. Apply the hot polish to the leather, then buff it out.

12-02-2012, 04:57 PM	#19
ozo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 2,770	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? Are you kidding ? I even polish my brass balls I got in Quantico ! __________________ http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews, "ozo. you're off your rocker sir." -johnlives4christ http://www.prisonplanet.com/ -America,Bless GOD-

12-02-2012, 05:12 PM	#21
runes Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 38	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? After Nam I swore I would never shave or polish my shoes again. My wife of 38 years has never seen me without a beard. ( yes it's white now)

12-02-2012, 07:34 PM	#22
dons2346 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Move between WA and points south Contributor Posts: 1,415	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? Being flat footed, I only wear quality shoes which I polish quite a bit. Can't see wearing a suit with filthy shoes. __________________ "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785

12-02-2012, 07:50 PM	#23
mjp28 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: anytown, OHIO Contributor Posts: 3,079	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? I always used to polish my better outdoor boots and shoes, not so much now. Young kids that have only worn sneakers their entire life have no idea what we're talking about.

12-02-2012, 07:56 PM	#24
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 585	Re: Does any one ever polish their leather shoes? mjp28, you're right about that. A few months ago I went into Wally World to pick up some polish and a new brush, and when I got to the checkout counter, the kid there picked up the tin of polish and after looking it over asked "What's this stuff for?" He was wearing sneakers. I learned to polish my shoes long before I entered the Air Force. My dad was a colonel in the army and taught me well. I still keep my shoes shined. He always said you could tell a lot about a man by looking at his shoes, and I still believe that.