Proper color for shoe cream

[dah328]

For brown shoes, I think I've read conflicting reports about whether the shoe cream should be one shade darker or lighter? I assume the same principle would apply to polish as well, although in my experience, shoe cream generally affects the color of the leather more.

dan

 

[kabert]

I think darker versus lighter depends on what result you're looking for. Darker cream will slightly darken the shoe leather, whereas lighter or neutral will more closely maintain the original color. I like to use darker because I like the antiquing effect it has on lighter brown leathers and because it seems to do a better job covering up scuffs better than neutral cream on darker leathers.

I agree that cream does a much better job in my experience than polish or wax of changing the color of shoes. Wax imparts a nice shine, but I feel the cream is better for the shoe in terms of returning moisture to the leather.