Good Entry Level Shine Kit

Does anyone have any recommendations for an entry level shine kit? I'd like to spend about $30-$50 for the stand, brushes, and polish/wax.

I bought the military shoe care kit from amazon that was only like 13 bucks. It's made by kiwi. I ordered additional brushes , shine cloths and venetian shoe cream from amazon. All that shouldn't be over 50. Polish Is pretty inexpensive, kiwi or meltonian are great. Saphir is expensive probably around 20 bucks a container

Since the cheapest decent valet box is $50, just plan on keeping your keeping your stuff in a shoebox for now.
http://www.woodlore.com/mm5/merchan...dar-Valet&Category_Code=Shoe-Care-Accessories

You could get an inexpensive travel kit like these:
http://www.target.com/p/kiwi-travel-kit/-/A-13127392#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF579_1_40000000001_-1

I would get just a few decent supplies from AE and then build up as you need them. Here's sort of a bare minimum I'd personally go with, but you could get less if you won't need 'em:
Horsehair shine brush, 2 @ $7 = $14
Conditioner/Cleaner, $5
Horsehair dauber, 2 @ $3 = $6
Polish, brown & black, 2 @ $9 = $18
Wax polish, brown & black, 2 @ $4.50 = $9
Cotton flannel polishing cloth, 3 @ $2 = $6

That's a pretty complete starter set for $58 and it's one you can easily build on as needed:
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonlin...000000001_-1_1_image_0_N_216_216__subcategory



Fred G. Unn said:

Since the cheapest decent valet box is $50, just plan on keeping your keeping your stuff in a shoebox for now.
http://www.woodlore.com/mm5/merchan...dar-Valet&Category_Code=Shoe-Care-Accessories

You could get an inexpensive travel kit like these:
http://www.target.com/p/kiwi-travel-kit/-/A-13127392#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF579_1_40000000001_-1

I would get just a few decent supplies from AE and then build up as you need them. Here's sort of a bare minimum I'd personally go with, but you could get less if you won't need 'em:
Horsehair shine brush, 2 @ $7 = $14
Conditioner/Cleaner, $5
Horsehair dauber, 2 @ $3 = $6
Polish, brown & black, 2 @ $9 = $18
Wax polish, brown & black, 2 @ $4.50 = $9
Cotton flannel polishing cloth, 3 @ $2 = $6

That's a pretty complete starter set for $58 and it's one you can easily build on as needed:
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonlin...000000001_-1_1_image_0_N_216_216__subcategory

Click to expand...

How is the quality of AE's shoe cream? This is already starting to seem like it will cost more than $50.

dieselman89 said:

How is the quality of AE's shoe cream? This is already starting to seem like it will cost more than $50.

Click to expand...

While I like most AE's shoe care products I'm not a big fan of the AE cream. I've gone to Sahpir for almost everything but you will not get what you need for under $50. Putting a kit together yourself is better in the long run IMO. I feel you really don't need a stand. You can keep everything in a shoebox as mentioned or for each color shoe keep your polish, brush and rags in separate 1 gallon zip lock bags tucked in an out of the way place.

The AE premium polish contains both cream and wax and is a one step process. I still use it on a pair of older chili AE shoes. If your trying to do it on a budget it is a good option and your shoes will look better than 99% of those around you.

1) AE conditioner cleaner
2) medium hard toothbrush to clean around the top of the welt
3) travel size AE heel and sole edge dressing, the travel size is much easier to use. When using the chili I only let it sit for a few seconds then wipe it off otherwise it will turn out very red.
4) old t-shirts cut up to apply polish. Those dabbers apply way too much polish or wax. Keep it thin.
5) AE premium polish in the colors of your shoes
6) old sock to first wipe off the polish you applied before brushing. It will keep your brushes cleaner longer. Just throw them away after they get dirty, but you can get a lot of uses from them first.
7) Horsehair brush. Many claim you only need 2, one for black and one for everything else. However I use one for every color.
8) After brushing with the horsehair brush I use an old wool sock over my hand to polish a bit more. Then I use a knee high women's stocking slipped over my hand for a finish polish. You can get a 5 pack for something like ~$5 at the grocery store.
9) The AE outlets sell Venetian shoe cream for $5 a bottle if you have shell or exotic leathers.

If you want or need a higher shine the AE carnauba wax polish over the top of the premium polish will get you there. As will Kiwi, I prefer Kiwi Select which is what Metonian is, rebranded Kiwi Select.