Questions about Leather Uppers

[illinoisguy74]

As I am shopping for shoes and I have come up with some questions about leather uppers. What kind of leather uppers should I be looking for? What kind of leather polishes best? For example, if I want to spit shine my shoes (not mirror quality but a good shine) what kind of leather is best? What kind of leather is most durable and resists scratches? For example I have a pair of black Nunn Bush wingtips (I know they are junk) that won't shine no matter what I do to them. I did a search on this topic but I'm not finding a lot of clear info. Thanks in advance.

 

[S.R.M. 1977]

As I am shopping for shoes and I have come up with some questions about leather uppers. What kind of leather uppers should I be looking for? What kind of leather polishes best? For example, if I want to spit shine my shoes (not mirror quality but a good shine) what kind of leather is best? What kind of leather is most durable and resists scratches? For example I have a pair of black Nunn Bush wingtips (I know they are junk) that won't shine no matter what I do to them. I did a search on this topic but I'm not finding a lot of clear info. Thanks in advance.

Full grain leather is best, followed by top grain. I simply use polishing materials from Allen Edmond's because they're usually cheapish. There are a lot of articles out there for what products you need and how to go about polishing your shoes:

https://www.ibexstyle.com/2018/11/10/complete-guide-how-take-care-leather-shoes/

https://www.esquire.com/style/advice/a46735/shoe-shine-polish-tips/

https://www.theshoesnobblog.com/polish-your-shoes-properly