Taking Care of Shoes - Shoe Shines?

[MetroStyles]

I do not really have time to take care of my shoes properly, as I live a really busy lifestyle. I would love to know if those shoe-shiners that charge $5 for a shoe-shine do a decent job. I am thinking the guys at Grand Central or Logan Airport in Boston for example, you know the type.

I have a feeling people will say that it is always better to do it on your own. But given that fact, are the shoeshiners worthwhile? Will they keep my shoes in good shape? Can my shoes at least survive on just this service or will I have to maintain them on my own once in a while? Lastly, if I just go to these guys how often should I go (if I wear the shoes, say, twice a week)? Thanks.

 

[lakewolf]

A quick and decent shoeshine could take you 5 minutes in the morning....

 

[Renault78law]

they do a decent job, you should go if you're in a pinch. frequency is up to you: go when your shoes need it.

 

[Duveen]

I am now afraid of airport shoeshines, thanks to this forum.

Issues include:
* Use lots of water (not always bad)
* Sometimes use questionable polishes
* Can't trust them with the shell cordos that I usually wear on the road

YMMV. I don't think that they are as bad for shoes as, say, most drycleaners are for suits and shirts.

I def would not go too often. Once you do a good shine once, touch-ups are not that painful...

 

[texas_jack]

I had heard that it is important to get a shine every now and then to keep the leather moist so that it does not dry and crack.

 

[sho'nuff]

anyone interested just drop your serviceable shoes at my home overnight and I will have them professionally shined better than those street corner dudes (and the nordstrom lady) for a good price!

 

[wheelerray]

Wouldn't you sit in their chair while they shine them? No reason you couldn't shine them yourself just as quickly, so I don't see any time savings. Even dropping them off somewhere would probably take longer than shining them yourself. I just consider it part of the time it takes to groom in general - shower, shave, brush teeth, shine shoes, etc.

 

[acidboy]

back in the day, i used to hate shinging my shoes. but then, those kenneth coles seems to have this perpetual plasticky shine anyways. now, i have learned to enjoy the process. there is something about sitting there, in your own quiet (ventilated) space with a box of shoe cream, wax, conditioners, cleaners, cotton rags and horsehair brush. its like an escape and you're left there, shining your shoes slowly, not missing out the little details, admiring the detailing... i have grown to love my shoes more after i started regularly cleaning, shining and detailing them. its like... zen!

 

[trogdor]

If you watch TV for more than 15 minutes a day, then you have time to shine your own shoes; do both at once. The same can be said for ironing, and multi-tasking is a great way to make you feel virtuous.

 

[lakewolf]

Originally Posted by wheelerray

Wouldn't you sit in their chair while they shine them? No reason you couldn't shine them yourself just as quickly, so I don't see any time savings. Even dropping them off somewhere would probably take longer than shining them yourself. I just consider it part of the time it takes to groom in general - shower, shave, brush teeth, shine shoes, etc.

That's it ... by the way when people say you'll "be judged by your shoes" it doesn't refer to the price or quality or design of your shoes, but how do you take care of them, because cleaning your own shoes is something men still do, this gives a hint of how you would take care of other things in your life...

Here in Europe they say "A man is judged by his shoes and hands"... so take some time to cut your nails also !

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by lakewolf

Here in Europe they say "A man is judged by his shoes and hands"... so take some time to cut your nails also !

oh great! another thing to keep clean!

 

[new obsession]

I spent many years shining boots... It is true that a good patient home shine lasts long and can be easily maintained, but at the same time there is something akin to a foot massage when you have it done while they are on your feet.

One of the most relaxing experiences in my daily life.

 

[Joffrey]

I think getting my shoes shined is a pretty relaxing experience. Now imagine if they had women do it with happy endings...

 

[kitonbrioni]

Surely, either self shoe shines or getting one is such a small amount of time--one can talk on the cellphone while getting a shine.

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by Jodum5

I think getting my shoes shined is a pretty relaxing experience. Now imagine if they had women do it with happy endings...

this is the best business idea i've heard this year! brilliant!!