Best Shoe Polish: The 8 Best Shoe Polish Brands To Shop From In 2023

Published: Tuesday January 10, 2023

Rise and shine with the best shoe polish brands...

Written by Matthew Hart

You spent a lot on a new pair of sneakers or shoes, so you want them to last a long time right? Well, the only way to achieve this is by taking care of your shoes; cleaning them and of course, using shoe polish. But some shoe polishes are better than others, and there is actually a correct way to use shoe polish.

Let us teach you about and how to use shoe polish for premium results and then take a look at the best shoe polish brands available.

The production of shoe polish was at its peak during World War I when soldiers were required to keep their boots in good nick. Following the wars, shoe polish entered the mainstream and was adopted by the wider public. These days a polished shoe is considered a fashion statement, with a high gloss finish being the desired look amongst the most discerning gents. Shoe polishes come primarily in wax, paste or cream forms and are designed to protect leather, promote shine and improve colour.

Voila. Shine bright like a diamond, you magnificent bastard.

Now read on for the best shoe polish brands…

Price: From $16Customer Reviews: "I applied to protect my Shinola leather backpack (which I love!) before use as advised by Shinole. Easy to apply and seems to be doing what was advertised."

In addition to inspiring the phrase, "You don't know shit from Shinola", The Shinola Company has been producing a wax shoe polish since 1907. The brand became popular during the World Wars for army personnel and has been handmade by experienced craftspeople ever since. Their signature shoe polish delivers excellent shine, waterproofing and protection. Shinola has seen a modern resurgence in popularity, particularly amongst the hipster set, since it began producing covetable accessories like leather goods and watches.

Price: From $2Sizes: 40gCustomer Reviews: "This is a good product for cleaning leather shoes and adding a sheen."

Though perhaps less well-known than its main rival, Kiwi, Cherry Blossom is a historic and enduring company that has been improving men's feet since the early 1900s. Brothers Dan and Charles Mason founded the company after discovering a mutual desire to invent a shoe polish that would not rub off on and stain clothing as many other products did at the time. More than a century later, Cherry Blossom is an award-winning brand that has enjoyed double-digit growth year-on-year for the last four years; hence it's place on our best shoe polish brand list.

Price: From $12Sizes: 42gCustomer Reviews: "I must say this is the best polish I’ve ever used. I was able to shine to a high gloss and I am confidant that all of my shoes will withstand rainy weather if I have to be in bad weather. I highly recommend all of Allen Edmonds products."

A 212-step process goes into making each pair of Allen Edmonds Goodyear welted shoes. It's no surprise, then, that the company prizes scrupulous attention to detail in all things related to footwear, including proper shoe care. Allen Edmonds’ luxurious shoe polish comes in a range of colours and formulations to preserve even the most delicate smooth leather upper. Try the premium version with a sponge tip for easy application with no mess.

Price: From $7Sizes: 3ozCustomer Reviews: "The shoe polish is much better than the more expensive brand."

When we say that the best shoe polish brands stick to tradition, nowhere is that more true than with Angelus. Angelus shoe polish was created by Paul T Angelos in 1907 in his kitchen. The brand is still going strong today with his grandson at the helm. The polish contains carnauba and bee's wax to ease application and provide shine. Angelus shoe polish brings life to old shoes while restoring the colour and preserving the leather.

Price: From $10Customer Reviews: "I love this brand so much. It really works well and is so easy to apply and keeps the leather looking great. A little amount goes a long way."

Meltonian is a classic producer of cream-based shoe polish in a dizzying array of colours. More than 30 shades are available to revive dulled hues, from light bone to brown sugar, bordeaux to imperial blue. Meltonian utilises essential oils and waxes in its shoe polish to prevent leather from drying and cracking over time. Not only will your shoes get a brighter shine, they’ll remain protected from the elements to prolong the life of your favourite footwear.

Price: From $7Sizes: 3ozCustomer Reviews: "The match was perfect and the polish has really protected my golf shoes. The order was delivered in record time as well. Abe has nothing on this Lincoln."

Since 1925, Lincoln has been trusted to deliver the classic military "spit shine" to shoes and boots around the world. John Lincoln first developed his innovative shoe polish in his San Francisco kitchen, where he blended colours and melted waxes according to a formula still used today. The company continues to call California home and to produce small-batch products with no cheap solvents, aerosols, silicon chemistry or plastic sponges.

Customer Reviews: "It moisterizes and colours the leather really nice with an easy shine that shines reasonably."

We stumbled across this little beauty of a brand in Pitti Uomo. Made in Japan, Boot Black offer a range of oils, polishes, creams and accessories to ensure your shoes remain in top shape and condition. The ambitious company was founded in 2007 by Japan's largest shoe care producer, Columbus, which has been around since 1911.

Price: From $13Sizes: 50mlCustomer Reviews: "Saphir products, across the board, are reliably excellent. Prompt delivery. Many thanks!"

For true footwear aficionados, no shoe polish brand can outshine Saphir. The French company is an old-school icon beloved for its all-natural formula and venerable pedigree. Saphir continues to use the same ingredients that won it the Gold Medal in Paris in 1925, including pine-based turpentine, mink oils, and vegetable, animal and mineral waxes. You’ll find no harmful silicones, resins or petroleum in Saphir products. Purchasing the best shoe polish on the market can be a comparatively pricey prospect though, but its legions of loyal fans wouldn't deign to use anything else.