When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more If you're like us and can't remember the last time you saw an operating shoe shine booth, it's worth investing in the best shoe polish in order to keep your shoes looking sharp and presentable. Leather dress shoes can easily run you upwards of $400, but you can justify the splurge by taking proper care of them with a ritual shoe shine.
Our top recommendation is the Saphir Renovateur , which is a rich conditioning shoe cream that effectively moisturizes leather and is available in either a mink or macadamia oil formula. Meanwhile, a cream polish leaves a thin layer of cream that helps blend scratches and scuffs and gives the shoe a medium shine. For a more affordable option that manages this, we recommend the Leather Spa Leather Cream .
The three categories of shoe polishes covered in this guide are cream polish, wax polish, and conditioner. I spoke to Tony Pecorella, the owner of Manhattan's Modern Leather Goods , a storied leather care and repair business with history dating back to the 1940s , who explained to me what each product does to make the best leather dress boots last. He advises that the highest shine comes from wax polish, which also works best for covering scuffs and scratches.
For more on our conversation, see the FAQ section below. Our top picks for the best shoe polishes in 2024 Best conditioner: Saphir Renovateur - See at Amazon Saphir Renovateur revitalizes shoe le.