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 leather. It comes with a premium price tag, but is well worth the money.
Best wax: Saphir Medaille d'Or Pate de Luxe - See at Amazon Saphir Medaille d'Or Pate de Luxe instantly revives the color of your shoes and provides a high shine with little work. Best color: Tarrago Cream Polish - See at Amazon Tarrago Cream Polish has a huge range of colors, provides excellent coverage, and gives a medium shine. Best budget: Moneysworth & Best Cream Polish - See at Amazon Moneysworth & Best Shoe Cream provides a light shine, comes in a good range of colors, and is a great value.
Best self-shining: Tarrago Self-Shine Kit - See at Amazon The Tarrago Self-Shining Kit is perfect for reviving your shoes in a hurry while also helping to nourish the leather. Best cream: Leather Spa Leather Cream - See at Leather Spa Leather Spa's Cream Polish nourishes leather, ably hides the scrapes and scuffs of everyday wear, and provides a medium shine..
