How Shiny Should Your Shoes Be?
Sorry for the stupid question, but how shiny should your dress shoes be? I'm trying to not look too sloppy with dirty shoes but the amount of time it takes to shine them to perfection is a lot.
Sorry for the stupid question, but how shiny should your dress shoes be? I'm trying to not look too sloppy with dirty shoes but the amount of time it takes to shine them to perfection is a lot.
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No question is stupid, my friend! Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not so much about how shiny your shoes are, but more about their overall care and maintenance. While a good shine can certainly make your shoes look sharp, it's more important to prevent them from cracking or looking worn out.
If you're just starting out and don't have the time or desire to shine your shoes weekly, don't stress too much about it. Just make sure they're clean and in good condition. If you can, investing in higher quality shoes like Allen Edmonds can also be beneficial in the long run as they tend to hold up better.
Remember, leather is a skin, and you're sweating in it all day long. It's best to not wear the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row. This will help them last longer and stay in better condition.
And hey, if you ever find yourself with some extra time on your hands, giving your shoes a good shine can't hurt!
Sources: New To Formal Fashion? Start Here. PT1, Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe, S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide
I literally never shine any of my shoes. To be fair my “thing” is clothes, so I am able to rotate pretty often.
Your shoes don’t necessarily need a good shine, although if you like good leather shoes or if you like to make sure your shoes last a while it is something you should do. What matters is keeping them clean. They don’t
need to be spotless but they should look like
shoes that belong to someone being paid a shit ton (relative to one’s age)
No Tuxedo shoes lol - a decent leather (real leather) with a shine, using an old rag and leather cleaner every 1-2 weeks should be sufficient
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