I got my first shoe shine! (dye, color, guys, wax)

[jade408]

So my flight was delayed and I got to the airport early. I’m wearing my cordovan colored oxfords. They are looking scuffed. I walk past the shoe shine booth. It is staffed and the shiner is finishing up another customer. I decided to get my first shoe shine!

I had no idea what to expect, but it was amazing. She cleaned up the scuffs on my heels, and covered them with matching markers. She added the proper color of polish to cover the scuffs. And of course there was rounds of buffing and waxing. Ow my shoes look better than they did out of the box.

Why is this custom getting killed off? It is great and my outfit looks way better now.

[Copanut]

You can't make a full time living doing it. There was a time when I belonged to the local YMCA the guys handing out towels would also shine your shoes if you left outside your locker for extra cash. Those days are gone as well.

[ComeCloser]

My husband shined shoes for pin money as a kid. Lots of kids did that way back then. Today, they just ask their parents for everything they want and walk around staring at a phone screen.

I agree OP. Shoes can look much better when shined. You can do that yourself. The brushes, cloths, dyes and polishes are still sold, and sometimes you can find an old school barber shop that also has someone shining shoes. Even shoe repair shops are getting father and fewer between. They are nice to replace soles and heels on a nice pair that you have walked through.

[Hemlock140]

The problem is that people no longer wear shoes very often that need a shine. Business casual dress, and even casual in many offices has reduced the need for both shoe shines and drycleaners which are also going away. Here in our office of about 400, most men are wearing khakis or jeans with sneakers, with the exception of the top executives who may have to meet with the board or local public officials in the course of their day. On Fridays almost everyone wears jeans, and even Seahawk jerseys are encouraged for "Blue Friday." I often wear $50 leather walking shoes to work, but they are not worth spending money to get shined even if there were a place anywhere nearby. I just use the good old Kiwi polish once in a while, no one cares how shiny they are, including me. Does anyone really go around looking at other people's shoes?

[jade408]

Originally Posted by ComeCloser

My husband shined shoes for pin money as a kid. Lots of kids did that way back then. Today, they just ask their parents for everything they want and walk around staring at a phone screen.

I agree OP. Shoes can look much better when shined. You can do that yourself. The brushes, cloths, dyes and polishes are still sold, and sometimes you can find an old school barber shop that also has someone shining shoes. Even shoe repair shops are getting father and fewer between. They are nice to replace soles and heels on a nice pair that you have walked through.

I definitely get shoes resoled. My fave super affordable shoe repair place closed (their home got reconstructed.) and I do not like the one in my neighborhood. I am looking for a new one. I have shoes that need some clean up.

The pair I wore yesterday was definitely meant to be shiny but having them a little scruff looking also made them feel less dressy, which worked too. They are a croc embossed menswear-inspired pointed toe oxford. Thry’d Be a really formal men’s shoe. I wear them with jeans, leggings and some dresses.

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

The problem is that people no longer wear shoes very often that need a shine. Business casual dress, and even casual in many offices has reduced the need for both shoe shines and drycleaners which are also going away. Here in our office of about 400, most men are wearing khakis or jeans with sneakers, with the exception of the top executives who may have to meet with the board or local public officials in the course of their day. On Fridays almost everyone wears jeans, and even Seahawk jerseys are encouraged for "Blue Friday." I often wear $50 leather walking shoes to work, but they are not worth spending money to get shined even if there were a place anywhere nearby. I just use the good old Kiwi polish once in a while, no one cares how shiny they are, including me. Does anyone really go around looking at other people's shoes?

Oh I absolutely notice shoes. And will comment on them for men or women! I have a fun pair of half snake menswear-ish booties. I can’t wear them with out at least 3 strangers commenting. So people absolutely notice.

[jertheber]

Saw a mall kiosk that cleans athletic shoes, a small line was forming for the service. I guess we have moved on from wearing clothing or footwear that connotes anything nearing a more formal type of dress. Shoe shine stands were common when I was young, and most of those who wore real dress shoes to work knew they had to be maintained, I still wear nice leather loafers with jeans, but that's the old look, and I'm old..

[North Beach Person]

I used to shine mine every week when I was working, three pairs which I rotated daily. That may be a throwback to OCS.

Corfams were one way to cheat.

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

Does anyone really go around looking at other people's shoes?

Yes they do. Even you stated you know what shoes and what proportion wears what in your office.

[North Beach Person]

I always look when a guy is wearing a suit. One way to take the measure of someone.

[LexWest]

I must be tired. I originally read "I got my first shoe line." I was going to say good for you! But after reading the thread, I still think that's great, because I've never had my shoes shined.