How to Mirror Shine Your Shoes

In this Mirror Gloss Shoe Shining Guide, you will learn how to get a mirror shine on your favorite shoes using the Saphir line of shoe care products.

Products used in this video:

Saphir Mirror Gloss Wax polish:

Saphir Pate De Luxe Wax Shoe Polish:

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This video teaches you how to create a high-gloss mirror shine on a pair of dress shoes. Steps below:

STEP 1 (3:07): Prepare the shoe

Lightly brush the shoe to remove any surface dirt, then apply one coat of Saphir Pommadier Cream Polish with a chamois cloth to clean the surface of the shoes and prepare the leather to take the mirror gloss wax polish. Remember, with shoe polish, less is more.

Let the cream polish dry until it starts fogging/clouding. Once the polish has begun to fog, spritz a bit of water onto the chamois cloth and buff of the cream polish using light pressure and buffing in a circular motion. Repeat this step until the fogging disappears.

STEP 2 (3:48): Apply the mirror gloss wax polish

Apply the wax to the shoe; this will require several coats of wax and lots of water. Use a cotton chamois cloth to rub the polish into the shoe, spritzing water using a water dispenser to apply the wax. Use as much water as possible in order to lubricate the chamois cloth so that it glides across the shoe. Make sure to only apply the mirror gloss to the hard countered areas of the shoe such as the toe box and the rear of the shoe.

STEP 3 (11:55)Finish with the Pate De Luxe wax polish

Take the Pate De Luxe wax polish and apply a tiny amount of wax polish (using no water), rub onto the toe box and hind quarters of the shoe. Continue this process until you're satisfied with the high shine.

[sarahmcdonnell]

don't  polish your shoes if you plan to wear a kilt

[lullemans]

wow, coming back to this old video i can really see how much your video quality has improved over time. good work, and keep at it, kirby.

[dennisonwant]

Boy lookin like Mr. Rodgers still bringing us knowledge

[hbsong]

Just used your method here to mirror shine a pair of black boots which are almost identical to the ones in this video, rubber sole though. Got the mirror shine and ready for that interview, thank you Mr Allison!

[slape]

Well just finished my black shoes with the process in the video. I will say what a mirror shine, best shine I have ever been able to get on these shoes.  i think I might have not waited enough time between applications of Mirror gloss but still came out with excellent results.

[victorrasilla]

I’m very happy to have found this channel and the website.

[timothyhutchins]

Very helpful video(s)! 🙏🏻Your tutorial takes this to the top level. I tried this first as a young teen. It got results with the nice comments from my young lady friend. I think it is natural and very positive when people take some care of all these sorts of things. It is positive, gratifying and good for a healthy self-esteem. 👍

[benmx]

Good job. Reminds me of the youtube channel where a guy in suit reviews fast food "The Report Of the Week"

[tabishkhan]

Boss: Why are you late ?
Employee: Sir, I was polishing my shoes.

Boss: Good Lord !

[antonioraffa]

Saphir high gloss black wax polish just arrived in the post and I have to say it is fantastic. Thank you for introducing me to Saphir's line of products sir.

[drakkar_night]

Where do you buy saphir products in the US?

[HolysMoly]

Shoutout to this guy for getting me through inspection lol

[joanakonova]

Could you please explain how to best care for patent leather? Does the renovateur help patent leather as well?

[mikhasan]

Do you recommend removing the old wax with stain remover before applying new cream and wax?

[patriotsailor]

Kirby, Great Video. Missing...the clear coat. I have used Kiwi Neutral, or the Kiwi liquid neutral with just the lightest (one drop) layer to keep the mirror shine looking absolutely wet and high-definition reflective. Also, Meguar's Quick Mist will put a clear glaze on the shoe shine, but must be buffed to ensure the Carnauba does not bead up, dry white and look "chalky". A clear coat will add some protection and keep the waxes from oxidizing as quickly.

[Alexander]

I have watched several of your videos and I like the way you present all the information. I have been polishing my shoes like a "pro" for many, many years and since I started using Saphir I noticed that some whiteish color started to appear on certain spots, but only on non-black shoes, to which I don't apply Saphir but a cheaper brand. Here, you clearly explain the reason but the question remains, why isn't the issue present in my black shoes? Perhaps is because of the specific characteristics of the Saphir wax? Anyway, I solved the issue by applying the cream before the wax! I like your videos, I believe you do a good job!

[MrWhite-iphw]

I recently purchased the Pâte de Luxe and Medaille Dior clear polishes. I was wondering if you could illustrate the difference between using clear polishes vs. black polishes as it pertains to mirror shine?

[ConfusedWonkie]

I already get a mirror shine but I know if I purchased all this fancy stuff I'd get too attached to my cadet boots

[amberkennedy]

How long does it typically take you to go from bare leather to mirror shine?

[lchmarco]

Hi Kirby, I have followed the tip to mirror shine and it works extremely well. May I know how you can polish/take care a pair of bookbinder to keep it long lasting?