Protective shoe sprays can help safeguard your shoes against water, stains, and other forms of damage. Look for sprays that are specifically designed for leather shoes and follow the instructions carefully. Be sure to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it doesn’t discolor or damage the leather. Take your duster with the polish on it and apply it to the toe cap of your boot in a circular motion. Do not press hard, you only need to have a slight pressure on the pad of your finger. Are there any large scratches or holes in the boots? If yes, then the job will take longer: more scratches = more time. The pad of your finger (where your finger print is) is smooth. That is, there are no wrinkles in the duster. This is vital, you will polish with the pad of your finger. OK, when you are applying the polish (in a circular motion), you will see polish "swirls". Do not be afraid, this is quite normal and healthy.

You should be able to see your own reflection in the toe cap now, if you can then WELL DONE! If you can't, here's some more top tips: Phew" I hear you say! Swirls are good, they show that you are doing it right. As you keep polishing, the swirls will start to go away. This too, is very normal, it indicates that it is time for the next layer. Maintaining the shine of your shoes is just as important as achieving it in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your shoes looking their best: Regular Cleaning and Polishing

caption id="attachment_6235" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cherry Blossom Regimental Shoe Polish[/caption] Cotton Wool method - using a wad of cotton balls, water and polish. This method does work, but will not give a very good results for reasons I will not bore you with.

caption id="attachment_6237" align="alignnone" width="300"] Web-tex High Gloss Military Polish[/caption] Additionally, maintaining shoe shine is not a one-time effort. Regular cleaning and polishing, proper storage and handling, and using protective shoe sprays can go a long way in keeping your shoes looking their best. Spit and Polishing (aka. "Bulling","Polishing" etc.) has been around for many a moon, and there are about fifty different methods handed down from airman to airman over the years. The ones you are most likely to hear about are: Whether you're brush polishing or bulling this has to be one of the longest running debates within the cadet forces. We thought it was about time someone finally lay the issue to rest by putting 5 of the most popular polishes to a proper test. What we did...

2. Kiwi Parade Gloss Prestige

Gives an acceptable shine. The big advantage is the MOD Brown colour is spot on for Alt-Berg and other issue boots. Take the pad of your finger (the one with the cloth wrapped around it) and apply some polish to it from your Kiwi. When starting for the first time take on a big load of polish. You will use less and less as you go on, but you need to build a layer of polish to polish upon first. When starting off, aim for about this much: Please mark "Returned Goods/Merchandise" option with no (zero) value when filling the Customs Declaration Form. The latest premium wax shoe polishfrom Cherry Blossom. This premium blend of natural waxes and other specialist components is intended to give your footwear the best possible shine whilst nourishing and protecting the leather. Boot Polish Results: 3/5 (OK) Bulled Finish Results: 3/5 (OK) Time to Bull Toecap: 12 to 20 Minutes No. of Layers Require: 10-15 Our Panels Score: 2/5 (Poor)

Many people ask me how long it takes to get it to this stage. My standard answer is that it depends on the state of the boot, how long you have been "bulling" for overall and how much time and effort you have put into the process. I said it takes hours and I wasn't kidding. The polish was removed from the original tin and placed in a plain white dish making it impossible to tell which brand was which. Parade Gloss Prestigeis the latest premium wax shoe polish from Kiwi. This unique blend of natural waxes and genuine vegetable turpentine delivers the ultimate shine to any smooth or grained leather whilst nourishing and protecting. Boot Polish Results: 5/5/ (Very Good) Bulled Finish Results: 5/5 (Very Good) Time to Bull Toecap: 10 Minutes No. of Layers Require: 8 Our Panels Score: 4/5 (Good)

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Keeping your appearance above 100% will never hinder your Cadet career, and having shiny shoes will make you stand out from the crowd as someone who cares about the way they look in uniform.

Start your next layer, when it feels "rough", apply more liquid, when the swirls start to go away, apply your next layer! Our expert started by brush polishing each shoe before bulling the toecap using Selvyt Premium polishing clothand tap water. At Military 1st we hope you would be completely satisfied every time you shop with us. Occasionally though, we know you may wish to make a return. A duster or soft rag (you can get them from your local supermarket) (Marines will tell you to use a white cloth diaper that's been washed a few times.)I hereby absolve myself from blame of anyone who is daft enough to swallow polish, the duster or the boot itself and consequently damage themselves in any way. Just so you know.