Black Shoe Polish

The most commonly purchased shoe care product is probably black shoe polish.  Prior to the development of shoe polish, a wax based product called dubbin was used to preserve flexibility and for waterproofing leather boots and shoes.  Dubbin did not provide shine.  As shoe fashions changed, the need for a leather shoe care products that restored shine arose.  People often mixed their own polishes adding lanolin, oil, or beeswax to produce a shining effect.  Later, in the 1800’s another type of polish called blacking was created.  The ingredient used to add shine was tallow. 

Tallow is an animal by product.  At the time, Chicago, Illinois was the place where 82% of meat consumed by Americans was processed.  This is how Chicago became a leading shoe polish manufacturing area.  By the early 1900’s, the process of shoe polishing was becoming more popular among the general public.  In 1904, in a little factory in Melbourne, Australia, the first shoe polish similar to today’s version was developed, by Kiwi founders William Ramsey and Hamilton McKellan.  Their shoe polish was a tremendous improvement over previous options.  It is named for the Kiwi, the national bird of New Zealand.  Ramsey’ wife was from New Zealand.  From this point on, more shoe polish brands such as Shinola and Cavalier were developed.  Two popular brands of black shoe polish are:
 
Kiwi Regular Paste Polish:  Long lasting shine has been a trademark of Kiwi shoe polish for more than 100 years.  This paste provides protection against stains and scuffs.  Regular shoe cleaning and polishing with Kiwi paste will help to extend the life and appearance of shoes and boots.  In addition to black shoe polish, Kiwi offers white, tan, oxblood, neutral, mid-tan, mahogany, cordovan, and blue.  Kiwi Regular Paste Polish is available online from shoetreemarketplace (dot com) for $3.49 (1.125 oz can).
 
Meltonian Shoe & Boot Cream Polish:  This rich, creamy shoe and boot polish is made from the highest quality waxes.  This shoe cream conditions while polishing.  It is available in 23 colors besides the, ever popular, black shoe polish cream.  This shoe polish cream is sold in 1.55 ounce glass jars.  Meltonian Shoe & Boot Cream Polish can be found online at shoetreemarketplace for $3.49 (2 can minimum order, mix or match colors).

Investing a little time maintaining leather shoes and boots will extend their life span.  Using black shoe polish to shine black shoes and boots will provide an attractive, long lasting appearance.