If you recently purchased polishing products, you’re off to a great start to caring for your dress shoes. However, your efforts will soon be lost if you don’t properly store the items you bought. Thankfully, a shoe shining box makes your storage woes easy and keeps your products conveniently in one place.
Here at FootFitter, we are all about convenience and longevity so we broke down everything you need to know about shoe shining boxes and how they can protect your products.
What is the purpose of investing in a shoe shining box?
First off, the main reason a shoe shining box is a useful resource to add to your collection is because it stores polishing products. Without a shoe shining valet, your products are easy to misplace or lose. After all, shoe polish isn’t very big.
In addition, investing in a box to house your products is smart to increase the long-wear of items like your brushes. The box protects them from irritants around your house or on your counter tops. As a result, this also frees up your space from surface clutter.
READ MORE: “Shoe Storage Ideas: Making the Most of Small Rooms and Closet Spaces”
What should I look for in a shoe shining box?
When considering which shoe shining valet to buy, you should consider how many products you have. If you have a lot of products and cleaning tools, the shoe shining box is the best option for you.
However, if your collection is still relatively small, a shoe shining bag instead of a box is the better option while you continue to build. The zippered alternative also makes traveling with your shoe shining products easy.
As for the boxes, in addition to size you should consider the material the box is made of. For example, the cedar wood boxes are durable with dovetailed corners and offers a pleasant fragrance, keeping your brushes smelling fresh.
Which products should I keep inside the shoe shining box?
Now that you’ve picked out which shoe shining box you want to invest in, it’s time to decide which products to house inside of it. To make things a little easier, FootFitter shoe shine valets are offered with essential polishes, creams and brushes as well as sold separately. Visit the how to polish shoes page to learn more about the differences between cream vs polish. Overall, the best bang for your buck is to invest in the grand shoe shine valet set.
Whether your collection is big or small, there are three essential items that should always be in your shoe shining box.
First off, you will need a trusty polish or cream. You may be asking yourself, how do I choose between the two and what’s the difference.
A shoe polish tends to be stronger when it comes to providing shine but over long periods of time can be drying. On the other hand, a shoe cream adds a layer of moisture. Where it doesn’t pack as hard of a punch with vibrancy, it scores high in keeping old shoes looking fresh.
Next, you’ll definitely need a soft but sturdy set of brushes to dislodge any irritants jammed in your dress shoes. For leather, horsehair bristles work wonders while rubber, nylon and brass are great for suede and nubuck.
Lastly, you will need a couple microfiber cloths that will cling to dirt and easily remove it. In addition, they are great for buffing in product.
READ MORE: “Electric Shoe Polishers: Is It Worth It to Invest in a Machine?”
Now that you have the proper place to store your shoe cleaning tools, polishing your favorite brogues or heels will be quick and easy. All you have left to worry about is where you are going to show your shiny shoes off.
