so im in JROTC, & i tried this way of shoe shinning for my last competition. & the Drill Sargent that was inspecting me said "those are the best shoes i've seen in all day." So thank you! (:
Good video! A couple of small tips: if you keep a shoe tree inside the shoe while you're polishing it (particularly solid wood trees), rather than putting your hand inside of it, you can put more uniform pressure on the leather without deforming it and you'll avoid adding to the creases. It makes the shoe a little more difficult to hold, but you get used to it. Also, a toothbrush is ideal for cleaning the area between the welt and the body of the shoe, and pipe cleaners come in handy for clearing out the eyelets before re-lacing.
I used this method for my tall riding boots and it's like looking in a mirror. It's absolutely gorgeous. I have gotten so many compliments on how glossy my boots are and even my trainer asked me how I did it. Thank you so much for this tutorial!
This young man takes great care of his shoes. He should invest in a pair of shoe trees. It will take the creases out of his shoes and preserve the character of the leather in its original shape.
Hey y'all, so I know this is an odd question, but: how many of you are watching the other videos on my channel? I know my content's not super-entertaining, but I'm trying to revive my channel with something new and fresh and just wanted feedback from those who actually watch!!
Yes and no. Shoe shine (polish) by default covers up scuffs to your polish by just adding more. Parade gloss rubs off too easily, so it won't cover up scuffs. Now, if you've cut deep enough into the leather to scuff the actual leather, then that's a different issue.
And I'm glad I was able to help- and I'm also glad you enjoyed the bloopers! The random flying candy bag still cracks me up- that and hitting my head when I wasn't supposed to after "sniffing" the polish.
Spot on- you're right. I don't know where this burn shine method came from, but it's unfortunetly a culture that's been cultivated in the service academy/ ROTC worlds, and no one else does it. Burning and heating by direct or even indirect means a) destroys the leather, which, at the end of the day is treated skin, and b) instantly dries and cracks any layers you put on it. You can get a mirror/ two-bar shine on any pair of shoes with the right polish, the right wax (important), and patience.
Glad I could help in some way! I love hearing testimonials from people who used this method and got great results! Props to you for being in J-rotsee, and I wish you the best of luck in your military endeavors!
Thank you Nathan. I had forgotten about the nylon trick. I was in the RCACS for 6 years as a youth a number of years ago. I have never tried it before, but heard of it. Great Demo! Last year I joined the Cadet Instructor Cadre - Air Element in Canada and started polishing boots again. Instead of using a butane lighter, I thought of a way to heat the wax with less risk of burning the wax, the base, or my fingers. I use a heat gun on low setting (mine has high-low setting only, some have variable temperature setting). It is a great way to evenly heat a larger area of the boot, it's safer for our cadets as well... It's been great! I applied 6 or 7 generous but even coats of wax on a new pair of boots and shoes, I applied heat in between coats, and voila! Some folks on here have asked about the regular black polish instead of parade gloss. I have never used parade gloss until recently. With regular black polish, I can shine my boots until I can see a lightly distorted reflection of myself. I now only use parade gloss for the last coat. No problem with doing a fire-shine with regular black wax as far as I know.... Thanks again for the nylon trick... I still have one more new pair of shoes to polish... I will have to try this out.
My goodness, that was a lot to read, but in a good way! I'm glad this video served a purpose for you, and I hope it continues to help you into the future! The heat gun trick is quite popular; I know a few people who have used a hair dryer, too, and as long as the heat is hot enough and concentrated enough, it ought to work!
The fire technique is really good. The end result speaks for itself. When I was in Navy A school, I used an iron to heat the bottom of my polish until it all melted. This usually resulted in a huge mess and the polish would harden quickly. Now I use something my sister introduced me to. You know those scented candle cake melters? I put the polish can on that and it melts it and keeps it melted. Then I just polish it right from the can. I'm stealing your nylon idea. Thank you.
Absolutely- there's only on slight catch to the whole process: give the shoe time to dry. If you don't allow the shoe to dry and cool, fire shining the shoe again will cause the warm max to melt even more, and will cause it to get gooey and runny, and possibly even melt through the epoxy or kiwi layers, and burn your leather. As a good rule of thumb, you shouldn't fire shine your shoes more than once every 30 minutes.
one other thing put polish on a teaspoon heat it up with a lighter and pour polish over boots and then heat spoon up again apply to boot then spread polish around while spoon is still hot and make sure if boots are new they have little blisters and the hot spoon will remove them there's a tip from an ex British soldier for you
That's a very good and fully explanatory info-video on this subject. I learned how to do this in the SeaBees, '91 on Coronado. I did this with my inspection boots as well, taught many about it. I always found it curious that proper heat application was important, easy, and has high functional qualities in many aspects of uniform care/prep, blocked covers is another. Simple tricks like this must be in the passdown from the senior generation to the next. If not, our traditions begin to erode, soon changing the pride we have in our uniform and Service. Wish you well on yours, my Retirement approaches. Passing on what we learned.
Cadet Ensign Bourgeois From NJROTC Area 8 You my friend have just given me the greatest advice in my life. If you plan on military I hope you get to be whatever you want on the JCS one day.
I use a heat gun instead of a flame and it works just as well melting the wax. You need to be careful with the hot air as you can also burn the shoe. Just another tip. Good job on the shoes. Semper Fi! Sam
when I was in the navy and we would wear our summer whites I found by adding a top coat of clear polish would eliminate the black polish rubbing off onto the bottom of the pants.
i did this and now my shoes are so beautiful i think i might cry! Thanks for helping me get ready for my leadership school and i can't wait to teach this to the other cadets i'll meet there!
If after base coating, you use cotton-wool buds/cotton cloth and wet them, press flat, rub a little polish onto the bud and use that circular motion you were talking about, I promise you hands down you will get a MIRROR, yes mirror finish (with a little practice). You've got a good method! 2 years in the british Air Training Corps (our version of AFROTC) and I had possibly the shiniest shoes in my wing (400 or so cadets)
Thanks, this helped a lot. My flight commander in AFJROTC has been on me about my low- quartered shoes, and I've spent a good few hours on them, but they didn't look as shiny as your do. And in appreciation of your work I will subscribe and like.!:D
This brought back memories as my dad was in the military and did this same process, except he lit the can of polish on fire and then blew it out. Then again, it was the 70s. Same results?
@TitanTankNate: Yeah I noticed that. Worst also it uses up the polish quickly. I'll try the lighter technique for a can or two and see how it compares.
hey man, i like the vid. im a police explorer, and weve got to keep our boots shined b/c we represent our police department when in uniform so we have to look on point. i used shine a different way, but i think ill do it this way from now on. thxs!!
Can this also be done, using the same products & method, on PATENT leather too? Or would the "fire-shine" heat application ruin a patent leather finish?
hey im c3/c like u too and i have the bates low quarters and it came with the stock polish. they said to take it off by using rubbing alcohol..and then add layers of polish... but i was wondering if i can just polish over the stock polish? and i have lincoln shoe polish if that makes a difference
can i apply the regular polish the same way as you have shown in this video? and do i need to bring the polish to a shine before putting the parade gloss on or can it have a dull finish?
You know, I've used Lincoln too, and I suppose I could do a video using a cordovan-based wax such as Lincoln polish! I actually like Lincoln patent leather cleaner for working with Corframs, so I suppose that I've got the best of both worlds! Glad the video helped you out though! ^_^
Do you have to use parade gloss before fire shine or can you apply few layers of normal kiwi black polish and then fire shine them? I'm a part of UK ATC and our CO has strictly said that we should not use the Parade Gloss on our Parade shoes as the RAF has changed regulations about it but I see that fire shine gives it a remarkable shine so I would like to do it just not using the Parade Gloss :)
love the video! No better feeling than putting on some low-quarters that good, thanks to you! But you mentioned how you would make a chorfam shining tutorial. Could you please get that out soon, because I have a pair but it has a few scuffs and scratches on it that I want to get rid of. Thanks very much!
Awesome video. Thanks so much Nathan. I have a pair of dress shoes. Non Military and I went to make em shine. They have the factory shine on them which is not very brilliant so I went at them with polish. Now they look OK.. Would you recommend stripping them and polishing like crazy before fire shining or can I fire shine without taking off the factory shine? I've only got the one pair so I don't want to ruin them. Thanks again!
So can you do this on any leather shoe? or do they have to be low quarter shoes for this polish to work? and also, do you just apply the parade gloss to the shoe when you buy it, or do you need a base of normal shoe polish first? also I have been using cotton balls on mine and it hasn't worked very well, is this a good idea?
Thanks a lot! This really helps me out. I'm a sophomore in high school doing AFJROTC and this definitely is better than the shining method I used as a freshman.
ok, I have done only parade gloss on my shoes and he shine is pretty good, not US Marine good, but good. So should I strip off the layers of parade gloss next time I shine them? thanks for your help so far =D
Thanks for the video. This is the only way I shine my boots/shoes now. I prefer Lincoln wax over Kiwi though. The cordovan in it gives the leather an extra smooth finish and a very high shine.
Thanks very much! Worked the ver first time I really want a shine like yours though haha. If I keep repeating this method just after I have finished would it affect my shine as in make more shinier? X
I've tried it, and have gotten the hang of it but still haven't mastered it yet. I found that a mini blowtorch-style lighter works the best for me though I got a few minor burns
EXACTLY. Polish is typically applied in a circular method, so that's the way to do it. I would also HIGHLY recommend bringing the polish to a shine before putting parade gloss on. It doesn't have to be super shiny, but just make sure to get rid of dull spots. Dull spots will become sticky if epoxied wax (parade gloss) touches them.
Can I fire polish and spit shine afterwards? Because with only spit shine my shoes come on mirror like you can actually see your face on my boots. But the sides and back crack off afterwards. So does fire shine help prevent cracking?
Can fire shining prevent the polish from cracking off? Because I spit shine my shoes and I get a great shine but the polish on the sides of my shoe crack off. And I noticed that your shoes don't seem to crack on the side.
You're very welcome! The effect isn't drastically cumulative, so try not to fire-shine multiple times in a row. A fire-shine is normally enough to last for a solid week of shoe wear, if you're careful to buff it whenever scuffs or scratches appear.
Nathan how much walking or marching did ya do in your shoes and it seems like you were rushin shining your shoes faster and faster or is that normol col Jensen and do you do any videos like. Where ya wallk to in your shoes ?
@TitanTankNate Okay, so if I use a horse brush before I fire-shine the the polish from the creased area will be removed correct? And can I only use Kiwi Regular or only Kiwi Parade Gloss instead of using both? Because I am on a budget
Hi! I'm an air cadet in the British ATC, just wondering if you could fireshine layers multiple times? as in you could fire shine one layer then add another and do it again for more shine or would you say this was bad?
What I like to do is put parade gloss on and then melt it without any water, then take water on a kiwi cloth and then run it in in circles it turned out great
You know, a lot of ROTC cadets would disagree with you, but I definitely agree. Especially if you have the cold-weather heavy jacket during the winter. These things resist snow, wind, and moisture beautifully. They can get a bit overbearingly warm in summer, though, especially now that the AF prohibits rolling sleeves.
I am a Freshman in my High school Doing Navy JROTC it is the Best decision I have ever took I am going to be a PO3 in a week and don't forget small circles and don't over heat the Leather to much cause your bringing the Moisture out of the Shoe if I may recommend heat gun is amazing.
I'm a retired US Army Jump Master and I wish I had a dollar every time I've "spit shined" my jump boots (including the tongue), low quarters and now my civilian dress shoes. My foot gear always looked like they were wet or like glass. Even this evening I went to a meeting and my burgundy dress shoes looked like glass and of course I did it the old fashioned way.Regular kiwi, white cotton t-shirt and cool water. I would prep new shoes with several layers of polish for a good build up of wax.
Thanks. this will help me on inspection day. my AFJROTC unit is TX-20081/ I am flight sergeant of Golf flight and my rank at the moment is Staff sergeant
Yes, use standard Kiwi Shoe Polish first, several layers if you can. Once you have several layers of standard polish, and those layers have dried, you can then add the parade gloss and fire shine!
TIP/TRICK: When you're shining your shoe, keep the leather as smooth and taught as possible by sticking your hand in the shoe, shining it on a shoe tree, or shining it on some [brave] soul/sole's foot. This helps eliminate polish cracking.
A lot of it comes down to practice. The original layer of epoxy on your shoe can determine quite a bit of how well your shine will hold up, as well. If your shoe was pre-stripped before you received it, it won't shine as nicely. Or, if your shoe's leather is very old or dry, it may not absorb polish like it should.
Nathan Janota hi I am a student at Canyon High School and I am going to Embry-Riddle as well also I am a ROTC Cadet for the Air Force and I would just like to say thank you for this tutorial and Embry-Riddle sounds like an awesome college
The regulation came down from command about a year ago, I think. It might be longer by now, since I haven't been in, ad might have forgotten. But yeah, the AF, in its desire to maintain professionalism and consistency in regs, prohibited rolling the ACU (their new name) sleeves, particularly when on a flight line. As someone who worked at the Luke AFB flight line, in Glendale, AZ, I can tell you that in 125 degree heat, those rolled down sleeves ain't fun! But you seem pretty tough :)
That's a definite way of doing it. The primary reasons I use fire, though, are so that I can see the area I'm shining exactly, and so that the shine is much more intense. Intense, concentrated heat shines faster and more thoroughly than other heat. However, if you have the patience, you could definitely use a hairdryer!!!
alright you have the best video iv seen yet ;) you have a great technique in shining your boots.. great detail and very nice sense of pride in your shoes.. thank you (:
Great advice! If I may though, once you have them shined already and your just spiffing them up, don't use a generous amount of polish. Just get a little bit of polish on your rag, and I mean a LITTLE bit. This will improve that shine after the first couple coats XD
Im filling out my afrotc packet for det 165 at georgia tech but im a sophmore. Is it too late for me? If not can I still get the scholarship? I dlknow im asking the wrong person
thanks a lot this is great.im an element leader in my JROTC group so i need to look especialy good for my cadets and the inspector general of my region.
You're right in saying that it's okay to use a used polish rag. I have just one warning about this- a used rag can often transfer small particulates and fibers onto your shoe that will burn if fire is applied to them. The fire shine method precludes the use of a used rag, in my opinion. Also, everyone is entitled to their method and their opinion. Personally, I found fire shining to be both effective, low-risk (if you're attentive), and easy.
ive got a great pair of shoes that have a slight grain how do i get the grain smooth enough to get a glass glossy finish. Ive heard of some guys using a hot spoon. My shoes are not totally smoothe.
Sorry for nearly missing this question! No, don't strip off polish, ever, if you can avoid it. Stripping polish can cause damage to the protective epoxy layer underneath, resulting in severe damage if the flame reaches the leather. And you're quite welcome!
It does, to an extent. You can only build up so many layers of polish before there isn't any noticeable improvement... I'd say three or four fire shines and you'll probably need to lay off it for a while.
Which method is better this lighter method or using only water method? And can I also use the panty hole if I used only the water method (spit shine) ? And is it true if you polish the crease of your shoe (the part that bends when your walk) the polish will crack and chip off ?
so im in JROTC, & i tried this way of shoe shinning for my last competition. & the Drill Sargent that was inspecting me said "those are the best shoes i've seen in all day." So thank you! (:
Yep, I remember doing using that technique at military school in 1963. Is that sick I still remember ! lol
Good video!
A couple of small tips: if you keep a shoe tree inside the shoe while you're polishing it (particularly solid wood trees), rather than putting your hand inside of it, you can put more uniform pressure on the leather without deforming it and you'll avoid adding to the creases. It makes the shoe a little more difficult to hold, but you get used to it.
Also, a toothbrush is ideal for cleaning the area between the welt and the body of the shoe, and pipe cleaners come in handy for clearing out the eyelets before re-lacing.
I work for the navy in canada. I wear my parade boots every day at fleet school. This is the best tutorial ive seen on it so far
I used this method for my tall riding boots and it's like looking in a mirror. It's absolutely gorgeous. I have gotten so many compliments on how glossy my boots are and even my trainer asked me how I did it. Thank you so much for this tutorial!
This young man takes great care of his shoes. He should invest in a pair of shoe trees. It will take the creases out of his shoes and preserve the character of the leather in its original shape.
Hey y'all, so I know this is an odd question, but: how many of you are watching the other videos on my channel? I know my content's not super-entertaining, but I'm trying to revive my channel with something new and fresh and just wanted feedback from those who actually watch!!
Yes and no.
Shoe shine (polish) by default covers up scuffs to your polish by just adding more. Parade gloss rubs off too easily, so it won't cover up scuffs.
Now, if you've cut deep enough into the leather to scuff the actual leather, then that's a different issue.
And I'm glad I was able to help- and I'm also glad you enjoyed the bloopers! The random flying candy bag still cracks me up- that and hitting my head when I wasn't supposed to after "sniffing" the polish.
Spot on- you're right. I don't know where this burn shine method came from, but it's unfortunetly a culture that's been cultivated in the service academy/ ROTC worlds, and no one else does it. Burning and heating by direct or even indirect means a) destroys the leather, which, at the end of the day is treated skin, and b) instantly dries and cracks any layers you put on it. You can get a mirror/ two-bar shine on any pair of shoes with the right polish, the right wax (important), and patience.
Glad I could help in some way! I love hearing testimonials from people who used this method and got great results! Props to you for being in J-rotsee, and I wish you the best of luck in your military endeavors!
if you use a wet cotton ball instead of nylon, it makes it wayyyyyyyy shinier.
my unit is being inspected soon and this is extremely useful thank you!!!
no I'm an American. I'm in NJROTC
+Sarah Roach (Creepy_gurl_111) what school I'm NJROTC and was just inspected this year too
Thank you Nathan. I had forgotten about the nylon trick. I was in the RCACS for 6 years as a youth a number of years ago. I have never tried it before, but heard of it. Great Demo! Last year I joined the Cadet Instructor Cadre - Air Element in Canada and started polishing boots again. Instead of using a butane lighter, I thought of a way to heat the wax with less risk of burning the wax, the base, or my fingers. I use a heat gun on low setting (mine has high-low setting only, some have variable temperature setting). It is a great way to evenly heat a larger area of the boot, it's safer for our cadets as well... It's been great! I applied 6 or 7 generous but even coats of wax on a new pair of boots and shoes, I applied heat in between coats, and voila! Some folks on here have asked about the regular black polish instead of parade gloss. I have never used parade gloss until recently. With regular black polish, I can shine my boots until I can see a lightly distorted reflection of myself. I now only use parade gloss for the last coat. No problem with doing a fire-shine with regular black wax as far as I know.... Thanks again for the nylon trick... I still have one more new pair of shoes to polish... I will have to try this out.
My goodness, that was a lot to read, but in a good way! I'm glad this video served a purpose for you, and I hope it continues to help you into the future! The heat gun trick is quite popular; I know a few people who have used a hair dryer, too, and as long as the heat is hot enough and concentrated enough, it ought to work!
The fire technique is really good. The end result speaks for itself. When I was in Navy A school, I used an iron to heat the bottom of my polish until it all melted. This usually resulted in a huge mess and the polish would harden quickly.
Now I use something my sister introduced me to. You know those scented candle cake melters? I put the polish can on that and it melts it and keeps it melted. Then I just polish it right from the can. I'm stealing your nylon idea.
Thank you.
Absolutely- there's only on slight catch to the whole process: give the shoe time to dry. If you don't allow the shoe to dry and cool, fire shining the shoe again will cause the warm max to melt even more, and will cause it to get gooey and runny, and possibly even melt through the epoxy or kiwi layers, and burn your leather.
As a good rule of thumb, you shouldn't fire shine your shoes more than once every 30 minutes.
one other thing put polish on a teaspoon heat it up with a lighter and pour polish over boots and then heat spoon up again apply to boot then spread polish around while spoon is still hot and make sure if boots are new they have little blisters and the hot spoon will remove them there's a tip from an ex British soldier for you
hjp
That's a very good and fully explanatory info-video on this subject. I learned how to do this in the SeaBees, '91 on Coronado. I did this with my inspection boots as well, taught many about it. I always found it curious that proper heat application was important, easy, and has high functional qualities in many aspects of uniform care/prep, blocked covers is another. Simple tricks like this must be in the passdown from the senior generation to the next. If not, our traditions begin to erode, soon changing the pride we have in our uniform and Service. Wish you well on yours, my Retirement approaches. Passing on what we learned.
Hooah. Thank you for your service.
Thanks for the vid! it really helped. I'll be going into high school AFJROTC in around two weeks.
Cadet Ensign Bourgeois From NJROTC Area 8
You my friend have just given me the greatest advice in my life. If you plan on military I hope you get to be whatever you want on the JCS one day.
I use a heat gun instead of a flame and it works just as well melting the wax. You need to be careful with the hot air as you can also burn the shoe. Just another tip. Good job on the shoes.
Semper Fi!
Sam
A Excellent Video.. Highly Recommended.. Thank You Very Much For Sharing..
when I was in the navy and we would wear our summer whites I found by adding a top coat of clear polish would eliminate the black polish rubbing off onto the bottom of the pants.
That's ingenious and earns a thumbs' up from me.
Nathan Janota thanks man it really helped me and whats the name of the song its sound funny lul
What clear polish?
Kiwi Neutral Shoe Polish
steven knapp thank you. .I always ruin my whites
i did this and now my shoes are so beautiful i think i might cry! Thanks for helping me get ready for my leadership school and i can't wait to teach this to the other cadets i'll meet there!
If after base coating, you use cotton-wool buds/cotton cloth and wet them, press flat, rub a little polish onto the bud and use that circular motion you were talking about, I promise you hands down you will get a MIRROR, yes mirror finish (with a little practice). You've got a good method! 2 years in the british Air Training Corps (our version of AFROTC) and I had possibly the shiniest shoes in my wing (400 or so cadets)
Thanks, this helped a lot. My flight commander in AFJROTC has been on me about my low- quartered shoes, and I've spent a good few hours on them, but they didn't look as shiny as your do. And in appreciation of your work I will subscribe and like.!:D
Thanks! This helps SO much. I'm leaving for CAP encampment on the 26th, and I'll be using this for both my jump boots and my low-quarters.
This brought back memories as my dad was in the military and did this same process, except he lit the can of polish on fire and then blew it out. Then again, it was the 70s. Same results?
Im currently a 4/C Mid at the Naval Academy. I give alot of props to you dude, thanks for the vid.
@TitanTankNate:
Yeah I noticed that. Worst also it uses up the polish quickly. I'll try the lighter technique for a can or two and see how it compares.
hey man, i like the vid. im a police explorer, and weve got to keep our boots shined b/c we represent our police department when in uniform so we have to look on point. i used shine a different way, but i think ill do it this way from now on. thxs!!
Can this also be done, using the same products & method, on PATENT leather too? Or would the "fire-shine" heat application ruin a patent leather finish?
Thanks, I'm glad it worked out for you! I'm also proud that you're teaching the method to others! Thanks a ton!
i have just started cadets and this will help me alot. thanx
Awesome! Brings back many memories. Thanks for uploading this!
hey im c3/c like u too and i have the bates low quarters and it came with the stock polish. they said to take it off by using rubbing alcohol..and then add layers of polish... but i was wondering if i can just polish over the stock polish?
and i have lincoln shoe polish if that makes a difference
can i apply the regular polish the same way as you have shown in this video? and do i need to bring the polish to a shine before putting the parade gloss on or can it have a dull finish?
A beautiful job. I've been polishing my shoes wrong for years. Your shoes look great.
You know, I've used Lincoln too, and I suppose I could do a video using a cordovan-based wax such as Lincoln polish! I actually like Lincoln patent leather cleaner for working with Corframs, so I suppose that I've got the best of both worlds!
Glad the video helped you out though! ^_^
Do you have to use parade gloss before fire shine or can you apply few layers of normal kiwi black polish and then fire shine them? I'm a part of UK ATC and our CO has strictly said that we should not use the Parade Gloss on our Parade shoes as the RAF has changed regulations about it but I see that fire shine gives it a remarkable shine so I would like to do it just not using the Parade Gloss :)
Excellent instruction and hilarious outtakes.
One question. They have given me a new pair of Low Quarters. How much time should i put in on each shoe?
I need to buy some boots and I was wondering which ones I should get. I am deciding between Bates C3 Bates ICS or the 5.11 ATAC
love the video! No better feeling than putting on some low-quarters that good, thanks to you! But you mentioned how you would make a chorfam shining tutorial. Could you please get that out soon, because I have a pair but it has a few scuffs and scratches on it that I want to get rid of. Thanks very much!
Awesome video. Thanks so much Nathan. I have a pair of dress shoes. Non Military and I went to make em shine. They have the factory shine on them which is not very brilliant so I went at them with polish. Now they look OK.. Would you recommend stripping them and polishing like crazy before fire shining or can I fire shine without taking off the factory shine? I've only got the one pair so I don't want to ruin them. Thanks again!
So can you do this on any leather shoe? or do they have to be low quarter shoes for this polish to work? and also, do you just apply the parade gloss to the shoe when you buy it, or do you need a base of normal shoe polish first? also I have been using cotton balls on mine and it hasn't worked very well, is this a good idea?
Thanks a lot! This really helps me out. I'm a sophomore in high school doing AFJROTC and this definitely is better than the shining method I used as a freshman.
ok, I have done only parade gloss on my shoes and he shine is pretty good, not US Marine good, but good. So should I strip off the layers of parade gloss next time I shine them? thanks for your help so far =D
Thanks for the video. This is the only way I shine my boots/shoes now. I prefer Lincoln wax over Kiwi though. The cordovan in it gives the leather an extra smooth finish and a very high shine.
@Nathan Janota
what happens if i attempted to shine my shoes and did a horrible job is there any way to start over?
Thanks very much! Worked the ver first time I really want a shine like yours though haha. If I keep repeating this method just after I have finished would it affect my shine as in make more shinier? X
Thanks, works well! I think I did 4 coats on new 5.11 tactical boots, and 5th coat was fire polish. Got good results.
I AM A NJROTC CADET AND THIS A GOOD VIDEO
:D Thank you so much! I'm a freshman in NJROTC at my school and I am planning to go into the air force.
I've tried it, and have gotten the hang of it but still haven't mastered it yet. I found that a mini blowtorch-style lighter works the best for me though I got a few minor burns
EXACTLY. Polish is typically applied in a circular method, so that's the way to do it. I would also HIGHLY recommend bringing the polish to a shine before putting parade gloss on. It doesn't have to be super shiny, but just make sure to get rid of dull spots. Dull spots will become sticky if epoxied wax (parade gloss) touches them.
Can I fire polish and spit shine afterwards? Because with only spit shine my shoes come on mirror like you can actually see your face on my boots. But the sides and back crack off afterwards. So does fire shine help prevent cracking?
Can fire shining prevent the polish from cracking off? Because I spit shine my shoes and I get a great shine but the polish on the sides of my shoe crack off. And I noticed that your shoes don't seem to crack on the side.
That's quality leadership, man. It's the little things that really add up to leadership skill! Keep up the good work!
@TitanTankNate Thanks for the reply. I tried it out and my shoes and they turned out great!
I use the Lincoln Patent Leather cleaner for my patent dress shoes and it is excellent.
Will this work with any kind of black leather shoe? I want to do this with my dress shoes.
You're very welcome! The effect isn't drastically cumulative, so try not to fire-shine multiple times in a row. A fire-shine is normally enough to last for a solid week of shoe wear, if you're careful to buff it whenever scuffs or scratches appear.
Your videos are great, Nathan.
Ive been trying for a week finally this method worked. Thanks
Nathan how much walking or marching did ya do in your shoes and it seems like you were rushin shining your shoes faster and faster or is that normol col Jensen and do you do any videos like. Where ya wallk to in your shoes ?
@TitanTankNate Okay, so if I use a horse brush before I fire-shine the the polish from the creased area will be removed correct? And can I only use Kiwi Regular or only Kiwi Parade Gloss instead of using both? Because I am on a budget
Hi! I'm an air cadet in the British ATC, just wondering if you could fireshine layers multiple times? as in you could fire shine one layer then add another and do it again for more shine or would you say this was bad?
can you use normal wax polish instead of parade polish?
its really help me during my inspections this is really helpful.
Does it work on regulation Us Army shoes (patient leather) ?
Does it take out scoffs that don't usually come out on regular polishing?
What I like to do is put parade gloss on and then melt it without any water, then take water on a kiwi cloth and then run it in in circles it turned out great
You know, a lot of ROTC cadets would disagree with you, but I definitely agree. Especially if you have the cold-weather heavy jacket during the winter. These things resist snow, wind, and moisture beautifully. They can get a bit overbearingly warm in summer, though, especially now that the AF prohibits rolling sleeves.
I am a Freshman in my High school Doing Navy JROTC it is the Best decision I have ever took I am going to be a PO3 in a week and don't forget small circles and don't over heat the Leather to much cause your bringing the Moisture out of the Shoe if I may recommend heat gun is amazing.
I'm a British air cadet and this really helped, thanks
you don't need to put in "I'm an air cadet"
thank youuuuuuuuuuu! my first inspection is tomorrow and you saved my life! haha
I'm a retired US Army Jump Master and I wish I had a dollar every time I've "spit shined" my jump boots (including the tongue), low quarters and now my civilian dress shoes. My foot gear always looked like they were wet or like glass. Even this evening I went to a meeting and my burgundy dress shoes looked like glass and of course I did it the old fashioned way.Regular kiwi, white cotton t-shirt and cool water. I would prep new shoes with several layers of polish for a good build up of wax.
Great video. Just took the mystery out of fire shining. Thanks for making this!!!
this video is very useful to me in my shoe shine demo in class later
Thanks. this will help me on inspection day. my AFJROTC unit is TX-20081/ I am flight sergeant of Golf flight and my rank at the moment is Staff sergeant
Do I use the basic shoe polish and buff it, then use the parade polish? Or fire shine after the basic shoe polish and the parade polish?
Yes, use standard Kiwi Shoe Polish first, several layers if you can. Once you have several layers of standard polish, and those layers have dried, you can then add the parade gloss and fire shine!
Can you use cotton to rub the surface after the burning instead of nylon??
You could, but cotton tends to leave bits and pieces behind after rubbing, and those bits can burn and cause damage to the shoes.
Very nicely done instructional video.
Hey, will these crack whilst I march? And does it have to be parade gloss? Thanks
TIP/TRICK: When you're shining your shoe, keep the leather as smooth and taught as possible by sticking your hand in the shoe, shining it on a shoe tree, or shining it on some [brave] soul/sole's foot. This helps eliminate polish cracking.
I'm not getting as good of a shine as you. I've redone the process a couple of times, but it's just not the same. Any advice?
A lot of it comes down to practice. The original layer of epoxy on your shoe can determine quite a bit of how well your shine will hold up, as well. If your shoe was pre-stripped before you received it, it won't shine as nicely. Or, if your shoe's leather is very old or dry, it may not absorb polish like it should.
Nathan Janota
hi I am a student at Canyon High School and I am going to Embry-Riddle as well also I am a ROTC Cadet for the Air Force and I would just like to say thank you for this tutorial and Embry-Riddle sounds like an awesome college
The regulation came down from command about a year ago, I think. It might be longer by now, since I haven't been in, ad might have forgotten. But yeah, the AF, in its desire to maintain professionalism and consistency in regs, prohibited rolling the ACU (their new name) sleeves, particularly when on a flight line. As someone who worked at the Luke AFB flight line, in Glendale, AZ, I can tell you that in 125 degree heat, those rolled down sleeves ain't fun! But you seem pretty tough :)
That's a definite way of doing it. The primary reasons I use fire, though, are so that I can see the area I'm shining exactly, and so that the shine is much more intense. Intense, concentrated heat shines faster and more thoroughly than other heat. However, if you have the patience, you could definitely use a hairdryer!!!
alright you have the best video iv seen yet ;) you have a great technique in shining your boots.. great detail and very nice sense of pride in your shoes.. thank you (:
Great advice! If I may though, once you have them shined already and your just spiffing them up, don't use a generous amount of polish. Just get a little bit of polish on your rag, and I mean a LITTLE bit. This will improve that shine after the first couple coats XD
Im filling out my afrotc packet for det 165 at georgia tech but im a sophmore. Is it too late for me? If not can I still get the scholarship? I dlknow im asking the wrong person
thanks a lot this is great.im an element leader in my JROTC group so i need to look especialy good for my cadets and the inspector general of my region.
You're right in saying that it's okay to use a used polish rag. I have just one warning about this- a used rag can often transfer small particulates and fibers onto your shoe that will burn if fire is applied to them. The fire shine method precludes the use of a used rag, in my opinion.
Also, everyone is entitled to their method and their opinion. Personally, I found fire shining to be both effective, low-risk (if you're attentive), and easy.
ive got a great pair of shoes that have a slight grain how do i get the grain smooth enough to get a glass glossy finish. Ive heard of some guys using a hot spoon. My shoes are not totally smoothe.
man this helped me so much during my kitty hawk pledging processes thank you for saving my uniform inspection
Sorry for nearly missing this question! No, don't strip off polish, ever, if you can avoid it. Stripping polish can cause damage to the protective epoxy layer underneath, resulting in severe damage if the flame reaches the leather. And you're quite welcome!
It does, to an extent. You can only build up so many layers of polish before there isn't any noticeable improvement... I'd say three or four fire shines and you'll probably need to lay off it for a while.
Can you keep fire shining? Like fire shine one night, and then 2 days later fire shine again?
Which method is better this lighter method or using only water method? And can I also use the panty hole if I used only the water method (spit shine) ? And is it true if you polish the crease of your shoe (the part that bends when your walk) the polish will crack and chip off ?
@TitanTankNate thanks man. will do.
LOL great video, watching while I shine my shoes