A barbershop is mostly associated with getting one's hair cut. But if you wear leather shoes, another great reason to head to a barbershop is to get a good shoeshine. A professional shoeshine will give your shoes a much more reflective surface and make your shoes look great.
The Importance of Shoe Maintenance
Leather shoes that are not properly maintained will begin to look worn and will begin cracking. You will have to travel to a cobbler to have your shoes repaired or you may need to buy a new pair.
Expected Shoeshine Results
When you shine smooth leather, your shoes will have a more glossy look. With grained leather, you will not necessarily have the glossy look, but shoeshining will still protect the leather.
Why You Should Shine Your Shoes
Shoeshining is an important ritual and an important part of taking care of yourself. You can receive both a haircut and a shoeshine so that you will look your best. A perfect time for a shoeshine would be right before a first date or a job interview.
Shoeshining Services
You could shine your shoes yourself, but a professional shoeshiner is performing an artisanal service. The shoeshining practice is a tradition that stretches back to the 18th century. The shoeshiner will be shining your shoes for at least 10 minutes using the most professional methods.
What Shoeshiners Can't Do
A shoeshining service is not the same as having your shoes cleaned. For instance, you will not want to bring shoes that are covered with dog feces. Instead, a shoeshiner tidies up, conditions, and polishes shoes.
Preparing Your Shoes for a Shoeshining
If you would like to clean dog feces or other unpleasantries from your shoes, place them in a plastic bag and place the bag in a freezer for several hours. Then, you will have a much easier time cleaning the feces off with a toothpick or a toothbrush. The feces will not stick to your shoes. Once you have cleaned your shoes, you'll be ready for a shoeshine.
When Your Shoes Can't Be Saved
At some point, your shoes will have worn out to the point where all you can do is replace them. A shoeshiner will often give advice on when you should consider replacing your shoes. For instance, if you wore your shoes throughout winter and they have become covered with salt and dirt, they might wear down to the point where you'd be better off replacing them.
Contact a local barbershop to see if they offer shoeshine services.