Believe it or not, boot polishing can actually be enjoyable—and it is an important skill every cadet develops.
Boots can be polished while watching TV, listening to music, or spending time with friends. Many cadets even make it a social activity by polishing boots together before a parade or inspection. With practice, polishing becomes quicker, easier, and more satisfying as you see your boots improve over time.
A high-quality instructional video is available below and walks you through the proper techniques for polishing boots, from applying a base coat to achieving a high shine.
Important Note: Boots do not need to be stripped every time they are polished. Stripping should only be done when the base coat becomes damaged—such as when it begins to crack or bubble (often referred to as “boot cancer”). Stripping too often can damage the leather and make polishing more difficult.
Maintaining clean, well-polished boots reflects personal pride, discipline, and attention to detail—qualities expected of all cadets.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
tin of black polish
polishing cloth
toothbrush
water
TIPS FROM THE PROS
If your shoe polish is cracked and dried out, replace it.
To keep your polish from drying out put a copper penny in your polishing tin (from before 1982)
Expect to take 45 mins per boot.
Cover your boots with a smooth & soft cloth while storing to keep the dust off and also prevents accidental scratches.
Wash your hands thoroughly after polishing. It would be tragic to get polish on your clean and pressed uniform!
HOW TO LACE YOUR BOOTS
QUICK REFERENCE
THINGS NOT TO DO...EVER!!!
NEVER BURN SHINE. This is taking a lighter to your boots to heat up the polish. It will ruin your boots and you might light your boot on fire or do significant damage to the boot.
NEVER USE OTHER SUBSTANCES. Only use boot polish on your boot! Black nail polish or black Sharpie marker is not a way to touch up your boots! It will completely RUIN your polishing job and wreck your boots permanently.
NEVER QUICK SHINE. Kiwi makes products for shining shoes such as Instant Shine Wax, and other quick-job products. Do not use these because even though they work somewhat, they won't create the shine you want. Chances are your polish won't stick after using these products either.
NEVER SPIT POLISH. That's just gross. Your saliva contains acids and often bits of food which you most definitely do not want rubbed into your boot. For the best possible shine use water while polishing your boots only.
NEVER GET YOUR PARENTS TO DO IT. Like your uniform, your boots are YOURS and only yours to take care of. Chances are your parents don't have a clue how to polish them properly anyways.
