Cheap vs High End Shoe Polish - Is it Worth it?

[@FreedomandRights4US]

This "dude with a camera doing this in his spare time" just saved me countless hours of looking into polish for my boots. Thanks a ton!

[@Olyfrun]

I was not expecting such incredible depth of information! Instant subscribe

[@douglasn.3111]

Thanks for the content. Quality shoes are an investment. A proper shine makes shoe guys smile.

[@wpl955g9]

Well, you know what Bill Murray said in Stripes: 'That's my philosophy. Hundred dollar shine on a three dollar pair of shoes.'

[@thermann9]

A few things, it's fantastic to hear the product breakdowns from an engineer. This guy's enthusiasm for all things shoes is amazing. And his wife is the most patient person on the planet.

[@CobblerBob]

@@thermann9 LOL, thank you!! Yes, she’s marvelous.

[@archtopp1]

I'm sure there's a big difference between Kiwi and Saphir. I was in basic training in the Army in 1964. We had to polish our boots and dress shoes. The only polish that was available in the PX was either Kiwi, or Griffin. Both worked well bet Kiwi was the most popular. We spit shined the toe of our boots and the toe of our dress shoes. I still use Kiwi today and i don't have a problem with it.I can honestly say that i have never had my shoes not look good and have never had any problems with the leather because of the polish i use. I am going to try Saphir just out of curiosity. I polish my shoes on a regular basis and i still spit polish the toes on my boots. Very interesting video.

[@sunhuizart3821]

Having been a fan of mirror shined shoes for many years now... I think the obsession over a perfect mirror shine is nothing more than an unhealthy fixation on details. Perhaps I have bad eyesight but the way I see it (pun unintended) is that when you put your shoes on the ground and look at them from 6 feet away, there is no significant difference whether you have a perfect mirror shine or just an okay mirror shine. And furthermore that's just you yourself looking at them.. other people will only ever get a quick glimpse (note: it's impolite to gawk at anothers shoes for more than a fraction of a second) and most of the time will only see your shoes while you're walking about. Unless you're taking your shoes off and placing them in the hands of everyone you meet.. I really don't think it matters. I enjoy spending an hour polishing my shoes, but when time is short, a quick 5 minute touch up with a cotton ball and water is more than sufficient to look your best.

[@BadBart2217]

I happen to agree, and it's nice to see someone state this so plainly.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I used to obsess over mirror shining my shoes but now only do it once in a while, but definitely like to have at least some shine.

[@CobblerBob]

To each their own.

[@motivationindrive8514]

lol spend some time in basically any military anywhere…. Well for most part I think they started issuing plastic knock offs, but I believe domestic schools still have you shine proper leather shoes. Inspection will be right up so it has its place lol.

[@jmfa57]

As a guy with a decades old chemical engineering degree, I am not terribly intimidated by the organic chemicals (alkanes with 13 or 14 carbon molecules). As a degreed chemical engineer who enforces air pollution laws, I am slightly dubious of the inhalation "risks" of the Kiwi polishes, however, I've used Kiwi polish since I was a kid polishing Dad's wingtips. I recently tried Saphir products since Kiwi seems to have disengaged to a degree from the shoe polish market, and I ain't going back. Based on the information you provide, I may, however, move FORWARD. Thanks for making the point about the actual costs involved given how long a container of the product will last. Love your channel, Bob. I just subscribed. Thanks for all you do!

[@belgarion89]

Hey man, bought a tin of Pure Polish after watching this and got my first real mirror shine on my shoes! Thanks for the recommendation!!

[@remorrey]

Excellent information Bob. I've been a mirror/spit shine amateur for some 60 years. For the past 5 years I've exclusively used Sapphir with good results but not the glassy mirror that I dream of. I will definitely try the Pure Polish

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you! Andy the owner is accessible too and willing to help.

[@mariog4707]

I loved the reaction from his wife - clearly not a fellow shoe polish enthusiast. Comedy gold.

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, thanks!

[@rudyhurtado8765]

Loved the crew's help with the smell test :) Great video!

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, my wife's reaction to the Kiwi was priceless!

[@shoemanfu]

Great video Bob. I usually use Saphir. To me, it has a much easier application. There's a learning curve to PP... But I do love Andy and his philosophy towards shoe care products.

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you. Learning curve… good way to put it.

[@mcshea847]

Great video. Love the way that we meet your family members from time to time. Keeping it real!!

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, thanks! The youngest of course had to cut through.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Can confirm it’s easy to shine shoes using Saphir but I haven’t tried Pure Polish

[@thomashelm6931]

Excellent video! I have some nice Allen Edmonds shoes,as well. Recently on board with Saphir products. Opps! Pure Polish it is! I can't help but patronize a neighboring State of Oregon and I look forward to purchasing this product!

[@Olyfrun]

This was a great introduction to your work, sir! Many thanks, I really appreciate your insight and manner.

[@jasirasadiq]

Thank you so much I have just invested in 4 pairs of Carmina’s and 2 pair of the office of Angela Scott shoe. You helped save me so much money I was at well over $300 in Saphir products. I’m getting my shopping together now with Pure Polish.

[@CobblerBob]

NicE!!

[@stevenroche9874]

Robert, Pure Polish is a young, small company making fairly expensive and good quality all natural products with a few ingredients. Saphir has been in business since 1920 making the world's BEST shoe care products. Although they are not all natural, their vast selection of ingredients, wealth of experience, and stellar reputation makes Saphir Médaille d'Or the SUPERIOR brand for discerning consumers. Yes, I do own several Pure Polish products.

[@erics8757]

@stevenr.... why did you buy Pure Polish if Saphir is superior?.... and how long have you worked at Saphir?

[@heyitsbroski]

Good question ​@@erics8757

[@Bootlosophy]

Always great insights!

[@timgaskey2258]

I use some from the Dollar Tree... Actually its very good and gives a great shine...

[@harry9392]

As a young soldier in the British Army we were told the best polish was Kiwi we brush shined our boots and then we coated our boots with bees wax got it smoothed and started to bull ( spit shined )our boots with kiwi if done correctly man they are like glass, I know Americans like us made stuff ,it may take longer to shine, but the result is great if you see how the Guards Regiments of the British Army do their boots you will see the best of the best ,I was Royal Irish Regiment and we did similar,

[@philbrown5516]

I admire guys who can keep and wear shoes that long. I do well to wear shoes for ten or fifteen years. When I was in my twenties, my feet were a size smaller and two widths narrower. Plus I have flat feet. Dress shoes don’t work for me anymore!

[@CobblerBob]

Wow, that’s quite a change!

[@philbrown5516]

I know. I’ve stabilized the last 20 years or so. I wear only SAS shoes because they give me the right support through the arches. But I can’t wear even their dressier shoes anymore. My shoes are like paddles. Fortunately their shoes last and I can ship them to factory for new soles and refurbishment for way less than replacement. I like that they are made in USA. San Antonio, Texas, in fact. I appreciate your tips.

[@fdsfs665]

I get mine from the 99 cent store. I bought a pair of 100$ black shoes I’ve been wearing for the last decade and it gets the job done every time.

[@asadb1990]

Which brand are you referring to?

[@timgaskey2258]

Same here! Good shine for $1 polish!!

[@Billybillybillyrocking]

I'm gonna get pure polish. Love saphir but as a shoe store manager I want to carry local American brands and found great work boot stuff but not dress shoes. Gotta have a high quality product instead of just Lincoln and kiwi which everyone knows.

[@CobblerBob]

You can actually talk to the owner Andy too! I hope it works out!

[@thomashelm6931]

Excellent business plan! I am using Safir products and like them. But I respect Bobs videos and would love to buy American, like Pure Polish to provide good leather care.

[@thomaskraincuk9815]

Great Job, Robert! Thx 4 the insight!

[@CobblerBob]

You’re welcome!!

[@phrozenheart]

Thanks Bob! More people need to know about the upsides of Pure Polish!

[@CobblerBob]

Absolutely!

[@philbrown5516]

The missus did not look thrilled to be on camera!

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Nope.

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, she agreed without me having to twist her arm, but yeah, not thrilled, LOL.

[@denbo74]

Good video. One thing I did notice switching from Kiwi to Saphir a couple years ago was water resistance. Even with a decent coat of wax, the Saphir shows water drops where Kiwi beads water. I’ve been tempted to apply a light coat of clear Kiwi for rainy days in the city.

[@MullyShaves]

Hi, Bob. I’ve been searching for a cheaper alternative to Saphir and when you gave your opinion on Pure Polish I thought “Fantastic!!”. I live in Japan. Right now a jar of Saphir cream is about 18 dollars and the Pure Polish is just behind it at $14.00. Also, they don’t sell PP here so I’d have to order from the US. Throw shipping into and now we’re well past Saphir. Oh well! Thanks for the honest review though. If I was back home in the US, Cincinnati actually, yay, Ohio!!, if I were in Cincy I’d probably go with Pure Polish. Thanks again.

[@CobblerBob]

You're welcome! Japan, eh? That's where I was born! My mother was Japanese. Enjoy the food and culture!!

[@MullyShaves]

@@CobblerBob Yeah, I’m 55 years old. Been here since I was 23. Matter of fact, I landed exactly one week before my 23rd birthday. 32 years. I don’t think I’ll ever be back in the States again…..to live I mean. Bob, good to see you replying. All the car stuff recently I thought you had pushed the shoe stuff to the side. I hope you’ll be back. Cool ride though, man. I bet you’re not enjoying filling it up though. What kind of mileage does that American Muscle get, like 3mpg? Hehe!! I bet you’re really having a great time with it though. Don’t forget us over here in the shoe world. BTW, you spoke of your mom in the past tense, condolences. Which part of Japan was she from/were you born? Father military? Sorry for the personal questions. Hope to hear back from you.

[@Icarusvampire]

U should try Boot Black Polish that is from Japan if u live there...

[@MullyShaves]

@ Thanks, my comment was over a year ago. I’ve since come across Boot Black.

[@Javi_C]

Thanks for the comparisons

[@CobblerBob]

👊🏼

[@siwabhongdhanabhad3568]

As a micro brand of leather care products in my country, Thank you very much for good details and good VDO. Thank you very much.

[@CobblerBob]

You are most welcome!

[@CAW78]

Unfortunately, you can't but Kiwi in the US anymore so options are limited.

[@CobblerBob]

Interesting... I released this video 2 years ago (Oct 2022) and at that time Kiwi was everywhere. I JUST looked because of your comment, and according to their website, it looks like Walmart no longer carries it in the store! It is available via shipping from Walmart and from Amazon though. It looks like even CVS isn't carying it? Wow.

[@CAW78]

@@CobblerBob I've tried to order it from Amazon three times. Each time they canceled the order and said it was unavailable. When I searched online I found that it was discontinued in UK in 2023 and in the US in June 2024. I found a police supply store with some in stock but no more is expected to be available. Never thought I would see the day.....

[@hope4ourfallen]

I just got a kiwi boot shining kit (and lost it😄) but my wife just grabbed me another kit again yesterday? We are in Massachusetts, not sure about other places but it is all over the place up here. Shaws, Walmart, convenience stores.. Pretty much anywhere that has shoe polish, you find kiwi.

[@CAW78]

@@hope4ourfallen I'm glad to hear that but I've had multiple orders canceled by Amazon with a message it was not available. I can't find it in stores (TX), and an article indicated it was discontinued in the UK in 2023 and the US in June 24. I'm sure many stores will still have stock for now but all indications are that the demand has fallen to a level that it's no longer profitable to offer it in the US. I hope that changes.

[@eugeniebreida]

@@CAW78 May very well be due to various toxic ingredients (for instance CA law ordinances, and likely European Union laws)

[@vintnersattache]

I live in Southern Europe where humidity is high. As a result, today I found mold growing on the heel and sole of my leather shoes. What cleaning solution and care product would you suggest in this extreme case?

[@PBS-nm1uu]

thanks for your time. great info.

[@CobblerBob]

You are very welcome!

[@Blankee-o1t]

Great video, thanks!

[@avisitorhere]

Thanks for the comparison Bob, I just upgraded to better shoes and was looking at these types of products.

[@LairdDavidson]

From a health perspective I'm not sure there's a difference between turpentine (the real stuff) and orange oil. Turpentine is extracted from tree resin so it's a natural product. Orange oil is extracted from oranges and is used in cleaning products. It contains limonene which can dissolve skin oils, potentially causing irritation. Turpentine can also potentially cause irritation to the skin so neither should be on your hands for extended periods of time.

[@IvanSkodje]

Appreciate this a lot, thanks.

[@flaircraft]

1:03 "I'm just a dude with a camera" Right on brother!

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, thanks!

[@hanwenyap]

You really should try Boot Black High Shine products. Blows Pure Polish and Saphir out the water any day. Their High Shine Cleaner is the absolute best in the industry, and I've used Saphir and Pure Polish before

[@CredibleHulk10]

Until they pay these people, they will not shill them.

[@Icarusvampire]

Better than Lincoln or Shoe gear?

[@hanwenyap]

@@Icarusvampire For sure! I put Boot Black as one of the top brands in the world along with Saphir

[@hanwenyap]

@@Icarusvampire Please don't. Car wax may have chemicals that would damage the leather. Even Kiwi polish is better than car wax.

[@Icarusvampire]

@@hanwenyap - So, probably the best 3 shoe polishes are: Boot Black High Shine, Pure Polish and Saphir! Should I get the Boot Black "Black High Shine" or the Boot Black "Collections" shoe polish?

[@kelvinthenedy]

Have you ever tried Kiwi Parade Gloss Prestige, I hears it's all natural with no silicone? Thank you in advance!

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, I've tried it, and the last time I checked, it's a similar petroleum based composition as their regular wax.

[@spotsill]

Until I start getting scuffs I just clean and condition the leather. My dress shoes I polish to a higher shine.

[@michaelz6870]

I love how long it takes her to close her eyes and how many times he had to ask. 😂

[@Fugazinome]

Meltonian is available again.Personally,I was always satisfied with that product.

[@joshyt46]

Great vids! Do you know which saphire brown closest matches Kiwi dark tan? There’s so many shades 😩 Many thanks!

[@CobblerBob]

No, I honestly don't for sure, but for my walnut (lightest tan shoes) I use Saphir #3 Light Brown cream polish, or Pure Polish Products Light Brown Water Resistant Cream Polish. The Pure Polish Walnut is a little darker than the Pure Polish Light Brown. The next shade darker I've used in Saphir is #37 medium brown. Nothing is stopping you from mixing them either! PS, I've found that polish will not recolor a shoe, but just tint it. For lighter color shoes, I think it's best to use too light rather than too dark, unless you're trying to darken them. The problem with darkening a light shoe with polish is that it tends to congregate in the wrinkles, creating dark wrinkles that can accentuate them.

[@joalvarez6252]

Hello Mr. Powers! What polish/cream do you recommend for goat skin Lucchese black cherry boots?

[@CobblerBob]

My favorite polish nowadays is definitely Pure Polish Products. Go to www.PurePolishProducts.com and email or call Andy, the owner, and he can probably get you the best color!

[@pendragonfilm]

Natural turpentine - is what old bare knuckle boxers used to soak their hands in after a fight . Could be good for leather , I’m not sure

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

My wife also doesn’t want me stinking up the house with Number 2 😉

[@CobblerBob]

LOL!!

[@zefdin101]

Pure Polish, for me, seems to give you a faster shine. I like it alot, but Saphir (in my opinion) give a deeper , more glass like luster. Also, while Saphir may not be all natural, I love that pine tar smell. But then again, I like acetone smell also… lol, that tells you alot 🤪

[@vikingsmb]

kiwi black is the best, avoid parade gloss as too waxy

[@dgale1023]

I think the reason people buy Kiwi is because of the price, just like they dont spend 300.00+ for a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes. It works and always have, People aren"t necessarily cheap, they just want the biggest bang for their buck, and Saphir isn't it. Most of the Saphir touters on you tube ard gettting a kickback in one way or the other IMO. Because if channels are successful they are doing better than others. I can afford Saphir and Allen Edmonds but over the top almost worshiping these products is a bit much. Granted Kiwi smells like a gas station that is the only reason I quit using it, biy I will look for something else. Thank youi

[@KavicsZrt]

Ok, and Tarrago?

[@JonBrown-po7he]

To the narrator, the function of a solvent is to facilitate the dissolution of one or more ingredients, thus creating a homogeneous emollient. 😊In other words, create a creamy consistency.😅

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you!

[@JonBrown-po7he]

@CobblerBob You're welcome, I'm a shoe dilettante after escaping from the medical profession after 40 years. Now, I treat scuffed, dry, or paling bespoke boots and shoes. It's struck me how quiet, stress free, and relaxing office hours😉weren't.

[@rix5301]

Nice Info

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@hickorydickory]

MSWS PRODUCT NAME WILL GIVE YOU THE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN QUANTITY

[@chinatownboy7482]

Millions in military & police services shine their boots, every day. Most are not using Saphir.

[@tonygray7751]

in the smell test you were being parroted by the women taking part in this test

[@CobblerBob]

LOL

[@CredibleHulk10]

Kiwi tells you everything in it, Saphir hides it all behind "proprietary"... Bob "much more trusts that." 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@CobblerBob]

I belive I said that I prefer the Pure Polish, which has both transparancy and non-toxic ingredients.

[@CredibleHulk10]

​@@CobblerBobNope. @4:16 you were referencing Saphir and even picked up a can to show us.

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

Kiwi it's been there for years but everybody is promoting Saphir and other crappy brands don't fall for this crap don't waste your money

[@CobblerBob]

Hey I appreciate you being a loyal viewer, but I think you’re gonna be in a small camp with this opinion. You’re certainly able to have it and vote with your purchases though.

[@peakseamus]

Kiwi fine for crap shoes. For shoes one intends to keep decades the little extra investment in creams and wax polishes is nothing but good sense.

[@musicfashionstyle4251]

Saphir is the best.

[@CobblerBob]

Saphir is highly regarded in the industry.