# Combat Boots **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 6, 2003, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917 "2003-04-06T21:08:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Doux\_elle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Doux\_elle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doux_elle)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/1 "2003-04-06T21:08:08Z")
I am in the JROTC program at my highschool and have to wear leather combat boots as a part of our ‘thursday uniforms’. Our commanders want them to shine like glass. Every week I have tried a lot of differant methods as to shining my boots, and all efforts have proved nearly worthless. As far as shining them with KIWI brand polish some people say to mix it with some water, or melt it then apply it. What is the best method? Best Brand? Kim a.k.a. G.I. Jane :smack: :dubious: 😕 ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/2 "2003-04-06T21:48:36Z")
When I was in the service this is what I did: Take a handherchief or an old piece of t-shirt and wrap tightly around your 2nd and 3rd finger. Then dip them in some water and add some polish. Rub all over your boot in small cicrular motions. As it dries to a haze dip your wrapped finger in water and keep rubbing. Continue adding water and rubbing until your boots shine like glass! Some people would use rubbing alcohol because it would dry faster, but that’s cheating in my book. Plus the alcohol is no good for the leather. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Matthew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Mr.Matthew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Matthew)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/3 "2003-04-06T21:55:13Z")
You can try a product called Shape Up, but as **x-ray vision** said, it’s cheating. The method he describes is the best, albeit a slow and sometimes painful one. Shape Up, in my experience, doesn’t look right and cracks. Do not use Mop-N-Glo. Yes, it gives a very quick lovely shine but it cracks if you breathe and if you get the slightest bit of water on your boots it turns white; not a good thing for standing inspection. Alternately, look at boots made from Corfam. And, of course, have two pairs of boots. One pair you wear every day and one you reserve, covered with a dust cloth, just for standing formation and inspection. ---
**Author:** ![hermann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b487fb/32.png) [@hermann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hermann)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/4 "2003-04-06T21:55:17Z")
Well, I’m not sure it’s the “best”, but back in my Army days we used to get a chunk of old t-shirt, wrap it around the forefinger, rub it into a can of Kiwi (just a little bit, not so it’s a glob), use circular motions to rub it onto the toes and heels of the boot, then dip material into water and rub as before till finger gets sore. When water is all rubbed in and dries out, repeat process. Maybe not the best way to explain it, but hope it helps. ---
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/5 "2003-04-06T21:56:24Z")
To add to **x-ray vision** ’s post, take a match and melt some of the wax in the can. I’ve only ever used the Kiwi brand. BTW, this method works, but, be prepared to spend 30-45 minutes per pair. Also, spend most of your time on the cap toe and the heel part. ---
**Author:** ![hermann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b487fb/32.png) [@hermann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hermann)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/6 "2003-04-06T22:02:53Z")
Sorry if my reply seems redundant, but I swear that when I sent it, there weren’t any other answers…must be a time-warp thing. ---
**Author:** ![msgotrocks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8edcca/32.png) [@msgotrocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msgotrocks)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/7 "2003-04-06T22:36:50Z")
When DH was in the service he used to beg and bribe me to polish his boots. 😃 I used a technique similar to what **hermann** mentioned (Kiwi polish and a little water). Here are my two cents: Use a light touch. Don’t rub too hard or grind the polish into the boot. You make things shiny by buffing them, right? So, use a piece of cotton (rag, t-shirt, cotton ball, etc.) and lightly buff the toes and heels about a million and one times. Polishing sucks because it takes time but shortcuts won’t get you the same results and won’t last as long. Happy polishing. ---
**Author:** ![Doux\_elle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Doux\_elle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doux_elle)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/8 "2003-04-06T23:01:10Z")
Thanks for the help you have given me so far, but I hope there are some differant techniques. I have tried the one you all are mentioning above and not only does it take forever but one walk through a dirt walkway and your finished. _sigh_ ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/9 "2003-04-06T23:02:30Z")
I used to slather on multiple layers of Kiwi regular with a damp squeegee-like Kiwi cloth. One time I tried using diluted vinegar as a liquid and its mild acidity worked rather well. It was an evening thing (not difficult if you’re watching TV) of thoroughly applying polish to each boot in turn, building up a lasting “base coat”. After that, a final layer of Kiwi parade gloss polish applied gently brought out the shine. For maintenance, apply a layer of regular and a layer of parade gloss now and then. It’s important not to let your base coat get too scuffed up or you’ll have to start over. The current regular-duty combat boots in the Canadian army are _not_ supposed to be brought to a high shine, but the rarely-worn ceremonial parade boots have to be kept shiny. With a good base coat, maintenance is a breeze. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/10 "2003-04-06T23:08:13Z")
I dont suppose armor-all would do the trick ? Declan ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/11 "2003-04-06T23:18:25Z")
**Doux elle** , no pain, no gain. C’mon, you call yourself G.I. Jane? Of course the shine is gone if you walk through a cloud of dirt. A quick buffing with a damp cloth should bring the shine back. Of course you’ll still need to re-polish from time to time. ---
**Author:** ![hermann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b487fb/32.png) [@hermann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hermann)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2003, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/12 "2003-04-06T23:58:09Z")
I seem to remember using a piece of nylon (like from nylon knee-highs) to do the “touch-up” work, but my memory is fading. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/13 "2003-04-07T02:43:47Z")
I used a tee shirt for applying the polish and water and nylon hose (i.e. panty hose that have too many runners to wear) to do the polishing. ---
**Author:** ![DreadCthulhu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DreadCthulhu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DreadCthulhu)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/14 "2003-04-07T03:13:49Z")
Use Really Shiny Paint on them 🙂 Seriously, \*\* x-ray vision’s \*\* method is what I use, but I do some fine polishing with a shoe-shining brush I bought at Walmart. ---
**Author:** ![Dogface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@Dogface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogface)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/15 "2003-04-07T04:04:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by x-ray vision \* > \*\*When I was in the service this is what I did: Take a handherchief or an old piece of t-shirt and wrap tightly around your 2nd and 3rd finger. Then dip them in some water and add some polish. Rub all over your boot in small cicrular motions. As it dries to a haze dip your wrapped finger in water and keep rubbing. Continue adding water and rubbing until your boots shine like glass! \*\* My father did that for years, but he also took the step of melting the polish afterwards and then giving it a final buff with a new cloth. ---
**Author:** ![Future\_Kid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9dc877/32.png) [@Future\_Kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Future_Kid)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/16 "2003-04-07T12:13:02Z")
I used to use Kiwi parade gloss. Get and old t-shit wrap it around your index finger and gently wipe your finger on the polish so you have a small amount on your fingertip. Rub it into the toe cap in a circular motion and then, this always used to work for me, yawn on the area you’ve polished. This should leave little drops of water on the area then rub this in. Repeat this until the toe caps are like glass. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/17 "2003-04-07T12:48:41Z")
What I used to do was use the Parade Gloss shoe polish (it’s a harder wax, and seems to last longer). I’d apply said polish to a (don’t laugh or make a face) tampon and use that. After I got the base coat of polish on, I’d use panty hose to buff the wax. It’s a lot of elbow grease and fairly time consuming, but worth it. There are no easy, fast ways to shine boots. I know, one trip down a dirt path, and that’s it, but always carry a t-shirt and nylon knee-high for emergency touch-ups. Robin, who really must remember to take her husband’s boots in to be shined. ---
**Author:** ![Turbo\_Dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce73a5/32.png) [@Turbo\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turbo_Dog)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/18 "2003-04-07T13:00:17Z")
Nothing will happen until you get a base coat built up, filling in the pores and the texture of the leather. The fastest way is to use your fingers without a cloth. Smear it on thick, and then dip your fingers in water to lubricate them and rapidly work them over the leather. If your fingers start picking up polish, add more water. When all the polish is worked in, you should see no leather, just a nice smooth surface that squeaks when your wet fingers go over it. You may have to do this a couple of times on bare boots. At that point, move to the old t-shirt, small amounts of polish, lots of water and very soft pressure. Also, t-shirts have a rough side and a soft side if you feel it closely, especially when wet. Makes a difference in your shine. Once you get the hang of it, you can put a glass spit shine on bare boots in under 45 minutes. I made a lot of spare cash doing boots and shoes when I was in the service. The bare fingers to do the base coat was the secret. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymous\_Coward](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@Anonymous\_Coward](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anonymous_Coward)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/19 "2003-04-07T13:17:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Turbo Dog \* > \*\* The bare fingers to do the base coat was the secret. \*\* Sir, I am in your debt. I’m not in the service anymore, but I like to keep my shoes tiptop. That base coat is always the most time consuming… I’ve also heard of people using ox-blood coloured Kiwi wax for the final coat. I guess it was supposed to add depth to the gloss but I’ve never tried it though. I’m from the old school “plain black Kiwi wax and small-circles till your fingers drop off” method myself… ---
**Author:** ![Rug\_Burn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a87d85/32.png) [@Rug\_Burn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rug_Burn)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2003, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917/20 "2003-04-07T13:20:20Z")
Tampons and panty hose… :eek: what is the military coming to. J/K 😃 In bootcamp we used an iron to steam the polish into the pores. This helped cut the time down quite a bit for doing the base coat. Be careful not to scortch the leather though. After that, just use the water method a little polish and light touch. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combat-boots/166917.md?page=2)