A shoe care kit bundles everything for shoe care in one package: shoe cream, brushes and a polishing cloth, all matched to work together. At Langer & Messmer you will find kits for smooth leather and for suede, from a small starter set to the full range.
Finding the right shoe care kit
A kit takes the guesswork out of it: instead of gathering cream, brushes and a cloth separately, you get a matched set of basics in one package. It saves you working out what goes together and usually costs less than buying the parts on their own. The one thing that matters is which leather the kit is meant for, because smooth leather and suede are cared for differently.
Which kit for which leather?
For classic business and dress shoes in smooth leather, choose a leather care kit for smooth leather: it holds shoe cream, brushes for applying and polishing, and a cloth. For suede and nubuck, choose a suede care kit: with a suede brush, a cleaning gum and a spray, and no shoe cream. If you are unsure which leather you have, our shoe care pages explain it.
Full kit or single items?
A kit makes sense when you are starting out, want everything at once, or are looking for a gift. If you already have the basics and only need to top up, choose individual shoe cream and wax or the right shoe brushes.
A kit as a gift
A shoe care kit is a considered gift for anyone who wears good shoes. It feels premium, is ready to use straight away and lasts for years. For a special occasion, the same contents also come in a wooden shoe care box.
Around the kit
Care also covers the time between wears. A cedar shoe tree holds the shape and draws moisture out of the leather, a sensible companion to any kit.
Frequently asked questions
What is in a shoe care kit?
The basics: a brush for cleaning, an application brush, a shoe cream and a polishing brush, often with a polishing cloth. Larger kits add several colours and further accessories. Suede kits are filled differently, with a suede brush, a cleaning gum and a spray instead of cream.
Which kit suits which leather?
For smooth leather (business and dress shoes) a kit with shoe cream and brushes. For napped leather such as suede and nubuck a suede kit with a brush, a cleaning gum and a spray. Smooth leather is creamed and polished; suede is only brushed and waterproofed.
Is a kit better value than buying separately?
Usually yes. A kit costs less as a package than the parts bought individually, and the products are matched to each other. Buying single items makes sense when you only need to replace one product or want a particular cream colour.
Does a shoe care kit make a good gift?
Yes. It is premium, practical and ready to use, ideal for anyone who values well-kept shoes. For a special occasion the same contents also come in a wooden shoe care box.