Shoe cream nourishes and colours smooth leather, and wax polish protects it and adds shine. At Langer & Messmer you will find both in the right colour, plus renovateur, dubbin and polish for every leather shoe.
Choosing the right shoe cream
For most leather shoes a good shoe cream is the complete care: it soaks into the leather, nourishes it, refreshes the colour and, because it already contains wax, gives some shine and protection too. What matters is the right colour. For everyday care our finest shoe cream is enough; for a premium branded cream, choose Saphir or Burgol.
The right colour
Match the shade to the shoe, in black, brown or another tone. A neutral cream suits several colours but does not refresh the colour. When in doubt, choose a shade darker rather than lighter: a darker cream works in, a lighter one will not cover.
Cream, renovateur, wax or dubbin?
Every leather has its own step. For regular care use a shoe cream or pomade. If the leather is older or dried out, a renovateur conditions it and puts nourishment back before you carry on. For a deep shine on the toe and heel, buff with a polishing wax or mirror gloss. Rugged outdoor and work shoes take dubbin (leather grease), which greases heavily and darkens the leather. Our guide shoe cream vs wax polish explains the difference in detail.
Which leather?
Shoe cream, wax and polish are made for smooth leather. Do not cream suede or nubuck: there you brush the surface up and use dedicated suede products instead. Find the right shoe brushes for applying and polishing in their own category, and if you would rather have it all together, choose a shoe care set. For the routine as a whole, see the shoe care overview.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate shoe cream for each shoe colour?
To refresh colour, match the cream to the shoe: one for your black pairs and one for your brown. If you only want to care for the leather, not refresh the colour, a neutral cream covers several colours.
When do I need a renovateur instead of ordinary shoe cream?
A renovateur is a conditioning cream for tired, dry or older smooth leather. It puts nourishment and moisture back before you carry on with normal care. For shoes in good condition, an ordinary shoe cream is enough.
What is the difference between shoe cream and shoe pomade?
Pomade is a traditional name for a rich shoe cream. It nourishes and colours smooth leather in the same way; which you choose is mainly a question of brand and consistency.
Which shoe cream suits cordovan leather?
Cordovan leather needs its own colour-matched cordovan cream. It nourishes the dense leather without over-greasing it. Apply a thin coat and buff with a soft brush.
How long does a tin of shoe cream last?
Because you only ever apply cream in thin coats, a tin lasts a long time; for a single pair it will see you through many months. Choose by the right colour rather than the size of the tin.