Being that I am a twenty-seven year old woman, I have never had my shoes shined (until Maxwell). Most women, we buy new shoes. It seems to be more of a man’s thing to do, and that should change.

Maxwell told me some stories of thigh-high women’s boots he had a hard time keeping face while polishing (not at Larrimor’s, of course). But seriously, the results are incredible, and everyone, EVERYONE, should consider getting their leathers treated to keep them looking their best and lasting a lot longer.

These are what the toes of my boots looked like when I came into the store.

The tan leather was dull. The toes were scuffed. They weren’t terribly worn (about three years old) but they also weren’t the kind of boots that are meant to look worn-in. I had just been outside in the snow and slush. The edges around the soles were a little wet, and on closer inspection, maybe my Tod’s boots could use some love.

Maxwell started his process by cleaning them off with spot remover, then kindly suggested I waterproof them. He recommends protecting all new leathers before wear, but says to make sure they are as dry as possible before polishing, or else the polish won’t hold. Treat early. Waterproof. Must be dry before polish.

Next came two coats of polish. He recommends polishing every other day, especially when the weather is bad. He used a darker color polish (medium brown) on the toes of my boots to cover a scuff, a great trick that really worked. Two coats of polish is standard. Be sure to take off the excess with a brush, so it does not transfer to clothes. Wash shoe brushes weekly to remove the wax build-up.

Maxwell has been in the business for decades. He started on Sixth Street downtown, and he’s one of the good guys that’s been around shoes for years. Needless to say, you can see that with the finished result.

Maxwell has only had his own shoes shined once in his life. He says he wants every customer to be as satisfied as he would want to be after a shine.

My boots looked seriously amazing. The leather’s color looked better than when I bought them. The proof is in the picture. Go see Maxwell. Ladies, this means you too.