Shoe cream and shoe polish do different jobs. Lustre Cream conditions smooth leather and brings back its color and shine, soaking in to keep leather soft. Wax shoe polish sits on top, builds a lasting shine, and helps nourish and protect the leather. For most dress shoes and boots, use both: clean, cream to feed and recolor, then polish for shine.
We’ve made shoe care in Los Angeles since 1907, including Lustre Cream and wax polish in a range of colors. This guide covers how they compare, which one your shoes need, and the order that gets the best result.
Quick answer: cream or polish?
- Dry, faded, or scuffed leather: Lustre Cream.
- You want a shine: wax polish.
- Dress shoes and boots: both, cream first, then polish.
- Suede or nubuck: neither. Use a suede kit.
Shoe Cream vs. Polish at a Glance
| Lustre Cream | Wax Polish | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Conditions and restores color | Builds shine and a protective layer |
| Where it works | Soaks into the leather | Sits on the surface |
| Finish | Soft, natural sheen | Lasting shine, buffed up with coats |
| Scuffs and fading | Covers and recolors | Fills light scuffs and adds shine |
| Also works on | Handbags and wallets | Dress shoes and boots |
| Use it | First | Second |
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Step 2
Lustre Cream
Conditions and brings back color and shine. Neutral works on any color.
Shop colorsReal reviews from Angelus customers
What customers say about cream and polish
★★★★★
"The neutral lustre cream is perfect for maintaining my vintage leather designer bags and wallets. It brings life back into my leather goods."
Anita M. · Verified buyer · Neutral Lustre Cream
★★★★★
"Angelus products are great!! Their was polish goes on easy and covers wonderfully. I’m very pleased!"
Kent · Verified buyer · Light Brown Shoe Polish
★★★★★
"Only done four coats so far but looking like a perfect shine!"
EJ · Verified buyer · Mid-Nite Green Shoe Polish
How to Use Shoe Cream and Polish, Step by Step
You’ll need Leather & Saddle Soap, Lustre Cream, wax polish in a matching color or neutral, and a few soft cloths and a shoe brush.
Clean the Leather
Take the laces out. Clean the shoes with Leather & Saddle Soap and let them dry completely. Cream and polish go on best over clean leather.
Apply Lustre Cream
Rub a small amount of Lustre Cream into the leather with a soft cloth in small circles. Let it sit a few minutes so the leather takes it in, then buff. Pick a matching color to cover scuffs and fading, or Neutral for any color.
Apply Wax Polish
Rub a small amount of wax polish in with a soft cloth, working in small circles. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Buff, Then Build Coats
Buff with a brush, then a clean cloth. For a higher shine on the toe and heel, add thin coats of polish and buff between each.
Which Does Your Shoe Need?
| Your shoes are | Use |
|---|---|
| Dry or stiff | Lustre Cream, or Leather Conditioner first. |
| Faded or scuffed | Lustre Cream in a matching color. |
| Clean but dull | Wax polish. |
| Dress shoes you want to shine | Cream, then polish. |
| Badly faded or a new color | Angelus Leather Dye, then cream and polish. |
| Suede or nubuck | Neither. See Suede Dye to restore color. |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Polishing dirty shoes. Clean first, or you seal the dirt in.
- Using too much. A small amount, worked in well, beats a thick layer.
- Skipping the wait. Let cream and polish sit a few minutes before buffing.
- Wrong color. Match the leather, or use Neutral.
- Cream or polish on suede. They’re for smooth leather only.
Related guides: Saddle soap vs. conditioner · Clean leather boots · Dye leather boots · Restore old leather
Shoe Cream vs. Polish FAQ
What’s the difference between shoe cream and shoe polish?
Shoe cream conditions the leather and restores color with a soft sheen. Wax polish sits on top and builds a lasting shine. Cream feeds, polish shines.
Should I use cream or polish first?
Cream first, then polish. Cream conditions and recolors, and polish goes over it for shine.
Can I use only shoe polish?
Yes, on leather that’s already in good shape. If it’s dry or faded, cream it first.
Does shoe cream cover scuffs?
Lustre Cream in a matching color helps cover scuffs and fading. Deep scuffs or big color loss may need leather dye first.
Can I use Lustre Cream on bags and wallets?
Yes. It’s made for smooth leather shoes, boots, handbags, and wallets.
What color polish should I use?
Match your leather, or use Neutral, which shines any color without changing its shade.
