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What Are Shoe Polish Machines?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

Shoe polish machines automate the process of buffing and sometimes adding polish to shoes. There are several types of models for both home and public use. Most typical shoe polish machines have at least two automatic brushes. Other details, such as a dispenser for polish, the machine's size, and the look of the machine typically depend upon the anticipated location and number of expected users.

Most shoe polish machines for home use are fairly simple. Some consist of a stand with two rotating brushes, while others have brushes in an open ended cabinet into which the shoe is placed while still on the foot. There are also models with special features such as a polish dispenser or a specially textured mat for removing refuse from the bottom of shoes.

Shoe polish machines are used to shine and polish footwear.
Shoe polish machines are used to shine and polish footwear.

Shoe polish machines for professional use vary much more widely. Some are tall and wide, with several brushes and special features. Others are similar in style and function to home models, though they may be more durable in order to handle a greater volume of shoe shining.

As they are expected to polish many different kinds of shoes, shoe polish machines for professional use often have a variety of brushes. Some are in different colors for use with different shades of leather. Others have brushes for different kinds of tasks, from polishing and cleaning to putting on a final shine with buffing.

Shoe polish machines for public use also have a wide variety of appearances. Some have advertising on their outside casing. Others come in sleek designs that are made to be pleasing to the eye. Many other styles are more utilitarian, and are built to handle heavy use.

Some polish machines can be used while the person is still wearing shoes. With these models, the user needs only to stick a foot under the cleaning brush and move it back and forth so that it can get every surface. The same can thing can be done when there is a polish dispenser in the machine.

Other shoe polish machines are made for tabletop use. Though they look similar to freestanding models, they are usually smaller. The user holds the shoe under the brush and moves it around until all surfaces are shined.

Shoe polish machines can be found in a wide array of places. Some of the most popular locations include hotel rooms, airports, and sidewalks outside of stores. They can often be found in public places where there are several other kinds of machines that offer goods and other assorted services.

Discussion Comments

Ruggercat68

I don't think people pay as much attention to the condition of their dress shoes like they once did. I can't remember the last time I actually applied any polish to my own shoes. Once my dress shoes get to the point of dirty and scuffed, I just buy a new pair.

Kids used to earn a little money by setting up a shoe shine stand, then those shoe polish machines replaced them. Now the shoe polish machines are gone and a lot of people don't even bother to shine their shoes at all.

Phaedrus

I can't remember the last time I saw an automatic shoe polishing machine in a public space. When I was a child, I used to see them all the time at department stores and government buildings. Someone would sit in a chair and place their feet under a brown or black brush that spun. I think it cost a nickel or a dime to operate. After a few minutes, the brush would stop and the person would get up and leave.

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    • Shoe polish machines are used to shine and polish footwear.
      By: Forgiss
      Shoe polish machines are used to shine and polish footwear.