We know that our kids coming home with perfectly polished and non-scuffed school shoes is a dream many of us will never live. Kids love nothing more than running around in those new school shoes you've bought them this year. Keeping them looking pristine and polished doesn't have to be a neglected thought - especially if you don't have shoe polish at home. Emergency days like picture day and school assembly days are often brought to our attention by our kids last minute so finding your old shoe polish that you haven't used in years is always a mission. There are ways however to polish black leather school shoes without Shoe Polish.

We've taken the liberty of finding weird and almost unthinkable ways of polishing shoes for those days you're trying to rush out the door with the kids.

1. Olive oil & a cloth 

You will need a lint free cloth to wipe off any loose dirt that’s already on the shoe. Next, put a few drops of olive oil on the shoe and rub in circular motions. From there, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess and invest in a good horsehair brush

2. Banana peel 

Rub the white part of the banana in circular motions over the leather shoe and then wipe it off with a soft cloth or tissue. Buff the shoes with a lint free cloth/microfiber towel.

3. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

Vaseline is in everyone's cupboard so all you need to do is spread it over the school shoe with your hands and let it sit for 30mins-1hour. All you then need to do is rub off the excess with a clean cloth.

4. Vinegar 

Same as the Olive Oil hack, wipe off any loose dirt that’s already on the shoe and put a few drops of vinegar on a clean lint free cloth. Rub in circular motions and then use a paper towel to wipe off the excess.

5. Hair gel 

Similar to the vinegar hack, remove any loose dirt and then rub on some hair gel to leave the shoes looking polished. Remove excess with a paper towel.

6. Lip balm

Make sure to get a clear lip balm and follow the instructions from the petroleum jelly.

7. Rubbing alcohol 

Pour some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad and rub in circular motions over the leather school shoe. Then all you need to do is let the boots dry.

8. Baking soda

Make a baking soda paste with baking soda and a small amount of water. From there, rub the paste you've just made on the shoes with a cloth. Let it sit for around 5-10 minutes then wipe with a clean damp cloth.

9. Coconut oil 

Wipe down the shoe with coconut oil and a microfiber cloth.

10. Alovera gel

Rub with your fingers over the shoe and then leave it to sit for around half an hour. Wipe of excess gel with a wet and clean cloth.

We hope you can now sprint out the door to school with your kids packed and ready to go, their shoes shiny, uniform tidy and smiles on their faces. Enjoy the upcoming back to school season and remember to head into your local The Athlete's Foot store to grab new school shoes, get your kids feet measured and enjoy our amazing in-store experience.