Did you know I was once considered one of the world’s top shoe shiners? Unless you’ve been following this blog for over a decade, you might not be aware of my past in professional shoe shining. I’m not saying this to boast but to give you some background. Back then, I even had my own line of shoe care accessories, made in France—now owned by Avel, the makers of Saphir, historically my all-time favorite shoe polish brand. Even though I no longer shine shoes professionally, I still use Saphir products when working on my clients’ shoes. Simply put, they’re the best!
But my passion for shoe shining didn’t end with my retirement. Alongside Jesper of Shoegazing, Kirby Allison, and Saphir, I’ve helped create the World Championships of Shoe Shining and Shoe Patina, held annually in London and New York City. These events bring together the best shoe shiners and patina artists from around the world to compete for the championship title. It’s not just about winning—it’s about celebrating the craft, showcasing talent, and meeting others who share a love for premium shoe care and shoes in general.
Each May, London hosts the World Championships of Shoe Shining and Shoe Patina, drawing attention from global media, including the BBC. The winners gain international recognition and often use their titles to elevate their careers—just ask John Chung of Mason and Smith or his employee Ash Samsudin, both former champions. Thanks to Saphir and their top-tier products, this competition continues to thrive year after year.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Champion?
If you’re confident in your shoe-shining skills, this is your chance to prove it! The World Championships of Shoe Shining offers the opportunity to:
✔ Compete against the best in the world
✔ Win prize money and premium shoe care products
✔ Gain exposure and elevate your career
✔ Experience an unforgettable event in London
Think you can shine as well as the examples in this post? If so, send your competition entry to [email protected] by Sunday, March 9, 2025. Use the subject line: “World Championships of Shoe Patina”. Finalists will be announced the following week.
Don’t miss your chance to showcase your skills on the world stage—enter now!
You can read more about it in this post here: Click to read
Check out Saphir’s products here: https://saphir.com/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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