Choose your polish. Shoe polishes are available in wax, cream and liquid forms. Waxes and creams are heavier and will feed the leather and protect the shoes from water damage. Liquid polishes are good for a quick and easy shine. Shoe polishes are available in a variety of colors -- you can buy specific shades to match the shoes you wish to polish, or you can buy a neutral polish which will work on a variety of shoe colors.