Dollar Tree Stores Review – Shoe Polish

How good is Dollar Tree Shoe Polish, and does it compare well with well-known brands like Kiwi Shoe Polish? In this review, I give my impressions of bargain-priced Dollar Tree Shoe Polish (as sold for $1.00 in Dollar Tree Stores).

I recently acquired the brown Dollar Tree Shoe Polish from my local Dollar Tree outlet. The container holds 1.4 oz of polish, slightly more than the 1 1/8 ounces offered by Kiwi Brand, typically priced around $3.00. Having been a long-time user of Kiwi shoe polish for practically as long as I’ve been wearing shoes, my quest for cost-effective alternatives, in line with the ethos of my website (splurgefrugal.com), led me to this budget-friendly option. Priced at just $1.00, Dollar Tree Shoe Polish is an economical substitute for Kiwi and other premium shoe polish brands.

To evaluate Dollar Tree Shoe Polish, I selected a pair of dark brown cap-toe oxford full grain leather shoes from the Aston Grey Collection, which I typically pair with a suit or sportscoat (these were a second-hand find for $12.00). Applying a single layer of the polish and buffing it with my Kiwi shoe brush, I aimed for a subtle mirror shine on the toes. Normally, I maintain these shoes with Kiwi Shoe Polish, giving them a polish approximately every two months.

Key Takeaways

  • Dollar Tree Shoe Polish offers a cost-effective, cream-based alternative to waxier polishes like Kiwi, providing a softer sheen that highlights the leather’s natural texture.
  • It’s easier to apply and condition the leather well, but it doesn’t achieve the high gloss shine associated with wax-based polishes.
  • Limited color options (only black and brown) and availability primarily in-store at Dollar Tree locations.
  • Excellent value at $1.00, making it a recommended choice for those seeking an affordable shoe care solution.

My Impressions: Dollar Tree Shoe Polish

The texture of Dollar Tree Shoe Polish leans more towards a cream polish, offering an easier application and effective leather conditioning compared to the waxier consistency of Kiwi Shoe Polish. It achieves a commendable polish, imparting a gentle, natural shine akin to what one would expect from a cream-based product. It doesn’t reach the high gloss shine of wax-based polishes like Kiwi. For those seeking a mirror finish, Kiwi’s higher wax content remains indispensable. Yet, the softer glow provided by Dollar Tree Shoe Polish enhances the leather’s natural texture and color beautifully.

The dark grey footwear pictured was treated with the black variant of Dollar Tree shoe polish, maintaining the leather’s authentic color and texture, emblematic of cream polishes. For an intensified shine on the toe caps, layering with Kiwi Shoe Polish would be necessary due to its waxier nature. Nevertheless, the sheen and conditioning afforded by Dollar Tree’s polish meet my needs excellently, especially as an affordable option for my rubber-soled Rockport shoes.

An effective polishing tip includes using a shoe brush dampened with a light water mist to buff the shoes post-polish application, significantly improving the shine’s quality.

The primary limitation is Dollar Tree Shoe Polish’s availability in only black and brown shades, with a neutral option being a notable absence. Typically, this polish can be found exclusively at local Dollar Tree stores (absent from their online offerings). It comes either in a single 1.4 oz. tin or as part of a kit containing two small 16-gram tins (one black, one brown) along with a polishing cloth. Given its popularity and quick sell-out tendency, it’s advisable to purchase multiples upon finding it in stock at Dollar Tree, as restocking can be delayed.

Priced at merely $1.00, both the Dollar Tree Shoe Polish and the Shoe Shine Kit present unparalleled value, making them essential additions for the budget-conscious yet stylish gentleman. Their recommendation comes without hesitation!