If I wanted to buy leather shoes and polish them myself for my dress uniform, is that still allowed?

SSG James Elmore — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 18:15:31 -0400

I have seen the shoes at clothing and sales but I do not know if it is still authorized or if you have to wear the dress shoes with the fake shine…

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 6:17 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 18:17:59 -0400

I guess you could, but why would you want to?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 29 at 2016 8:37 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 20:37:32 -0400

I would hope so, I always thought a Good Spit Shine always looked Cooler than Coroframs anyway but I really don't know. In some situations Coroframs are a Bozo No No because of Safety (Flame) issues.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Apr 29 at 2016 8:48 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 20:48:54 -0400

Florsheim's were allowed, although quite expensive when I was active duty. Good ol spit shined leather shoes were basic issue.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 9:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 21:34:11 -0400

Yes you can, but why would you? Although, with more thought, if you are wearing the shoes more then 1-2 times a year, and can get an impressive mirror shine, then it might be a good idea. You may be able to polish out blemishes and scuffs much better with shined leather, then you can on Corcorans. Especially if a scuff is bad enough to damage the coating.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2016 9:47 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 21:47:56 -0400

DA PAM 67-1
c. Shoes, oxford, black, male.
(1) Type. The shoes are clothing bag issue items.
(2) Description.
(a) The shoes are made from an approved specification or pattern, or from a similar commercial design and are made of leather, poromeric, or patent leather.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 29 at 2016 10:39 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 22:39:51 -0400

What happened to a good old spit shine?

Response by SGT Micheal Adams made Apr 29 at 2016 11:12 PM

SGT Micheal Adams — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 23:12:24 -0400

Absolutely read on it. I am with you some self pride goes into the old low quarters

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 29 at 2016 11:57 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 23:57:32 -0400

SSG James Elmore Do you have the time to maintain leather shoes? T'ain't easy! Are they still available via AAFES?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2016 2:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 02:51:00 -0400

I just wore those to the battalion ball and payday activities over the past few months. Just shine them really well.

Response by SFC John Hill made Apr 30 at 2016 7:41 AM

SFC John Hill — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 07:41:55 -0400

Yes you can. If you want to “dig into the weeds” see DLA MIL-S-13192P (Military Specification) shoes, mens, dress, oxford. Otherwise the below description from DA PAM 670-1 is sufficient: paras 20–23c Shoes, oxford, black, male. (2) Description. (a) The shoes are made from an approved specification or pattern, or from a similar commercial design and are made of leather, poromeric, or patent leather. The shoe is dress tie-oxford style, with at least three eyelets, and a closed toe and heel. The shoe is plain, with no design in the shoe material.

Response by SGT Charles W. made Apr 30 at 2016 12:13 PM

SGT Charles W. — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 12:13:58 -0400

Yes, still allowed. You set the bar. Get the leather, break them in, and polish the hell out of them. Danner Biodegradeable black stain polish is awesome. Slap it on thick, rub it in and then leave a coating. Heat oven to 300 degrees, turn off smoke detector and open windows, and let bake for about 10-15 minutes. Let set and cool, and use ice water with cotton balls. AWESOME SHINE!!!

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2016 12:55 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 May 2016 00:55:15 -0400

Da Pam 670-1 and AR 670-1 are your best friends.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2016 1:28 AM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 May 2016 01:28:30 -0400

I wear my ASU quite frequently and would like to get away from that plastic issued junk. When I had to shine low quarters in JROTC we were told to only do the toe, would that be the same case with the ASU? To shine the entire shoe just seems excessive and silly to me, but I want to do what's right.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 10:17 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:17:38 -0400

As Per AR 670-1 it is allowed, I may just have to do this show the kids how to polish a set. It shows discipline and who really cares for the uniform.
c. Shoes, oxford, black, male.
(1) Type. The shoes are clothing bag issue items.
(2) Description.
(a) The shoes are made from an approved specification or pattern, or from a similar commercial design and are made of leather, poromeric, or patent leather.