Is Kiwi Shoe Polish Good? – History of Kiwi polish

Published by Tom on

Is Kiwi Polish Good?

Kiwi shoe polish’s story starts from 1906. A Scotsman William Ramsay developed a formula for a black shoe wax in his home kitchen in Australia. He named it “Kiwi,” after the flightless and small bird native to New Zealand.

Ramsay’s shoe polish quickly gained popularity in Australia and New Zealand, and by the 1920s, it had become a household name. In 1927 Kiwi has moved the company’s headquarters to London, and began to expand the brand globally. By the 1950s, Kiwi shoe polish was being sold in over 180 countries around the world. So Kiwi shoe polish has a British history

William Ramsay - Image from Herlad Sun

Throughout its time, Kiwi has been known for its high-quality ingredients and long-lasting shine. The original formula is still used today. The original formula is made with a blend of waxes, pigments, and other ingredients that provide a durable, glossy finish on leather shoes.

One of the main ingredients in Kiwi shoe polish is carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is made from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree. Carnauba wax is known for its ability to protect and nourish leather, and it gives Kiwi shoe polish its characteristic shine.

Another important ingredient is turpentine, which is used to dissolve the waxes and pigments and help them spread evenly over the surface of the leather.

Carnauba Palm Tree

Kiwi shoe polish is easy to find and they comes in a variety of colors. To use the polish/wax, simply apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather in circular motions. Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes, and then buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth to bring out a shine.

In general, Kiwi is considered a good shoe polish. It has a long history of providing a durable and glossy finish on leather shoes, and it is known for its high-quality ingredients. However, some people might not like the product because of its ingredients, specifically the turpentine. Turpentine is a hydrocarbon solvent that is derived from pine tree resin, and it has been linked to skin irritation and other health problems. However, do not worry too much. Only a small amount of Turpentine is used in and the product is considered safe to use. Just don’t consume them!

Overall, Kiwi shoe polish is a trusted and effective product for keeping leather shoes looking their best. With a history dating back over a century, it has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice among shoe care enthusiasts. 

You can find Kiwi in many different places around the world. Sadly, Kiwi has announced they are pulling out of the British market. This could be due to competition and lack of sales in Britain.

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