How do I 'ball' my boots?

Question

I have to do some recruiting tomorrow and i've never been taught this, so can anyone provide a step my step guide of how to do it?

Also its on a pair of new boots.

Answer 1

That's "BULL" your boots, which means creating a good mirror like polish shine on the toes.

First you need to judge where the crease will form in the leather normally about 1 and a half inches from the tip, so the area you will be concentrating on will be all forward of this imaginary line to the tip.

First you need to get a good quality black boot polish I recommend KIWI, some cloth, cup or mug of water matches, you will begin by smearing a small quantity of the boot polish on the top cap via the cloth wrapped around your finger, gently work the polish into the leather tip using small circular motions, take your time and try and get a nice even application of polish on the leather.

With one hand inside the boot hold it upside down and with your other hand apply a lit match near to the polish laid on the leather, not to close as you do not want to burn the boot, just melt the polish so it fills all the wrinkles in the leather, then dip the cloth, again around the finger into the water and smoothly again with a circular motion polish the whole tip of the boot, apply another application of polish, another application of wet cloth, keep doing this to build up the shine, when satisfied with the result, use a pair of ladies tights to fine polish to a glossy shine.

This process is then repeated on the second boot.
There might be some type of chemical application available but the method I described is the one I applied to my boots in 21 years and 174 days service for parade (I am retired now but still clean my shoes this way, and get complimented on how good they look).

It is a technique which takes some practise to work and not learned over night.