Entries into the 2026 World Shoeshine Championships have begun and run until the 8th March where judges will choose three of the best shined candidates to enter the London Super Trunk show in May.

SnookerZone’s Chris Gaynor has entered the event this year for the first time after discovering there was a shoeshine championships last year and having shined a pair of old Loake shoes from years ago for entry.

Entrants must shine a pair of shoes and take a snap from three angles for submission. Go here for more details…

The Japanese have dominated the event for the past years – but there has been some very strong UK contingents in the past who also have got to the finals day.

The event showcases the best of shoecare – as well as the very best in shoe restoration on show.

First prize features £300 – a top of the range Saphir shoe care kit – a pair of Bridlen shoes and of course the Gold Medal for 2026 in shoeshining.

Here’s a video below from years previous…

And here’s one of my favourite videos from Angelo Shoeshine on shoe shining in general…

Shoeshining and shoecare not only help to rejuvenate shoes and make them last longer – but – they teach discipline, focus and attention to detail – all skills that can be transposed elsewhere…