Seeking Entries for SSIA's 2026 Shine Off
SSIA is hosting the 2026 SSIA Shine-Off at its 2026 convention in New Orleans. Want to participate? Here's how.
First, you must be a retailer member of SSIA from the United States or Canada to participate. If you are not a member, click here to join. The entry fee for the contest is $50. Simply complete the form below and submit payment to enter.
Prizes
The winner will receive a $500 cash award, a plaque and bragging rights as SSIA's top shiner for 2026.
What to Enter
To enter the contest, shine one men's dress shoe (color of your choice) with a mirror shine done by hand. (No shine stands. No machines.) Photograph your shined shoe from the front and from each side. Sample photographs are posted below. This is what the judges want to see.
Make sure to send high resolution photographs. Click on the photographs below to enlarge them.
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Deadline for Entries
The deadline for entries is May 1, 2026. E-mail photos to webmaster@ssia.info. From the entries received, three finalists will be invited to compete live at SSIA's convention in New Orleans. Finalists will be notified by May 15.
Live Competition
The finalists will compete live on July 25 at SSIA's 119th Annual Convention.
SSIA will provide a pair of unshined men's dress shoes and polish from an SSIA supplier member. Bring the rag/shine cloth of your choice, as well as a water dispenser if you would like one.
Finalists will have a rag/shine cloth, water and the polish of your choice (must be manufactured by an SSIA member). You tell us what you want. SSIA will provide it.
Shiners will have 20 minutes to produce their best mirror shine on one shoe. Shoes will be judged and the champion will be crowned.