No matter how much money you spend on shoes, they eventually start to crease. Your shoes may lose their aesthetic appeal and appear dated and of low quality as a result. In fact, whether they are traditional or waterproof, creases can appear on any shoes after a few months. You cannot prevent them because they are the consequence of normal wear and tear. If you are wondering how to get creases out of shoes, fortunately there are some methods you can try. Continue reading to know about the methods.
How To Get Creases Out of Shoes?
1. Use a Leather Conditioner
Leather conditioners moisturise and soften the leather, making the creases more pliable.
- Clean the shoes first to remove dirt and grime.
- Then you need to apply some amount of leather conditioner to the affected areas.
- Massage the conditioner into the leather using a soft cloth and your fingers.
- Keep it for 5-10 minutes to soak.
- Buff the shoes with a soft brush until the leather regains its shine.
- Repeat regularly to maintain leather flexibility.
2. Use a Leather Softener
Leather softeners is a great solution for those who want to know how to get creases out of shoes quickly.
- Clean and dry the shoes thoroughly.
- Spray or apply the leather softener directly on creased spots.
- Work the softener into the leather and allow it 10-15 minutes to penetrate fully.
- Wipe away any excess.
- Stuff the shoes with socks or paper to help them hold shape as they dry.
3. Use a Hair Dryer
A hair dryer’s heat can make leather more pliable and smooth creases.
- Stuff shoes with socks or paper to stretch the creased areas.
- Apply heat from a hair dryer set to the lowest setting directly on the crease.
- Gently massage and bend the leather as you apply heat.
- Switch off the heat periodically to check results and avoid overheating.
- Remove stuffing and allow shoes to cool completely before wearing.
4. Try an Iron
So, how to get creases out of shoes using iron? Follow the instructions carefully-
- Ensure the iron’s steam function is turned off.
- Stuff the toes fully and insert a cloth between the leather and iron to prevent shine damage.
- Press the iron gently on the creased area for 10-15 seconds.
- Check for results and repeat if needed, allowing the leather to cool between presses.
5. Use Wooden Shoe Shapers
Shapers physically stretch and smooth the inner lining.
- Insert wooden shoe shapers firmly into each shoe overnight or longer.
- The constant outward pressure will gently stretch creases.
- Using shapers regularly prevents new creases from forming.
6. Try the Freezer Method
Freezing makes leather less flexible so creases flatten when shoes thaw.
- Place shoes in a freezer bag and squeeze out excess air.
- Put it in the freezer overnight.
- In the morning, remove shoes and quickly wear them before fully thawing.
- The creases should flatten from your body heat and pressure.
7. Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol can firm up the leather fibres and set creases in place.
- Stuff the shoes with paper or socks first.
- Use a cotton ball to apply rubbing alcohol directly onto creased spots.
- Allow the alcohol to fully dry.
- Remove the stuffing – the creases should be improved.
8. Using Shoe Tree
If the other methods didn’t work and you are still looking for how to get creases out of shoes, Shoe trees can help you do it.
- Start by stuffing the shoe trees firmly into each shoe, making sure they are fully inserted. The trees should apply gentle outward pressure against the inner lining.
- Leave the trees overnight, or even for several nights in a row, to allow the constant stretching to flatten creases in the leather.
- Using shoe trees regularly when you take your shoes off will also help maintain their shape and prevent new creases from forming as easily.
- Shoe trees are an easy, passive way to make shoes look crisp and new again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes creases on shoes?
A: Creases form from bending of the shoe material, usually leather, at flex points like the toe box while wearing. Pressure and friction lead to creasing.
Q: Can creases be removed from leather shoes?
A: Yes, if you know how to get creases out of shoes, you can minimise or remove it.
Q: Do crease protectors and creams work?
A; Crease protectors and creams can help soften leather and reduce friction that causes creasing. Their effects are modest but they help.
Q: How can I prevent creases from forming?
A: Using shoe trees, rotating shoes, proper shoe fit, protective sprays, and regular polishing/conditioning help prevent creases.
Q: Will shoes stretch and creases disappear?
A: Some very minor stretching can occur to flatten creases but shoes won’t stretch enough on their own to fully remove creases.
Q: Can creases be removed from canvas or cloth shoes?
A: It’s very difficult to remove creases from fabric shoes. Preventing creases by not overly flexing the shoes is best.
Q: Is it normal for all new shoes to get creases eventually?
A: Yes, some creasing is inevitable on most shoes with regular wear over time. But proper care reduces it.
Q: Do creases mean my shoes don’t fit?
A: Not necessarily. Even well-fitted shoes can crease. But severely loose or tight shoes can worsen creasing.
Q; Is it bad to wear creased shoes?
A: Creases are purely aesthetic – they don’t affect the function of shoes. But some may prefer restoring very creased shoes for appearance.
Q: Do more expensive shoes crease less?
A: Higher quality leathers and construction can potentially reduce creasing. But even expensive shoes will crease with regular wear.
Overview
Knowing how to get creases out of shoes helps restore them to their original smooth, crisp look. Creases make shoes appear worn out and damaged. Removing creases extends the life of shoes by improving their appearance and making them look new again. Well-kept shoes with minimal creasing also convey a sense of care and class when worn.
