Creasing is everyone’s worst nightmare with shoes. The downside is inevitable creases, but the upside is you can fix them. Like breathing new life into beat up shoes, it’s great when you can remove creases, so naturally we’ve got hacks on how to remove creases from your shoes.

Why Does Creasing Happen?

Shoes crease and it is a normal thing. The more structured your shoe, the more creases it’s bound to get. Besides our natural movement and foot shape, there are other reasons for shoes to crease faster than you might consider possible.

For instance, walking around with wet feet in leather shoes can cause creasing and tears in shoes. Additionally, creases may appear when we wear structured footwear that does not have socks and sweat our feet. Furthermore, normal walking pattern might make any one creases in the shoes.

Structured shoes tend to be the most common culprit for these problems. Fortunately, our Vessi shoes can help mitigate suffering like this. Not only are our shoes waterproof, but they can also keep the wearer's feet fresh, all while being flexible and versatile.

How to Get Creases Out of Shoes

Walking causes us to bend our toes, creating creases in the toe box. It doesn’t mean you can’t do that or give perpetual creases or that most shoes won’t have a “lived in” appearance as long as we wear them. The natural shape of the feet also plays a role in the lines seen on shoes. Therefore, how do you deal with them?

1) Use a blow dryer

Usually, creases form in leather shoes because of natural movement. The easiest way to get creases out of these shoes is to apply heat (with caution). The safest method is using a blow dryer, even if you’re a beginner. Using these steps the process should only take 30 minutes, and should leave the most creased sneakers as good as new.

Image Source: tallpaul.com

1. The shoes have to be clean and the shoelaces off.

2. Stuff the inside of the shoes using newspaper, balled-up socks, or shoe trees. This brings even the deepest folds to the surface and ensures all the creases are visible.

3. Place a damp towel (not wet) on the areas with creases.

4. With the blow dryer set to medium heat, run it over the damp towel back and forth. This should be done in intervals of 3-5 minutes, holding the dryer 20-30cm away from the crease.

5. Repeat as needed until there are no more creases.

6. After the shoes dry, lace them up with clean laces.

2) Use an iron

An iron can help remove creases and keep any pair of shoes looking new. In order to employ this method, a cotton washcloth, water, and an iron will be needed. However, the washcloth should not be too thin to burn the shoes and should not be too thick so that no heat is transferred to on the creases. The following process takes only 20-30 minutes.

Image Source: instructables.com

1. Stuff the shoes.

2. Set the iron to the low heat setting (higher temperatures might burn the shoes) and place the wet towel on the creases.

3. Move the iron over the towel in intervals, but do not leave it in one area for too long to avoid burns on the shoes.

4. After the creases and wrinkles are out, dry the shoes in a cool area. They should be ready to wear after.

3) Steam your shoes

Steam softens leather shoes when done correctly. And of course before you begin this process you make sure the shoes you are using are clean. Afterward, follow these steps:

1. Stuff the shoe to ensure you get all the creases.

2. Take a damp cloth and place it inside a microwave-safe dish with water and microwave for 3 minutes.

3. Take it out and use the towel to gently press the creases out of your shoes in a circular motion.

4. Repeat the steps if the shoes have deep creases.

5. Leave the shoe overnight to cool. By morning, your creased shoes should be no more!

6. After removing creases, it is crucial to use leather shoe polish or leather oil. This is to counter the effects of steam and keep the shoes as good as new.

Image Source: nike.com

4) Using shoe conditioner

Leaving the house in a clean pair of shoes without creases is something you would never trade for. The mentioned crease removal methods require heat. But we aren’t always comfortable using heat, and a shoe conditioner is the next best thing.

Image Source: realmenrealstyle.com

Using a shoe conditioner is a safe way to remove creases or wrinkles, and is as effective as heat.

1. Stuff the shoes to maintain their shape.

2. Using a soft cloth (microfiber is preferable), apply some conditioner and rub it into the creased area. You can repeat the process over a few days if the entire shoe has deep creases.

3. Let the conditioner dry.

Remember, you do not need to rub off the conditioner, as it will dry on its own.

5) Use rubbing alcohol

A cheap and easy method to remove creases from shoes is by rubbing alcohol. This is a great method for mild creases and definitely a method to try before competing up the old iron box in the basement.

Image Source: interiormagazine.com

Before you remove shoe creases, always ensure you are working with a clean pair.

1. Get the shoe stuffed with newspaper balls or other suitable materials.

2. Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a bowl, but we don't use pure rubbing alcohol.

3. Rub the mixture over the creased areas and ensure they are saturated. Additionally, a mild massage into the creases with the mixture will help work out the wrinkles.

4. Let the shoes dry for a few hours, and they will be as good as new.

6) Use a shoe tree

The best and simplest method to get creases out of a pair of shoes is to have a shoe tree. But, it is also the slowest. Therefore, if you need to use your pair soon, try the other methods first. Additionally, using shoe inserts guarantees that material will be kept in tip top shape, the shoe won’t sag, and keep creases out.

Image Source: shoetreeproject.com

When you're sure the shoes are clean, stick in a shoe tree and let them rest. This method is also useful after steaming or using warm water and a blow dryer to stretch the material.

Helpful Tips When Removing Creases Out of Shoes

1) Use high-quality shoe products

The best, top-of-the-line should be given to any pair of shoes. Thus, we should always get the best polishes, oils and shoe trees. Shoes will also be protected when worn more and will last longer.

2) Avoid applying direct heat

Direct heat on shoes without a barrier, such as a damp cloth, will ruin shoes. It will also help to prevent any accidents, and it will also keep the iron on a low setting.

3) Correct storage

How deep the creases will be directly correlates to how you store your shoes directly translates into how deep the creases get. Store shoes in a well-ventilated area with as little humidity as possible. These conditions will ensure they last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Creases Out of Shoes

i) How do you uncrease shoes at home?

There are several methods that you can use to remove creases out of shoes without leaving the confines of your abode. Fast and efficient is using an iron.

ii) How can I prevent my shoes from creasing?

One of the first things you should do is to make sure shoes are always dry or allow them to dry. If you do not want to crease when you walk, purchase sneaker shields. This will stop creases from forming and keep the sneakers looking pristine.

iii) Should I care if I crease my shoes?

No, you shouldn't worry. A few home remedies can help you remove creases easily. They're cheap and they work.

iv) Can a permanent crease be removed?

Yes, it can. If one doesn't work, try another from rubbing alcohol, hot water, or a heat gun.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning shoes in order to remove dirt is one thing. Yet another is removing creases from shoes. Everyone would agree creases in shoes are ugly, but we can remove creases easily with a little help from the DIY options we have at home. The harder it is for the shoes to get wrinkles, the more well cared for they are.