How to get Creases out of Leather Shoes without an Iron

 

how to get creases out of leather shoesImage is everything and whatever you put on should complement everything else. This is why, in this article, we’ll look at a few ways of how to get creases out of leather shoes without an iron (clothes can be ironed but maybe you’re not so sure of leather). The way you dress is how you will be addressed, hence the need to look good from head to toe.

There are those who opt to iron their leather shoes and as much as this option might work, it should be noted that leather was not designed to be ironed.  This means that ironing is a solution that will eventually destroy your leather shoes because iron was meant for clothes. That is why it is important to find out other ways to remove creases from your leather shoes, so that you do not waste money in buying new leather shoes after damage caused by ironing.

Another thing is that the iron might just stain your clothes thanks to the leather residue stuck on it while you were ironing your shoes.

In This Article

For the reasons mentioned above, in this article we are going to give you various ways to get creases out of your shoes without the need for an iron. Leather wrinkles are stubborn and tend to look bad. These methods can really to smooth them out, so you can look and feel clean and trendy.

First, we will give you some background information as to why leather sneakers, leather boots and leather shoes wrinkle, and also how you can prevent this in the first place. Then, we will give you a variety of methods to get rid of these wrinkles, and have your shoes looking as good as new once again.

Why do Leather Shoes Wrinkle

It is said that high quality leather does not crease but there are several reasons as to why your leather shoes might develop wrinkles. Here are the reasons why;

  • Leather shoes can become wrinkled if not stored properly. Ensure the storage rack or space is airy and has nothing that can press the shoe. Also ensure your shoes are laid flat whenever you store them.
  • Wrinkles form where your feet reflex, especially where your toes meet your foot.
  • The shoes don’t fit you well. If you have space inside your shoe, then it is likely to bend, unlike for those with large feet where every space is occupied, leaving no room for folding or wrinkling.
  • The shoe design or construction should also be taken into consideration. A pair of shoes made from multiple pieces of leather experiences tension evenly and is less likely to wrinkle up, unlike shoes made from a single piece of leather, which tend to wrinkle whenever they are put on.

Now that you know the reasons, ensure that you do whatever you can to make your shoes not crease. But if they do, then you will have to set them straight. It is often inevitable that shoes develop wrinkles from regular use, so try to not to stress too much if your shoes do become wrinkled.

Is it Possible to Stop Leather Shoes from Wrinkling

As much as prevention is better than cure, you cannot completely stop your shoes from creasing. But you can slow down the process.

For instance, using a shoe tree keeps the leather tight and helps it maintain its shape.

A third way of slowing the wrinkling process of your leather shoes is putting them on with the help of a shoe horn. This way you do not damage the back of your shoe.

While these tips do help with the storage of the shoe, and with stopping any wrinkles from developing while you are not wearing them, there is still the issue of the shoe bending back and forth whenever you wear it. Wrinkles are simply an inevitable part of shoes life, and that’s why we have included the tips below to have your shoes looking fresh once again.

How to Straighten Leather Shoes without an Iron

1. Use a Steamer

The best thing about using a steamer is that it is more portable than an iron box.

  • Remove the shoelaces
  • Stuff the shoes with old socks or paper
  • Cover the toe area with a damp cloth. Then gently as you move the cloth, let the steamer touch it.

2. Use a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun

If you opt for this method, then you should ensure that you have the largest shoe tree that you can possibly get your hands on. This is because this method works best when the shoes are fully stretched. Just watch that you do not increase the shoe size or the exercise of removing wrinkles will be futile. Here’s how to get this done:

  • Put your shoe on the shoe tree
  • Hold the blow dryer or heat gun 6 inches away from the shoe. Move the blow dryer/ heat gun constantly so that you don’t get burnt
  • When you are done you can massage the creases do so when the leather is still hot and also rub the creases against the tree so that your shoe is molded back to its original shape
  • When the shoes have cooled down you can polish and condition them

It should be noted that too much heat can darken leather hence the need to observe distance. You can choose to do this with your darker shoes. You should also avoid heating the heels because they can lose shape.

As you can see, this method can be effective but it certainly has its risks. Make sure you fully understand the process before attempting this.

3. Use a Tree

A cedar shoe tree will work wonders for you. So whenever you are not wearing your leather shoes, use the tree. The tree will stretch the leather smoothly and the other bonus is that it takes care of shoe odors and absorbs moisture.

There are shoes trees that can be adjusted while others are fixed in a permanent position. If your shoes came with cardboard inserts, then you can also use these to keep them in shape. If you have none, then make use of old socks or newspapers.

This is an ideal solution for having your shoes keep their form when you are not wearing them. But be aware that your shoes have the same risks of wrinkling when you wear them regularly.

4. An Oil Massage

This is an option for light creases. You will need to use oil meant for leather use.

  • Start by applying a few drops of oil on the creased surface
  • Massage the leather shoe so as to make it softer
  • Now place the shoes on a shoe tree so as to reshape them

The best thing about using oil is that it really works with minor creases, plus it conditions the leather enabling it to withstand the formation of future creases.

5. Use Alcohol

Alcohol makes leather relax, and when leather is in this condition, it can easily be reshaped.

  • Take a spray bottle and fill it with a reasonable amount of water and rubbing alcohol
  • Spray this mixture on the creases, then gently massage it on the shoes
  • You can also decide to spray the mixture inside your shoes before wearing them or fitting them with a shoe tree. It’s an alternative method.

Do not use too much alcohol as it will dry out the leather.

Picking the Best Method for You

As you can see, there are many different methods that you can take for alleviating your leather shoes of wrinkles. You might even be overwhelmed by all the choices and wondering which method is the best for your shoes.

The answer is not always so simple, but as a general rule, opt for the “safer” options if you can. This means the options that do not involve as many chemicals or heat that may damage the shoe. These options include the use of alcohol, or a hair dryer to heat the shoe. While these methods might be necessary if your shoe has a more significant amount of wrinkles, it is best to stick with the weaker options when you can.

And, as with anything, the best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place. Preventative measures such as a shoe tree, or storing your shoes in a flat position, can be the best way to prevent the build-up of wrinkles before it happens. Only bust out the heavy-duty methods when you need to.

Clean Your Shoes

You don’t always have to stress wrinkles too much. They are just inevitable in the regular wear and tear of a shoe. In fact, a few wrinkles might add some character, giving your shoe a more rustic appeal.

However, what will always look unprofessional is having shoes that are unclean. So when you want to spruce up your shoes, sometimes the better alternative is to simply give them a clean and polish. Buy some high-quality shoe polish and shine your shoes up. You will be surprised what a difference it makes.

A well-polished, clean shoe can look good despite a few wrinkles. And as a bonus, it is much easier to polish a leather shoe than it is to de-wrinkle it.

Conclusion

Leather is like wine and looks better with some bit of aging, but still, too many wrinkles is not attractive. It will also cause you to have blisters because of deep creases that will rub against your feet.

You definitely spent a good amount of money on your leather shoes, so it is only proper to take care of them. Taking care of the creases ensures that you always look good and save money for other use and not necessarily shoes. Taking the time for proper storage and wrinkle removal can add years to your shoe’s life. A pair of leather shoes is an investment, and you should treat it as such.