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Shoes are more than just a wardrobe staple—they’re a statement of style and personality. But nothing ruins that polished look faster than those unsightly creases that form across the toe box or sides. If you’re wondering how to get rid of creases in shoes, you’re not alone. At Shoes Nerd, we’re passionate about helping shoe lovers like you keep their footwear looking fresh, no matter how much wear and tear they endure.
In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of shoe creasing, how to prevent it, and most importantly, the best techniques to remove creases from different types of shoes. Whether you wear leather dress shoes, canvas sneakers, or athletic trainers, we’ve got you covered.
Before learning how to get rid of creases in shoes, it’s helpful to understand why they happen in the first place. Shoe creases are a natural result of the bending and flexing that occurs during walking. The materials used in the upper part of your shoes—leather, suede, mesh, or synthetic—shift and fold as your foot moves, creating lines and wrinkles over time.
Factors that contribute to creasing include:
Improper fit: Shoes that are too large or too small tend to crease more.
Material: Soft leathers and fabrics crease more easily than firmer materials.
Lack of support: Not using shoe trees can lead to faster wrinkling.
Moisture and heat: Humidity softens materials and makes creases more pronounced.
Now that you know what causes them, let’s dive into how to get rid of creases in shoes effectively.
This classic trick works best for leather or synthetic shoes. Here’s how to do it safely:
An iron
A damp cloth or towel
A shoe tree or balled-up socks
Insert the shoe tree into your shoe to help stretch the material out.
Soak a towel in water and wring it out until damp—not dripping.
Place the towel over the crease.
Set your iron to low heat. Avoid steam settings unless it’s a leather-safe steam function.
Gently iron over the towel. Use light pressure and quick passes to avoid damaging the leather.
Remove the towel and let the shoe cool while keeping the shoe tree inside.
Repeat if necessary, but avoid over-ironing to protect the shoe’s finish.
Steam works wonders on leather, synthetic, and even canvas shoes. It softens the material, allowing you to smooth out the wrinkles.
A garment steamer or a kettle
Shoe trees or socks
Insert the shoe tree to stretch out the material.
Hold the shoe above the steam source (not too close to avoid burns).
Steam for 30–60 seconds while gently pressing on the crease with your fingers or a cloth.
Let the shoes dry naturally with the tree still inserted.
This method is great if you want a gentler alternative to ironing.
Don’t have a steamer or iron? A blow dryer can do the trick.
A blow dryer
A clean cloth
Shoe trees
Insert shoe trees to fill out the shape of the shoe.
Set the blow dryer to medium heat and hold it 6 inches away.
Gently massage the crease using your hand or cloth as the area warms.
Let the shoe cool completely before removing the tree.
This method is safer for more delicate materials like suede, but never overheat the shoe.
Shoe crease protectors are inexpensive and effective tools that not only prevent creasing but also help remove existing ones when inserted tightly.
Insert the protector into your shoes while storing them or during wear (if comfortable).
Wear them regularly to help maintain shape.
Use in combination with steam or heat to help push out existing creases.
They’re especially helpful for sneakers like Air Jordans, which crease notoriously easily.
For leather shoes, products like conditioners, creams, and polish can minimize the appearance of creases by moisturizing and softening the material.
Clean your shoes with a damp cloth and let them dry.
Apply a leather conditioner generously across the creased area.
Let it absorb, then gently massage the area.
Buff with shoe polish to restore the finish and shine.
This won’t entirely remove deep creases, but it greatly improves appearance.
Now that you know how to get rid of creases in shoes, it’s time to look at prevention. Here are some expert tips from Shoes Nerd:
Always use shoe trees when storing leather shoes. Cedar ones are ideal because they also absorb moisture.
Rotate your shoes. Wearing the same pair every day accelerates wear and creasing.
Buy the right size. Shoes that are too loose or tight cause more unnecessary flexing.
Use crease protectors. Especially if you’re wearing sneakers regularly.
Avoid moisture. Let wet shoes dry completely before wear or storage.
Store properly. Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to remove creases entirely—the answer is yes and no. You can significantly reduce or even eliminate minor to moderate creases using the methods above. However, deep-set wrinkles or long-term creases might only be improved, not erased. The good news is that with proper maintenance, those pesky lines will barely be noticeable.
Shoe creases might be a fact of life, but they don’t have to ruin your style. By understanding how to get rid of creases in shoes and taking a few simple preventative steps, you can keep your footwear looking sharp for years to come.
At Shoes Nerd, we believe every step counts—especially when it’s in clean, crease-free shoes. Whether you’re a leather loafer lover or a sneakerhead, these techniques will help you preserve your kicks and walk with confidence.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to check out our other shoe care tips and product reviews. Your shoes deserve nothing but the best—and so do you.
