No matter how much you invest in your shoes, they tend to crease after years of use. It can ruin the appearance of your shoes, making them look old and low quality.
In fact, creases can happen to any shoes within a few months, either conventional or waterproof shoes. Since they result from natural wear and tear, you can't avoid them.
However, luckily, you can get rid of them using a few supplies you can find at home.
So, if you want to get creases out of your shoes in five easy steps, then you have landed on the right page. Here is a complete guide on how to remove those creases and further protect your shoes.
Things You'll Need
Taking the crease out of your shoes is an easy project that you can do with things you already have at home. Here is everything you need:
1. Steam Iron
Using a steam iron is ideal for removing creases from your shoes. Conventional iron can burn or melt the material. Moreover, it can also dry out or alter the appearance of your shoe upper.
2. Water
You will need a bottle of clean water to fill up your steam iron tank. If you have hard water in your tap, make sure to filter the water properly before filling up the steam iron to avoid any buildup.
3. Two Washcloths
Washcloths will protect your shoes from coming in direct contact with the iron. It is an important step to save shoes to save your shoes from burning or melting.
4. Shoe Inserts
Another important thing you need to uncrease your shoes is a sturdy shoe insert. It will hold the shape of the shops uptight while you iron over it. You can also DIY shoe inserts using old newspapers.
5. Shoe Surface Protector
Lastly, you will need a shoe surface protector to seal the material's surface. Even if you have waterproof shoes, cleaning can ruin the protective surface sometimes. So, it is important to put a generous layer of protectors to safeguard your shoes.
How to Remove Creases from Your Shoes?
Removing creases from your shoes is a simple and easy task. You can also get rid of them professionally, but it can cost you quite some money. So why not do it at home?
All you have to do is follow a few easy steps, and you're done. Here is how you can do it easily:
Step 1: Remove the Laces
The first step is to prepare your shoes for the repairing process. If your shoes have laces, make sure to remove them. That’s because they can come in your way while using an iron, which we are going to talk about in the coming steps.
Most laces are made up of delicate cotton, silk, or polyester threads that can burn due to high heat. Additionally, the edges of the laces are also covered with a plastic cap that can melt while ironing.
If your shoes do not have laces, you can skip this step.
Furthermore, remove any sticker, dirt, or wax from your shoes with the help of a cleaning solution. Since you will apply heat to your shoes, they might melt and damage the material's surface.
While the laces are removed, you can gently wash them with tap water and laundry detergent. This way, your shoes will look as good as new once you are done with the repairing process.
Step 2: Place the Shoe Inserts
Shoe inserts or shoe trees are used to keep the shoes in the right shape or adjust the side.
There are many types of shoe inserts available in different materials like plastic, wood, and cardboard. Without a shoe tree, your shoes can become sloppy and soft, which can do more harm to your shoes than good.
Mostly you get cardboard inserts with shoes when you buy them. You can fill those cardboard inserts with newspaper to properly stuff your shoes. Also, it will help hold the shoes intact while ironing.
A structured shape will make ironing easier. This way, you can take the crease out within minutes.
You can also stretch the shoes out with the help of a shoe tree to expand the creases, making them flawless to iron. Remember to avoid stuffing your shoes with papers that can bleed ink. Since you will be using a steam iron, it can damage the interior of your shoes.
Also, steer clear of wet paper as it can further damage your shoes by weakening the leather.
Step 3: Cover your Shoes
Next, use a thin washcloth to cover your shoes. The washcloth should not be too thin as it can burn the material, and it shouldn't be too thick to prevent the heat from reaching the surface.
Alternatively, you can also use a slightly damp towel to cover your shoes.
A damp towel will protect your shoes from coming in contact with iron. Excessive heat can damage most materials that shoes are most commonly made up of original leather, synthetic leather, and suede.
Avoid using a washcloth that bleeds colors. It can permanently alter the appearance of your shoes.
Another thing you need to steer clear of is a synthetic fabric, as it can burn and stick to your shoes.
Use a cotton washcloth to ensure the best results. It will evenly distribute the heat on your shoes to avoid burning.
So, lay the washcloth flat on the areas that the iron will come in contact with and proceed to the next step.
Also read: Can Men Wear Women's Shoes? | Top 5 Reasons Why It Can!
Step 4: Iron the Shoes
Open the cap of the container that will hold water in the steam iron and fill it up to the brim.
Now, fasten the cap tightly as you don't want any water to leak on your shoes. Then, turn the iron on and tune it to medium heat. Next, gently press over the creases to flatten the surface using high heat.
Remember to keep releasing steam in between to avoid burning and iron the shoe surface in small circular motions to reduce all the creases.
If the creases are deep, you might need to go over them a few times.
Remove the washcloth and see if the creases are gone. If not, repeat the process till you completely get rid of the creases. Make sure to not stop the iron in one place for a long time as it can burn or melt the surface.
Keep moving your towel around the places that have creases. Apply heat to the place that requires repairing and repeat the process throughout the shoe.
The steam of the iron will help stretch the leather and straighten it out effortlessly.
Step 5: Apply Shoe Protector
Now that you have gotten rid of all the creases, it is time to protect your shoes.
Applying a layer of shoe protectors will make your shoes stronger and waterproof. Even if you already have waterproof shoes, it is important to apply a waterproof protective layer to your shoes.
Although waterproof shoes are resistant to creases, you still have to use a high-quality seal to keep them protected. Moreover, you also need to use a shoe conditioner if your shoes are made of original leather.
If they are dried out, they will be more prone to breakage. A healthy and plump surface of the leather will prevent creases and tears in your shoes.
Make sure to only use the shoe protector that is designed for the material of your shoes. It will help keep your shoes in optimal condition.
Lastly, allow the shoes to get back to room temperature before wearing them.
Why Does Creasing Happen?
Creasing results from natural wear and tear that happens with all kinds of shoes. It usually happens with leather or PVC waterproof shoes because of their structured surface.
The more your shoe bends, the more creases appear on the vamp of the shoes.
Another major reason for your shoes to crease is walking around with wet feet for a long time. It can weaken the leather causing mini tears to appear on the surface.
Moreover, creases can also happen if you have excessively sweaty feet and wear your shoes without socks.
Lastly, an improper walking pattern is also the main reason to crease the shoes.
If you have a hard time maintaining leather shoes you can have high-quality, flexible shoes by Loom. These waterproof shoes are durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about them looking old anytime soon.
Conclusion
Shoe creasing is a common issue faced by people using original and synthetic leather shoes.
It is important to reduce the chances of creases on your shoes by correcting your walking pattern and avoiding making them wet.
With the help of a few easy steps and tools you can find at home, you can remove the creases from your shoes in no time. You can also use other heating tools like a hairdryer to uncrease your shoes.
To keep your shoes in the optimal shape and crease-free, condition your shoes and regularly check for creases. Don't wait for the leather to break, or it will be quite hard to fix.
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