Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Shoe Creases and Wrinkles

June 10, 2025

Creases and wrinkles in shoes are inevitable signs of wear, but they don't have to be permanent. While prevention is better than cure, a good cure can also come in handy when needed. With the right techniques and care, you can restore your shoes to their original, polished appearance. That’s where we come in.

We have crafted this guide to help you out with exactly this problem. This guide shows you how to remove creases from shoes, ensuring they remain stylish and comfortable. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Why Do Shoes Crease in the First Place?

Before we get into understanding how to remove creases from shoes, we need to understand that shoes crease due to the natural movement of your feet during walking or standing. This is especially applicable for shoes that are overused. The bending of the foot causes the shoe material, especially leather or fabric, to flex, leading to creases over time. This is because these materials are also prone to creasing. Additionally, factors contributing to creasing include:

• Material Type: As we have mentioned above, softer materials like leather and suede are more prone to creasing by themselves. That’s why you’ll find them being stored as flat sheets before they are used for constructing your favourite shoes or bags.
• Improper Fit: Ill-fitting shoes can cause excessive bending and creasing. When the shoe is sized incorrectly or doesn’t match your foot shape, you’ll end up walking in a way that creates more creases.
• Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting regular cleaning and conditioning can make materials more susceptible to wrinkles. This is also true for improper storage which can cause the shoes to develop creases over time.

Understanding these factors helps in both preventing and addressing creases effectively. Now that you know the way to prevent creases and wrinkles, let’s move on to how to fixthem. 

What to Do Before You Start: Prepping Your Shoes for Decreasing

To ensure that your attempts to remove creases from your footwear are successful, the right preparation is necessary. This involves going through certain steps that we have listed below:

1. Clean the Shoes: Remove dirt and debris using a soft brush or a damp cloth. This prevents further damage during the crease removal process. If you’re wondering how – this is by ensuring that these dirt or debris particles don’t get stuck between the creases when you’re fixing them or they don’t rub up against the shoe material to create scratches.
2. Remove Laces: Taking out the laces allows better access to creased areas and prevents them from getting damaged. Since the laces are not involved in the crease removal process, there’s no harm in removing them either. This can save you the trouble of cleaning them separately later.
3. Insert Shoe Trees: Placing shoe trees or stuffing the shoes with newspaper helps maintain their shape during the process. In fact, this is something that is recommended for leather shoes for storage in general – to help reduce creases over time.

Proper preparation ensures better results and protects your shoes from potential damage. Follow the steps above to ensure that you’re beginning your efforts on the right foot (pun intended).

Effective Methods to Remove Creases and Wrinkles

Now that we know how to prepare for removal of creases and wrinkles, now it is time to learn how to remove creases from shoes. Let’s start with the first method for how to get rid of creases in shoes, the ironing method, which is applicable for leather shoes.

1. Ironing Method (For Leather Shoes)

Materials that you need for the task:

• Iron
• Damp cloth
• Shoe trees or newspaper

How to get rid of creases in shoes with the ironing method:

1. Insert shoe trees or stuff the shoes to maintain their shape.
2. Dampen a cloth and place it over the creased area.
3. Set the iron to a low heat setting.
4. Gently press the iron over the cloth-covered crease for a few seconds.
5. Remove the iron and allow the shoe to cool.

Note: Avoid direct contact between the iron and the shoe to prevent damage.

2. Hair Dryer Method

Materials that you will need:

• Hair dryer
• Shoe trees or newspaper

How to get rid of wrinkles on shoes with a hair dryer:

1. Insert shoe trees or stuff the shoes.
2. Set the hair dryer to medium heat.
3. Hold it 6 inches away from the creased area and apply heat.
4. Massage the warmed area to smooth out the crease.
5. Allow the shoe to cool.

This method is suitable for both leather and synthetic materials.

3. Steam Method

Materials Needed:

• Steam iron or kettle
• Towel
• Shoe trees or newspaper

How to remove shoe wrinkles with the steam method:

1. Insert shoe trees or stuff the shoes.
2. Hold the shoe above the steam source, allowing steam to penetrate the material.
3. Gently massage the creased area.
4. Let the shoe dry naturally.

Steam helps relax the material, making it easier to remove wrinkles.

4. Use of Leather Conditioner

Applying a quality leather conditioner can help reduce minor creases and in general it can help solve your problem of how to remove the crease from shoes. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Clean the shoe thoroughly.
2. Apply a small amount of conditioner to the creased area.
3. Gently massage it into the leather.
4. Allow it to absorb and dry naturally.

Regular conditioning keeps leather supple and less prone to creasing.

How to Prevent Shoe Creases From Forming

While it is fair to know how to fix creases in shoes, prevention is key to maintaining the pristine look of your shoes:

• Proper Fit: Ensure your shoes fit well to minimise excessive bending.
• Use Shoe Trees: Insert shoe trees after each wear to maintain shape.
• Regular Cleaning and Conditioning: Keeps materials supple and less prone to creasing.
• Alternate Shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair daily to reduce wear.

Implementing these practices prolongs the life and appearance of your shoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating: Excessive heat can damage materials.
• Skipping Preparation: Not cleaning or stuffing shoes can lead to poor results.
• Using Harsh Chemicals: Can deteriorate the shoe material.

Being cautious and following recommended methods ensures effective crease removal without damaging your shoes.

When Should You Consider Professional Shoe Restoration?

If your shoes are:

• High-Value or Designer: Professional care preserves their value.
• Severely Creased or Damaged: Experts can restore them effectively.
• Made of Delicate Materials: Professionals have the right tools and knowledge.

Seeking professional restoration ensures your shoes receive the best care possible.

Conclusion

Creases and wrinkles in shoes are common but manageable. By understanding the causes and applying the appropriate methods, you can maintain your shoes' elegance and extend their lifespan. Regular care, proper storage, and timely maintenance are essential in keeping your footwear looking its best.

Explore Metro's collection of premium shoes for men, shoes for women, and luxurious leather shoes to find your next favorite pair. With the right care, your shoes will continue to make a stylish statement for years to come.