How To

How to Uncrease New Shoes

A fresh pair of shoes can breathe new life into a favorite outfit. But there’s one unavoidable downside to slipping them on straight out of the box: creasing. Luckily, the wrinkles and folds that signal well-worn shoes aren’t permanent. Here’s how to uncrease shoes, plus some tips for keeping them crisp and smooth after each wear.

How to Uncrease Shoes: Three Methods

A few wears can be enough to dent the pristine expanse of your new shoes. Below, we cover three reliable methods for uncreasing new shoes using tools you probably have in your home. The right method depends on the material and type of shoe you’re trying to unwrinkle. For best results, take steps to uncrease your shoes right away; the deeper the wrinkles get, the harder they are to remove.

Method 1: Heat

Just like it does for clothes, heat works wonders to remove wrinkles from shoes. Heat methods work well for adidas sneakers and other sturdy shoes and only require access to an iron or hair dryer. Keep in mind that heat should be applied carefully to avoid material damage.

To uncrease shoes using an iron, follow these steps:

  1. Heat the iron to 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. (On many irons, this is the lowest temperature setting.)
  2. Remove the laces from your shoes if they have any.
  3. Tightly stuff the shoe’s toes with plain tissue paper.
  4. Wet a washcloth or small towel with water and wring it out.
  5. Fold the cloth in half and lay it over the crease.
  6. Apply the hot iron to the towel for 10 seconds.
  7. Check the crease to assess its progress.
  8. Reapply the iron for another 10 seconds if the crease is still there.
  9. When the crease is gone, remove the towel.
  10. Let the shoe cool completely before removing the tissue paper from the toe.

Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to uncrease your shoes. This can be a safer option for Crocs shoes and similar footwear that might be sensitive to an iron’s heat. To remove shoe creases with a hair dryer, follow these steps:

  1. Stuff the shoes’ toes with tissue paper and remove the laces if necessary.
  2. Hold the hair dryer 8-10 inches away from the shoe.
  3. On the lowest temperature setting, apply heat to the creased section of the shoe for 10 seconds.
  4. With the shoe warmed, massage the shoe with a finger against the tissue paper inside.
  5. Repeat until the crease is gone.

Method 2: Moisture

Moisture can also help you bring your shoes back to mint condition. Steam provides a helpful combination of heat and moisture that works well on Nike shoes and leather footwear. Follow these steps to uncrease shoes using steam:

  1. Place a damp cloth in the microwave and heat it on high for 30 seconds.
  2. Handle the steaming towel carefully as you rub it across the creased shoe to warm and loosen the material.
  3. Insert a shoe tree (or tissue paper) into the shoe’s toe to hold its uncreased shape as it cools.

Shoes made from canvas or fabric, such as Vans or Skechers, can be uncreased with moisture alone. Spot-cleaning them with a damp towel can work the wrinkles out and leave them looking brand new again.

Method 3: Shoe Inserts

There’s a reason new shoes arrive stuffed with tissue paper and cardboard. These inserts help shoes hold their shape until they’re ready for wear. You can use the same strategy at home to remove wrinkles once you’ve broken in a new pair. It might take longer than ironing or steaming, but it can be a simple option if you’re willing to give the shoe the time it needs to reshape. Follow these steps to uncrease shoes with inserts:

  1. Remove the laces if the shoes have any.
  2. Tightly stuff the shoe’s toes with tissue paper or insert a shoe tree, a wooden tool that mimics the shape of a foot.
  3. Leave the inserts inside the shoe until they stretch back to their initial shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about uncreasing new shoes? The answers to the following commonly asked questions about uncreasing shoes can help you keep the wrinkles out so you can put your best foot forward.

How Do I Keep Creases Out of My Shoes?

Preventing shoe creases in the first place keeps your shoes in good condition for much longer. Plus, it saves you time and energy reshaping them.

Buying shoes that fit properly is one way to stop wrinkles from appearing. When a shoe is too big, the extra space between it and your foot bunches up during wear, creating more creases. A shoe that fits snugly against your foot has less excess material and is less prone to creasing.

Cleaning your shoes regularly can also lower their risk of creasing. Try using a shoe brush to remove the dust and grit that accumulates on your shoes after each wear, and make it a habit to spot-clean them regularly. For leather shoes, investing in a conditioner can keep the material smooth and crease-free.

How you store a new pair of shoes is another important factor in wear and tear. Consider storing them neatly on a shoe rack or in their boxes for easy stacking. Stuffing the toes or inserting shoe trees whenever they’re not in use can prevent creasing and help keep their shape.

What Causes Shoe Creases?

Shoes crease when they’re flexed and bent, often due to the natural movement of your foot during wear. Creasing happens to all shoes eventually, particularly as they’re broken in and worn repeatedly. While it may not be possible to prevent shoe creasing entirely, proper care and maintenance can keep a new pair looking fresh long after its first wear.

Shop New Shoes With Shoe Carnival

Are your well-worn shoes creased far beyond repair? Drop by your local Shoe Carnival store today to view our wide range of shoes from all your favorite brands.