Like new, or how to remove creases on leather (and other) shoes yourself

The attractive appearance of a new pair of shoes is lost over time during use. One of the problems that arises is creases and folds.

This is not only an aesthetic defect, but also a factor that contributes to faster wear. There is a need to remove creases and restore the appearance of the pair.

We will tell you in this article how to remove creases from leather, suede, faux leather, and nubuck shoes.

Causes of the problem

The new shoes have a sleek upper and an attractive look. When walking, the leg in the foot constantly changes position, which leads to the appearance of bends on the surface. Even an expensive branded pair is not immune from this. But deep creases do not always occur.

The following factors contribute to this circumstance:

• low quality of the product (tailoring and materials);
• incorrectly selected size or model;
• violation of storage rules;
• wearing a pair in the wrong season for which it is intended;
• improper use and care.

Another factor is incorrect selection of size and fullness. More creases appear when:

1. The last is too wide and the foot does not fit properly.
2. The block, on the contrary, is too narrow, which leads to tension in the upper material that was not intended by the manufacturer.

Most often, creases form on shoes without heels, since in such a pair the foot bends more when walking.

How to fix the defect?

If a defect appears on your favorite pair, you need to take action to fix the problem. It is advisable to start working at a stage before the creases become too strong and noticeable. Shallow creases are easier to removethan larger creases.

Shallow

Homemade recipes will help you cope with a problem that has just arisen. They are not difficult.

Paper and cream

In order to remove only emerging wrinkles, you need to do the following:

1. Stuff the toe of the pair tightly with crumpled paper, socks, or insert spacers to straighten the surface.
2. Apply shoe polish, paying attention to problem areas.
3. Leave the steam until the cream dries.
4. Clean up.
5. Remove the stuffing.

Wax and tinting

If the dents are small at the bend, you can use shoe wax. This product will soften and nourish the surface. Tinting is also suitable. But a good effect will only be achieved if the product is selected very accurately in color.

Cream

An emollient cream will help remove emerging creases.

Procedure:

1. Lubricate the surface of the shoes with cream.
2. Leave for a quarter of an hour.
3. Stuff the sock tightly with paper.
4. Place the pair on their side.
5. Continue treatment 2 times a day for 3 days.
6. After the bend has straightened, the remaining cream must be removed from the surface with a napkin.
7. Apply shoe wax.
8. Clean up.
9. Remove the paper.

Deep

In cases where the problem has worsened and the fold has become pronounced, more complex methods of influence will have to be used.

You need to prepare the following tools in advance:

• iron;
• cloth napkin (preferably microfiber);
• water;
• paper for stuffing (or special pads).

Work order:

1. Stuff the toe of the shoe with paper.
2. Moisten the cloth with water and wring it out.
3. Place the napkin on the area with the crease, pressing firmly against the skin.
4. Leave for a few minutes until the surface of the skin becomes slightly moisturized.
5. Turn on the iron and set the heat to medium.
6. Gently iron the crease area with a cloth.
7. Leave the steam to stand until completely dry.
8. Remove paper.
9. Apply cream or wax to the surface.
10. Carry out high-quality cleaning.

The sole of the iron should not be allowed to come into direct contact with the surface of the shoe; treatment is only permissible through the intervening fabric.

The process of processing shoes with creases can be seen in the video:

What to do with leatherette?

Artificial leather is significantly different in structure from natural leather, despite its external similarity. You should not use recipes that are suitable for natural materials for dermantin and eco-leather, as they will not be effective.

If the rules of storage and wearing are violated, the creases quickly become deep and practically irremovable. Leatherette shoes should be stored with inserts or lasts.without allowing even slight deformation. It is also necessary to use special care products.

How to smooth suede and nubuck?

On suede and nubuck, folds may appear already in the first season of wearing shoes.But even on such complex material it is quite possible to eliminate defects.

To bring such a pair back to normal you will need:

• a special brush for suede with rubber bristles;
• damp cloth;
• hairdryer

Procedure:

1. Clean the surface from dirt and dust.
2. Insert the filler so that the outer surface of the shoe upper is smoothed.
3. Carefully walk over suede (nubuck) with a special brush.
4. Place a piece of damp cloth on top of the problem area.
5. Turn on the hairdryer.
6. Direct a stream of heated air onto the fold.
7. Remove the rag.
8. Let the shoes dry naturally.

Instead of a brush, you can use fine-grained sandpaper, but you need to use it even more carefully so as not to damage the pile.

Prevention measures

In order to preserve the appearance of your shoes for as long as possible and avoid creases, The following preventive measures should be followed:

1. If expensive dress shoes are intended to be worn only indoors, they should not be used outdoors.
2. You should put on a pair using a shoe horn.
3. Natural materials (leather, nubuck, suede) must be protected from frequent contact with water.
4. You need to put on your shoes after first unfastening the clasp.
5. It is recommended to have at least 2 pairs of shoes for the season, and wear them every other day, giving each pair the opportunity to dry and air out. Otherwise, due to constant moisture and incomplete drying, the pair will last less.
6. Shoes should be cleaned after every use outside.
7. Do not use soap or aggressive cleaning agents to care for natural leather.
8. It is recommended to dry shoes in a room with good air exchange.
9. Cream and wax should only be applied to dry and clean shoe surfaces.
10. Do not wear shoes that are not completely dry.
11. Shoes should be stored after having been stuffed with paper in conditions where deformation is excluded. The best option is right in the box.
12. If your shoes get too wet, they can lead to deformation of the upper, creases, and even cracks.

Recommendations

Expert advice will help you cope with the task quickly and without problems:

1. Before removing creases, shoes must be cleaned of dust and dirt.
2. You should purchase shoes in accordance not only with the size, but also with the appropriate fullness.
3. In cases where you can’t deal with creases on your own, or you don’t have time for this, you can turn to a shoe workshop for help.
4. You should not use shoe care products immediately before going outside. This must be done in advance so that the cream has time to absorb and act.
5. For removing creases, silicone-based products are less effective than wax-based ones. This is due to the fact that silicone does not moisturize the surface, but only gives it shine.
6. The purchased shoe care products must match the shoes not only in color, but also in the texture of the material. Information about this is present on the packaging. For example, “for smooth leather”, “for nubuck”, etc.

Conclusion

Creases in shoes, especially shallow ones, can be eliminated even on your own. In cases where the situation turned out to be neglected and the folds were deep, You may need help from a repair shop shoes

If you do not take any action and ignore the rules of care, the pair will quickly lose its attractive appearance and become unusable.