How to Uncrease Shoes: 4 Methods That Work on Leather and Sneakers

The most reliable way to uncrease shoes is to stuff the toe box firmly, lay a damp cloth over the crease, and press it with an iron on a low setting for a few seconds at a time. For light creases in leather, conditioner and shoe trees are often enough.

Creases form wherever a shoe bends, which is nearly always across the toe box. You cannot stop a shoe from flexing, but you can smooth existing creases and slow down new ones. Below are four methods, ordered from gentlest to strongest.

What causes shoes to crease?

• Normal walking. Every step folds the upper at the ball of the foot.
• Poor fit. Shoes that are too long or too roomy have empty space in the toe box, so the material collapses and folds more deeply.
• Dry leather. Leather that has lost its natural oils is stiffer and creases sharply.
• Bad storage. Shoes stacked or squashed in a box hold whatever shape they are pressed into.

Which method should you use?

Method 1: Shoe trees

A shoe tree is a foot-shaped form, usually cedar or plastic, that holds the shoe in shape while you are not wearing it. Insert the trees as soon as you take the shoes off, while the leather is still warm and slightly damp from wear. Over a few days they ease out shallow creases, and they stop new ones from setting. Cedar trees also absorb moisture and odour.

Method 2: Leather conditioner

1. Clean the shoe and insert a shoe tree, or stuff it tightly with paper.
2. Test the conditioner on a hidden spot to check that it does not change the colour.
3. Massage a small amount into the creased area with your fingers or a soft cloth, working across the crease.
4. Leave the shoe on the tree overnight so the leather relaxes in the right shape.

Related: How to Wash Slippers by Material: Cotton, Fleece, Suede, Sheepskin and Leather

Method 3: Iron and a damp cloth

This is the strongest method and the one to use on deep toe-box creases.

1. Stuff the shoe firmly. Use a shoe tree, rolled socks or plain paper. The toe box must be full and tight, with no hollow under the crease.
2. Dampen a cotton cloth or small towel, wring it out well and lay it over the crease. For suede, the cloth should be only slightly damp.
3. Set the iron to low. Use the lowest or delicate setting with the steam function turned off. Never put the iron directly on the shoe.
4. Press for 5 to 10 seconds, lift, check under the cloth, and repeat. Keep the iron moving and re-wet the cloth if it dries out.
5. Leave the stuffing in until the shoe is completely cool and dry, so it sets in the new shape.
6. Condition leather afterwards to replace the moisture the heat removed.

Method 4: Hairdryer

1. Insert a shoe tree. Do not do this with your foot in the shoe.
2. Hold the hairdryer on low or medium heat about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) from the leather and keep it moving for 20 to 30 seconds.
3. Switch it off and massage the warm leather flat against the shoe tree with your fingers.
4. Repeat if needed, then apply conditioner once the shoe has cooled.

A heat gun runs far hotter than a hairdryer and can scorch leather or melt glue in seconds. We do not recommend it for shoes.

What about sneakers?

The iron and damp cloth method works on leather and most synthetic-leather sneakers. Take extra care with thin mesh, knit uppers and patent leather, which can melt or blister; for those, stick to stuffing the shoe and using shoe trees. Canvas rarely holds sharp creases, and a wash usually resets it. See how to clean canvas shoes.

How to prevent creases

• Buy the right size. Extra room in the toe box is the biggest cause of deep creases. Our fit guides for running shoes and boots explain what to check.
• Use shoe trees every time you take leather shoes off.
• Rotate pairs. Giving shoes a day to dry out between wears keeps leather supple.
• Condition leather every month or two.
• Use a shoehorn so you do not crush the heel.

Frequently asked questions