Creases in shoes are a common issue—especially if you wear your favorite pairs often. They form when the material bends and flexes, usually around the toe box.
Leather, suede, and other materials are especially prone to these unsightly lines. If left untreated, creases can make shoes, like Vintage Havana shoes, look old and worn out fast.
The good news? Learning how to get creases out of shoes is easier than you think—and you don’t need any fancy tools.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove creases from shoes using simple household items so your footwear stays looking fresh and well-kept.
Key Takeaway
-
Shoe creases are a natural result of regular wear, especially around the toe box, but they can be fixed and aren’t permanent.
-
Household items like steam irons, damp cloths, blow dryers, and suede brushes can safely remove creases from shoes without causing damage.
-
Different materials like leather, suede, and fabric shoes require specific care techniques, such as steaming, conditioning, gentle brushing, and reshaping.
-
Prevent creasing and extend your shoes’ lifespan by using cedar shoe trees, rotating pairs, and keeping them dry.
Best Methods and Household Tools for Removing Shoe Creases
As someone who has spent countless hours preparing for events, I know how important it is to keep your shoes looking sharp. Ugly creases in the toe box can make even your favorite sneakers or an expensive pair of leather boots look worn out.
The good news is that you can remove or prevent these pesky creases using simple household items.
1. Steam Iron or Clothing Steamer
One of the most reliable ways to remove creases from leather shoes is by using a steam iron or a garment steamer. I usually stuff the shoe firmly with tissue paper or cedar shoe trees to keep its original shape.
Then, I place a damp cloth over the creased area and apply gentle heat using an iron set to low. I press the iron briefly in 10-second intervals, checking the crease in between.
The steam helps relax the material, making it easier to reshape the shoe especially on high-quality leather shoes.
2. Warm Water and Damp Cloth
For shoes that need a gentler touch—especially suede or more delicate materials—I use warm water and a damp cloth.
After soaking a clean cloth in warm water and wringing out the excess, I lay it over the creased area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, I gently massage the material to loosen the fibers.
This trick works especially well when the creases are still shallow. Once done, I stuff the shoe again to help it dry in the correct shape.
I recommend this method because it focuses on waterproof and casual shoe care, and it’s a quick, tool-free fix I rely on when I’m in a hurry.
3. Blow Dryer or Hair Dryer
When I need faster results, I turn to a blow dryer—something I already have out while getting ready. I insert cedar shoe trees to maintain the shape, then set the dryer on a low heat setting.
Holding it about six inches from the shoe, I move the heat source in small circles over the creased area. As the material softens, I use my fingers to smooth out the creases gently. The key is not to overheat the material.
I recommend using controlled heat as a safe method to gently remove creases from both leather and synthetic shoes. I’ve used this many times on my expensive pair of leather boots before wearing them.
4. Wet Towel and Repetitive Motion
Another method I swear by, especially for minor or early-stage creases, is using a warm, damp towel and repetitive motion.
I simply wet a small towel with warm water, squeeze out the excess, and rub the creased area in a circular motion. This creates mild friction that gradually breaks down the fold lines without damaging the material.
It’s especially useful when you don’t have access to steam or heat. I usually use this approach, which emphasizes gentle methods on premium materials like suede.
I’ve used this trick on fancy heels that couldn’t be steamed or ironed safely, and it worked just fine.
Over time, I’ve learned that regular maintenance matters just as much as the fixes. Using a quality shoe conditioner keeps leather soft and less prone to deep lines.
Storing your shoes with cedar shoe trees helps them hold their shape between wears. And rotating your shoes—so you’re not wearing the same pair every day—can reduce stress on the material.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on shoe care. With a blow dryer, some warm water, and a little patience, you can save your perfect pair of shoes from looking worn out too soon.
Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Creases from Different Types of Shoes
Not all shoes are made the same, and neither are the methods for taking care of them. Leather, suede, canvas—each shoe material reacts differently to heat, moisture, and pressure. That’s why removing inevitable creases isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix.
The best approach depends on the type of shoe you’re working with and how deep the creases are. In this next section, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I use to remove creases from different materials, starting with leather shoes.
These methods are simple, cost-effective, and based on expert recommendations, so you can treat your shoes with care—and skip unnecessary damage.
Leather Shoes
Credits: @instructables / Pinterest
Leather shoes crease over time—it’s unavoidable. The natural bending of the foot, especially near the toe box, causes lines to form in the leather. While this doesn’t mean your shoes are ruined, deep creases can make them look older than they are.
The good news is that with the right steps, you can soften, reshape, and restore your leather shoes to a clean, polished look without damaging the material.
Step 1: Prepare the Leather Shoes
Start by cleaning the shoe surface using a clean, damp cotton washcloth. This removes dust, dirt, or oils that could interfere with the treatment. Shoe creasing is normal where the leather flexes most—often in the toe box and sides.
By identifying these high-stress areas ahead of time, you can focus your efforts more effectively. Pre-cleaning is critical because residual dirt can lock in crease lines and degrade the leather over time.
Step 2: Apply a Leather Conditioner
Once the shoes are clean, the next step is to apply a leather conditioner. This softens the leather fibers, making them easier to reshape without cracking.
I recommend using a trusted brand that is formulated to nourish and restore quality leather goods. Massage a small amount into the creased area and let it absorb for at least 10 minutes. This step also helps prevent new creases from forming too quickly.
Step 3: Steam the Leather
Now that the leather is softened use a steam iron or a handheld clothing steamer. Set it to a low setting to avoid overheating. Hold it about six inches from the surface, and gently steam the creased area in short bursts.
The goal is to relax the leather fibers, not soak them. Steam works by rehydrating the leather’s structure, making it more flexible for reshaping.
Step 4: Brush with Proper Technique
While the leather is still warm and flexible, use a soft-bristled shoe brush to lightly work the crease out. If your shoes are made from mixed materials—like leather and suede—use a suede brush on the appropriate sections.
Always brush in a circular motion rather than straight lines. This helps blend the treated area and lift the fibers instead of forcing them deeper.
Brushing isn’t only for cosmetic restorations but also for maintaining the long-term health of the shoe material.
Step 5: Reshape the Shoe
Credits: @SuppliesHouseholdLaundry / Pinterest
This is where cedar shoe trees come in. Insert them into the shoes immediately after brushing. The pressure from the shoe tree helps restore the shoe’s original shape while it cools and dries. Cedar elements also absorb excess moisture and odor.
Using such a product is a less expensive option than continuous repairs and helps reduce future creasing. One key tip from leather experts: never skip this step, especially after steaming.
Step 6: Let the Shoes Dry
Let the shoes sit at room temperature for several hours. Avoid using a blow dryer or placing them under direct sunlight—this causes leather to dry too fast, which leads to cracking.
Natural drying preserves the shoe’s structure and finish. Direct heat is one of the main causes of premature aging in leather and suede shoes.
With the right steps and a little patience, removing creases from leather shoes becomes a simple routine, not a repair emergency.
By cleaning, conditioning, steaming, and reshaping properly, you can restore the structure of your shoes and extend their life.
Quality leather deserves extra care, and these small efforts go a long way toward keeping your favorite pairs looking sharp, comfortable, and crease-free.
Suede Shoes
Suede shoes offer a stylish and plush feel, but their delicate nature makes them susceptible to creases and stains. Unlike leather, suede requires specific care techniques to maintain its appearance.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove creases from your suede shoes using simple household items:
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Begin by gently cleaning the surface of your suede shoes to remove any dirt or dust. Use a damp towel or a cotton washcloth to wipe the surface carefully.
It’s essential to ensure the shoes are clean before attempting to remove creases, as dirt can cause further damage.
Step 2: Use a Suede Brush
Credits: @amazonukshopping / Pinterest
After cleaning, use a suede brush to gently scrub the creased area. Brush in one direction to lift and smooth the fibers, reducing the appearance of creases.
This technique helps restore the nap of the suede, giving it a refreshed look. Regular brushing is essential for maintaining the texture and appearance of suede shoes.
Step 3: Steam the Suede
Steaming is an effective method for relaxing suede fibers and reducing creases. Use a clothing steamer or a steam iron on a low setting. Hold the steamer at a distance to avoid soaking the fabric.
Focus on the creased areas and use your fingers to gently press and reshape the shoe. When done correctly, this rejuvenates the suede’s appearance.
Step 4: Allow Shoes to Dry
After steaming and reshaping, let the shoe air dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat sources like a blow dryer or placing them in the dryer, as this can damage the suede. Allowing the shoes to dry at room temperature helps maintain the integrity of the material.
Just like leather shoes, proper drying is crucial to prevent further creasing and damage.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove creases from your suede shoes and extend their lifespan. Regular maintenance and gentle care are key to keeping your suede footwear looking its best.
Sneakers and Other Fabric Shoes
Credits: @fashionsnap / Pinterest
Unlike leather or suede, sneakers, and fabric shoes often crease faster—especially if you wear them daily or don’t store them properly. The constant bending from walking, sitting, and even how you tie your laces can cause deep lines around the toe box.
While these creases are a natural part of wear, they don’t have to be permanent. With just a few tools and a bit of care, you can restore their shape and give your favorite shoes a cleaner, more structured look.
Step 1: Fill the Toe Box
Start by stuffing the toe box of your sneakers with tissue paper, socks, or a shoe tree. This helps to stretch the material back into its original shape and provides a firm surface for the subsequent steps.
As mentioned, stuffing the shoe can help maintain its shape during the crease removal process.
Step 2: Use Shoe Inserts
Unlike leather, fabric shoes are more flexible and often lack the structural support needed to hold their shape.
That’s where shoe inserts or cedar shoe trees come in. Inserts help push the material back into its original form, reducing the appearance of creases caused by repeated foot movement. They’re especially helpful in canvas and mesh sneakers, where the toe box collapses easily.
Moisture buildup is another problem with fabric shoes—something inserted with cedar or breathable materials can help fix it.
Step 3: Apply Low Heat
Fabric materials like mesh, cotton blends, or synthetics respond well to gentle heat—but only when used carefully. A low-heat hair dryer or blow dryer helps relax the fibers in the creased area without melting or burning the material.
Holding the dryer about 6 inches away softens the fabric enough to smooth out the folds by hand or with inserts. This step works best when the creases are still fresh and haven’t set deeply into the fibers.
Controlled heat is also one of the easiest ways to restore shape in woven and knit shoe uppers without causing long-term damage.
Step 4: Let the Shoes Dry
Credits: @SHEINofficial / Pinterest
Once you’ve applied heat and reshaped the shoe, letting it dry naturally is essential. Fabric shoes tend to warp or shrink if exposed to too much direct heat too quickly.
Air drying allows the fibers to cool gradually and settle into their new shape without creating new folds or hard spots.
Placing cedar shoe trees inside while drying provides the right internal pressure to maintain structure and prevent fresh creases from forming.
Synthetic and textile shoe materials hold their form better when allowed to rest at room temperature post-treatment, especially after reshaping interventions.
Taking a few minutes to care for your sneakers can make a big difference. Whether it’s stuffing the toe box, applying low heat, or using shoe inserts, these small steps help reverse creases and protect your shoes from long-term wear.
You don’t need expensive tools or major shoe repair services—just the right technique and a little consistency. Keep your favorite fabric shoes looking crisp and ready for the next outing, no matter how often you wear them.
Conclusion
Removing shoe creases doesn’t require professional tools or expensive services. Some of the most effective fixes—like using a steam iron, a damp cloth, a blow dryer, or a suede brush—can all be done with basic household items.
With just a little effort, you can soften the material, reshape the toe box, and bring your shoes back to life.
Whether you’re dealing with leather, suede, or fabric sneakers, the key steps are always the same: clean the surface, reshape the shoe, apply controlled heat if needed, and let everything dry naturally.
These methods take only a few minutes but can restore your shoes to their original form and save you from buying replacements.
To prevent ugly creases in the future, insert cedar shoe trees after each wear, rotate your shoes regularly, and avoid storing them while still damp. With consistent care, your favorite shoes can stay sharp, comfortable, and crease-free for years.