Tall Mens Fashion Advice

How to Get Creases Out of Shoes: 4 Effective Methods!

Learn how to get those annoying creases out of your shoes using these 4 simple and effective methods.

How to Get Creases Out of Shoes

Uncrease Shoes

Using an iron is the best way to get creases out of shoes. Start by putting a shoe tree in the shoe, and then cover the creased area with a damp pressing cloth such as a tea towel or pillowcase. Adjust the iron to the lowest heat setting and activate the steam function. Gently iron over the cloth and continue until the creases have been completely removed. 

This is How to Get Creases Out of Shoes: 4 Effective Methods.

Creases can make nice shoes look really old, and unless you aren’t using your shoes, then they are bound to form some creases eventually! 

I’m not sure if having big feet (I wear size 14 shoes) has anything to do with the formation of creases, but I was finding a lot of my shoes were becoming creased very quickly, which is why I wanted to find out how to remove them myself. 

I’ve found that using the iron is the most effective way to get creases out of my shoes, however I have also used a steamer which did a great job as well. 

But the best answer I’ve found for dealing with my creases, is I learnt how to now create them which I share with you in this article: How to not crease shoes.

Below are 4 different methods how to uncrease shoes, no matter what size they are. 

How to Get Creases Out of Shoes

Below are 4 useful methods on how to remove creases from shoes you can use when trying to get those unsightly creases out of your shoes. While your working on the creases, these article might will help you deal with other issues you are having.

Follow the steps carefully so that you can keep your shoes and sneakers looking brand new, for longer!

1. How to get creases out of shoes with iron

The best way to get creases out of shoes is by using an iron. Using an iron is an effective way to remove creases, however, you must follow the correct guidelines properly or you risk damaging your shoes with the heat from the iron.

1. Remove the shoelaces

Remove the shoelaces from your shoes if necessary and  clean them if needed (how to clean shoelaces). 

this is a photo pf a nike dunk with its shoelaces removed before it gets its creases removed

2. Remove dirt from the shoes

Use a cloth or brush to remove dirt or debris from the creased area of the shoes. 

This is a photo of tall paul removing the dirt from his nike dunks before having the creases removed

3. Stuff your shoes

Stuff your shoes with socks or a shoe tree so that the shoe keeps its shape.

This is a photo of a pair of nike dunks being stuffed with socks

4. Cover the shoe with a cloth

Use a cotton press cloth such as a bandana, pillowcase, thin towel, or t-shirt, to cover the creased area.

this is a photo of a pair of nikes being covered with a cloth

5. Dampen the cloth

Use a spray bottle filled with water to add moisture to the press cloth. The cloth should be damp but not soaking wet.

This is a photo of tall paul dampening the cloth covering his nike shoes

6. Turn on iron to low

Turn the iron on to the lowest heat setting, and make sure that the steam function is activated as well.

This is a photo of tall paul turning on the iron to get the creases out of his shoes

7. Iron the cloth

Gently and briefly iron over the cloth, onto the creased area. 

this is a photo of tall paul ironing the cloth over his shoes

8. Iron the shoe creases

Continue to iron the crease. Be sure to check in between passes, to make sure that you are doing a good job. 

This is a photo of tall paul ironing out the creases on his shoes

9. Let the shoe cool down

Leave the stuffing from Step 3 inside the shoe until the shoe cools down (how to dry clothes without a dryer). You can also use your fingers to press out creases during this time. 

This is a photo of tall paul letting his shoes cool down with the socks still in them

2. How to get creases out of shoes with steamer

Steaming is a simple and effective way to remove creases from shoes, and can be done with minimal supplies and effort. 

Using a steamer to get creases out is an effective method to use with most shoes, however, it is most effective when used on leather shoes. 

If your looking to get creases out of shoes with iron, this is a perfect option.

  1. Remove the shoelaces from your shoes if necessary. 
  2. Stuff your shoes with socks or a shoe tree to keep its shape. 
  3. Add water to a press cloth so that its damp. You can use a bandana, kitchen towel, face cloth, pillowcase, or t-shirt as a pressing cloth. 
  4. Heat the press cloth in the microwave so that it is steaming hot
  5. Place the cloth over the creases and apply pressure so that the crease become relaxed. 
  6. You may also replace the hot cloth with an actual steam machine/steamer, and simply power the steamer on, and run it against the creases on the shoe. 
  7. Keep the stuffing or shoe tree inside the shoe until the shoe completely drys and cools down. 

3. How to get creases out of shoes with shoe tree

Shoe trees are a great tool for getting creases out of shoes, with the only drawback being that this method takes much longer than using an iron or steam does.

The good part about using a shoe tree is that it is low maintenance, and if you get in the routine of consistently using shoe trees with your shoes, then you will have better luck avoiding creases in the first place. 

If you do not have a shoe tree. you can also use foam inserts to achieve similar results. Some shoe trees, such as those made from cedar, will also help to remove odor from your shoes, so you will have creaseless shoes that also smell nice! You’re welcome!

4. How to get creases out of shoes with hair dryer

Using a hair dryer is a quick and convenient way to help get creases out of shoes. 

1. Remove shoelaces

Remove the shoelaces from the shoes if necessary. 

this is a photo of shoelaces removed from a pair of nike shoes

2. Turn on hair dryer

Turn the hair dryer on to the lowest heat setting available. 

This is a photo of Tall Paul turning on a hair dryer to blow dry his shoes

3. Put shoe on flat surface

Place the shoe on a flat surface and hold the blow dryer 15 to 25 cm away from the shoe, depending on how severe the crease is. 

This is a photo of the shoes on a flat surface with blow dryer heating them

4. Allow shoe to get hot

Make a few passes with the blow dryer until the shoe is hot. 

This is a photo of a blow dryer getting s shoe hot to get its creases out

5. Form the shoes creases

Place a shoe tree or socks inside the shoe, and use your hands to form the shoe, to the shoe tree or socks. Focus on the area with the most creases. 

This is a photo of tall paul forming the heated shoes to get the creases out

6. Repeat until creases gone

Repeat steps 3 to 6 until the crease has been completely removed or until you are satisfied. 

This is a photo of shoe that doesnt have any more creases in it

How to Get Creases Out of Shoes: Tips

  • Using an Iron: If you do not have a spray bottle, simply soak the press cloth and wring out the excess water before you begin
  • Using an iron: A hot iron should never come into direct contact with your shoe. Always use a press cloth in between as a buffer.

How to Get Creases Out of Shoes FAQ

Using a steamer is a great way to get creases out of shoes. If you do not have an iron, a steamer will likely work just as well. Put a shoe tree in the shoe, turn the steamer on, and press out the creases. 

There are 4 ways to uncrease shoes at home. The best way to uncrease shoes is by using an iron. You can also use a steamer to get creases out of shoes, which works almost as well as an iron. The final two methods you can use to uncrease shoes are by using a shoe tree or a blow dryer.

Yes, you can use a hair dryer to get creases out of shoes by adjusting the dryer to the lowest heat setting, holding the tip 15 to 25 cm away from the surface of the shoe, and using your fingers to mold the creases on the shoe to the shoe tree within.

Written and reviewed by
Tall Paul
Tall Paul
Paul Marlow, standing at an impressive 6'7 (201cm) and weighing 225lb (102kg), is a mental health speaker, fashion expert, and ex-athlete who excels at helping tall men find well-fitting clothing and teaching them how to style it effectively. As a model in the fashion and film industries, Paul shares his expertise in tall men's fashion, offering valuable advice on measurements, tailoring, and alterations. In addition, he founded Never Alone, an organization that provides mental health and therapy inspiration, and started the Mental Growth Newsletter to support those facing mental health challenges, drawing from his own experiences.

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