Nobody likes seeing creases start to appear on their awesome new shoes, but is it even possible to avoid creating creases on the toes of shoes?
The 10 tips below will help you to avoid creating creases on your shoes, however even if you do everything right, you still might find that your shoes are starting to show signs of aging on the vamp.
Shoe trees, crease protectors, and thick socks, are some of the hacks you can use to prevent your shoes from creasing.
Our list below provides a variety of different methods and options to choose from, so find what works for you, and give it a try!
Table of Contents
How To Not Crease Shoes
Use the 10 tips and methods listed below in order to help prevent creases from forming on your shoes.
If creases have already appeared on your shoes, there are ways to fix this! To learn how, please read: How to get creases out of shoes.
1. Use a shoe tree
When you aren’t wearing your shoes, try inserting a shoe tree into them while they are being stored. Shoe trees help to prevent as well as remove creases from shoes by stretching the shoe flat.
A good shoe tree made out of cedar will also absorb moisture and odor from your shoes, giving them a better scent in addition to preventing creases from forming on the vamps.
2. Use protectors
Using a crease protector on the inside of your shoe is one of the best ways to avoid the formation of creases.
Crease protectors are installed by removing the insole and placing the placing the protector in the toe box. Put your insole back in and you’re ready to go.
Sneaker Shields and ForceField are two of the most popular crease protectors on the market and can be found online as well as at most shoe and sporting good stores.
3. Wear shoe less frequently
One of the most obvious ways to avoid creating creases on your shoes is by not wearing them too frequently. If your budget permits, buy two pairs and rotate between the two. If you are a true sneaker head with a rare pair of Jordans that you’d like to keep in mint condition and possibly resell, then your best option is to not wear them too often.
4. Find a good fit
Getting shoes that fit well and are the correct size will help to prevent creases from forming. The more space between your foot and the upper shoe means that the shoe has a greater opportunity to stretch and crease.
Generally speaking, the more space you have between the upper shoe and your foot, the better chance you’ll have for the vamp to crease.
Buy shoes that are suitable for the size as well as the shape of your feet.
5. Use a shoe horn
Using a shoe horn to gently slide your foot into a shoe is a great way to maintain the shape of your shoe for longer.
Without a shoe horn, the heel of your shoe may become bent, creased, or worn, and once this occurs it is impossible to fix. Use a shoe horn to avoid deteriorating the quality of your shoe heel.
6. Avoid playing sports
Being overly active or doing exercise in the wrong pair of shoes can lead to creases being formed. The more you bend the toe box, shell, or vamp of your shoe, the faster creases will form.
If you are running, playing basketball, tennis, or some other sport, make sure you are wearing the appropriate style of shoes so that you don’t end up severely creasing your other pairs.
7. Lace up properly
Make sure your laces are tied properly when wearing and moving in your shoes, because loose fitting shoes are one of the main causes of creases. If you are constantly walking around with your laces undone and your shoes fitting loosely, you will find that creases form more frequently than if you had your laces tied.
The more space between your foot and the shoe will increase bending at the toe, which will eventually lead to the formation of more creases. Check out our guides on all things laces.
8. Avoid toe walking
Use proper posture and don’t push off on your toes so heavily if you want to prevent creases from appearing. Walking with your toes may help your calves to build muscle, but is also leads to the formation of creases.
9. Wear thick socks
Wearing thick socks will help to decrease the space between your foot and the upper shoe. Doing this helps to prevent the vamp from stretching and moving, which helps to prevent creases. If you do not want to use a protector, as mentioned in option #2, then wearing thick socks might be a better choice for you.
10. Keep your feet flat
When you are sitting down try not to position your feet in such a way that it will cause your toes/upper shoe to bend. Most of us don’t realize it, but when we are seated, our feet are moving around, and our toes are actually at an angle. Keep your feet flat on the ground and you will have a better chance of avoiding creases.
Let us help you tackle all other issues you may have going on with your shoes, to keep them looking and feeling fresh.
FAQ
Use a shoe tree, shoe horn, and crease protector with your shoes in order to avoid the occurrence of creasing. You should also find good fitting shoes, avoid playing active sports, lace up properly, and wear thick socks, to give yourself a better chance at avoiding creases.
Creases in shoes can be fixed by ironing them, steaming them, or stretching them out with a shoe horn. You may also be able to use a hair dryer to heat the vamp, and then press out the creases with your fingers.
If your shoes keep creasing it could be because you are not wearing the right size, you aren’t lacing them properly, your bending your toes too frequently, or your just wearing them too often.
Use good posture and avoid walking with your toes. Put a crease protector on the inside of your toe box and wear thick socks to decrease the space between your foot and the upper shoe.
