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.
The factor that contributes to the appearance of folds may be the model itself.
If a single piece of leather was used for manufacturing, then creases at the bend of the foot are more likely to appear than on shoes that were sewn from several small fragments, highlighting the toe. Another factor is incorrect selection of size and fullness. Creases appear more often in cases where:
- The last is too wide and the foot does not fit properly.
- 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.
Fighting creases
The appearance of wrinkles is a natural process, since shoes constantly change position when moving. How deep the folds will be depends on many factors, and first of all, on the correct care.
Fact! Models sewn from a single piece are more susceptible to wrinkles than products made from several parts.
Fine wrinkles
It is easiest to remove wrinkles from shoes while they are small. Here are some ways to deal with minor bruises:
- Stuff the shoes tightly with crumpled paper or newspapers, especially carefully in places where there are creases. Apply nourishing cream thickly to the problem area and leave for several hours. When the composition is absorbed and the crease is straightened out, remove the filler.
- Paint the skin where the crease is, and after the pigment has dried, apply generous amounts of cream. After the composition has been absorbed, polish well.
Large
To smooth out deep folds of leather on shoes, more serious measures will be required:
- fill with paper;
- soak a napkin in water, apply to the area with the fold for 5-10 minutes;
- heat the iron, turning on the “wool” mode, iron the area with a crease;
- let the skin cool, lubricate with cream, after 30-40 minutes polish with a cloth, being careful not to stretch the skin.
There are several ways to remove creases from leatherette shoes or sneakers:
| Means | Instructions |
| Steaming | Stuff shoes with paper. Lubricate the area with the crease with cream and treat with a stream of steam. |
| Ironing | Moisten the affected area, gently iron and leave to dry naturally. |
| Moisturizing and drying | Wet the material, stuff the shoes tightly with filler, and leave to dry. |
Advice! Iron only through cotton fabric.
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. It is easier to eliminate shallow folds than large 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 must perform the following steps:
- Stuff the toe of the pair tightly with crumpled paper, socks, or insert spacers to straighten the surface.
- Apply shoe polish, paying attention to problem areas.
- Leave the steam until the cream dries.
- Clean up.
- 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:
- Lubricate the surface of the shoes with cream.
- Leave for a quarter of an hour.
- Stuff the sock tightly with paper.
- Place the pair on their side.
- Continue treatment 2 times a day for 3 days.
- After the bend has straightened, the remaining cream must be removed from the surface with a napkin.
- Apply shoe wax.
- Clean up.
- 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:
Stuff the toe of the shoe with paper.- Moisten the cloth with water and wring it out.
- Place the napkin on the area with the crease, pressing firmly against the skin.
- Leave for a few minutes until the surface of the skin becomes slightly moisturized.
- Turn on the iron and set the heat to medium.
- Gently iron the crease area with a cloth.
- Leave the steam to stand until completely dry.
- Remove paper.
- Apply cream or wax to the surface.
- 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:
How to properly care for your shoes?
In addition to careful wearing of leather products, they require regular care. Moreover, all manipulations should be brought to automaticity, such as washing and brushing your teeth in the morning.
- Wash your pair of shoes immediately upon returning home; ingrained dirt makes the leather rougher and less pliable.
- When washing, do not immerse the entire shoe under running water. Wipe the sole and upper part separately with a sponge or cloth.
- Dry the item thoroughly before wearing it. It is better to dry shoes in a well-ventilated area. Do not use a battery or heater for this purpose; high temperatures harm natural leather and deform it.
- You can treat the skin with care products only after it has dried. Do not use silicone sponges for these purposes: they do not protect the product, but only create a sticky layer on the surface, which additionally attracts dust and dirt.
- If you do not plan to wear your shoes for a long time, then before packing them inside it is better to put some lasts to maintain their shape. The best option is wooden fixtures - made of mahogany, beech or cedar. You can also use plain paper to maintain the shape, but you will need to change it periodically.
- Store leather products in cardboard boxes or special fabric bags, but under no circumstances in polyethylene - shoes also need to breathe.
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.
The artificial material does not contain fibers that can expand when softened with waxes and oils. Therefore, shoes with non-natural uppers must be taken care of regularly and thoroughly.
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 , avoiding even slight deformation. It is also necessary to use special care products.
Why do ugly creases appear on shoes?
Unfortunately, from time to time you can see shoes with very peculiar-looking creases. It is possible that you also have such a pair in your wardrobe. Below is a list of reasons why creases in shoes can become unsightly:
- Incorrectly selected pair (wrong with size, fit, last, model).
- Poor quality leather (perhaps too soft or too hard).
- Incorrect care (drying at an accelerated pace, using bad cosmetics, wearing the same pair too often).
Example of ugly creases on shoes
It is worth adding that the appearance of creases at the very front of the shoe (at the toes) is one of the typical signs that the shoes do not fit the feet well... or that they are made of poor leather or poorly designed. Creases on the toes (as opposed to creases on the vamp) can hardly be called aesthetically attractive.
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:
Clean the surface from dirt and dust.- Insert the filler so that the outer surface of the shoe upper is smoothed.
- Carefully walk over suede (nubuck) with a special brush.
- Place a piece of damp cloth on top of the problem area.
- Turn on the hairdryer.
- Direct a stream of heated air onto the fold.
- Remove the rag.
- 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.
For large defects
If your favorite pair has severe wrinkles or cracks, then there is a more radical way to remove creases from your favorite shoes. To do this you will need a thick rag and an iron. You can use a microfiber cloth.
What do we have to do:
- Stuff the shoe with paper or rags so that it holds its shape well.
- Wet the rag thoroughly, let the water drain or wring it out so that it is not wet, but well damp.
- Cover the boot with a damp cloth and leave it for a while to moisten the leather a little.
- Set the iron to medium power. Test it on a rag: if it is not damaged, then you can proceed. Iron your boot through a damp cloth.
- After this procedure, the folds should decrease or even disappear completely.
- Dry your shoes without removing the padding.
- If the result does not satisfy you, the procedure can be repeated.
Almost any shoe defect can be fixed at home. And so that possible troubles do not take you by surprise, find out how to repair shoes with your own hands.
Prevention measures
In order to preserve the appearance of your shoes for as long as possible and avoid creases, you should adhere to the following preventive measures:
- If expensive dress shoes are intended to be worn only indoors, they should not be used outdoors.
- You should put on a pair using a shoe horn.
- Natural materials (leather, nubuck, suede) must be protected from frequent contact with water.
- You need to put on your shoes after first unfastening the clasp.
- 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.
- Shoes should be cleaned after every use outside.
- Do not use soap or aggressive cleaning agents to care for natural leather.
- It is recommended to dry shoes in a room with good air exchange.
- Cream and wax should only be applied to dry and clean shoe surfaces.
- Do not wear shoes that are not completely dry.
- Shoes should be stored after having been stuffed with paper in conditions where deformation is excluded. The best option is right in the box.
- If your shoes get too wet, they can lead to deformation of the upper, creases, and even cracks.
Timely proper care of shoes will extend their service life and preserve their appearance for a long time.
How to prevent wrinkles from forming
If you often wear the same pair, you will hardly be able to walk without creases in your shoes. But you can make sure that wrinkles are minimal. Following simple rules will help prevent bruises:
Author:
Zakharova Nina Afanasyevna
I hope you like my article! If you find any shortcomings, just write to me about it! I am always ready for a conversation and will answer any questions you have, ask them!
