How to remove creases from leather shoes and turn them into new ones

Unsightly folds and stripes on the surface of your favorite shoes or sneakers often occur due to improper care, wear and the influence of negative factors. Experts know how to fix creases in leather shoes, but in order to avoid resorting to expensive specialists, you should try to fix the defects yourself. There are several simple ways to smooth out folds and stripes on the surface; they are safe for the material and quite accessible at home.

Why do creases appear on leather shoes?

The occurrence of such defects is not uncommon, both in branded and cheap pairs. Inexpensive shoes are more susceptible to creases, but most often they appear due to improper wearing and care of leather shoes. It is worth noting that it will be easier to even out folds and stripes on the surface if you begin to correct the defect immediately when it occurs.

Reasons for the appearance of creases in leather shoes:

1. Low quality. The process of making the material is quite complex and labor-intensive, which is something that manufacturers save on - this directly affects the rate at which defects appear.
2. Improper storage. Leather shoes out of season must be preserved using special means that do not allow the material to dry out.
3. Wrong size. Large shoes or too narrow models are often subject to premature breakage, and they are also unsafe for the health of the feet.
4. The influence of negative factors. All shoes are designed to be worn in a certain season; if you do not follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, the pair will quickly lose their attractive appearance.

When purchasing shoes, boots or sneakers made of leather, experts also recommend paying attention to the sewing method. If the shoes are made from a single piece of material, then they are more susceptible to defects. A pair with seams or decorative overlays at the fracture site will retain its appearance for a longer period.

How to remove creases

To combat defects, you can use special and home remedies. Stores also sell smoothing compounds that allow you to remove creases at the initial stage. But experts recommend using available substances; they are quite effective if used at the first manifestations of a defect on the skin.

Small folds

Any creamy compositions, glycerin and wax will help get rid of creases in small areas of shoes, but before using them, you need to prepare a pair. You need to stuff the shoes with soft paper so that the wrinkles are smoothed out a little. When processing defects, it must be clean, so it is worth washing the pair in advance and drying it away from sunlight. Before applying any composition, it is also recommended to degrease the skin using a cloth and alcohol-containing liquids.

Means for smoothing out small creases on shoes, and how to use them:

1. Glycerol – will return the original appearance and protect from moisture. To smooth out wrinkles, you can buy a product at the pharmacy. Apply a thin layer of glycerin to the entire surface of the skin and leave to dry for a day.Excess can be removed with a soft cloth, and it is recommended to start wearing shoes 2-3 days after treatment.
2. Silicone based shoe polish – will help smooth out small creases, eliminate abrasions and restore skin color. Pack a pair tightly with old newspapers and apply the product once or twice over 2-3 days. The shoe polish will gradually be absorbed and fill the creases, which will get rid of unsightly stripes and folds.
3. Liquid skin – will not only straighten creases, but also partially restore the surface of the material. The product will do an excellent job of removing scuffs and returning it to its original appearance; you just need to choose the right color of the composition. Stuff the shoes with paper and apply liquid leather to the surface. Manufacturers recommend letting the product soak in for an hour, after which you can repeat the treatment.

If there are no special formulations, then a fat-based hand cream or cosmetic oils can help remove creases. It is not recommended to use sunflower or olive oil; when exposed to oxygen, they quickly oxidize and begin to emit an unpleasant odor.

Deep creases

Restoring a pair of shoes with severe defects will require more time and effort. To straighten creases you will need an iron or hair dryer, a special leather conditioner and oil impregnations. Stores also sell special compounds for leather restoration, but in order not to spoil your shoes, you should carefully consider the choice of manufacturer. Carry out a compatibility test of the regenerating agent in an inconspicuous place and only then proceed with processing.

How to remove deep creases from leather shoes:

1. Iron or hair dryer – are quite effective and will help smooth out wrinkles, but heating devices should be used with caution so as not to dry out the surface. To treat problem areas, stuff the toe of the shoe with a soft cloth or paper and apply thickly with conditioner. Wet a thick cloth and place it on the creases. Heat the iron to medium temperature with the steam function or turn on the hair dryer, without touching the surface of the skin, treat the defect for five minutes.
2. Castor oil – will help correct defects and give the pair a beautiful shine, but is only suitable for dark skin. Stuff the shoes with paper to partially smooth out any stripes or wrinkles. Apply the product thickly to all problem areas and leave to absorb for a day, then polish the surface with a soft cloth.

After exposure to temperature on the leather, it is recommended to use a repair cream or shoe conditioner to replenish moisture loss from the material.

Prevention of creases

Following simple rules for using and caring for shoes can save you from restoration work. When walking, creases will still appear, but the damage to the skin will be minimal and can be easily corrected with the help of a cream.

How to maintain the original appearance of your shoes:

1. Avoid puddles and constant contact with water. After coming home, you should immediately wash and dry your shoes with a soft cloth and place them on a special shelf.
2. Monitor your skin condition regularly. The material tends to dry out in the sun, so it needs constant protection. To maintain the original appearance, regularly treat your shoes with wax or cream, then the risk of creases will be minimized.
3. Store shoes, boots and sneakers correctly.Each pair must have a separate paper box, bags and plastic bags cannot be used. It is better to store boots lying down and so that they do not touch each other. It is also worth insulating a pair of shoes and sneakers.

The appearance of creases in shoes is inevitable, but if you regularly carry out prevention, you can minimize the occurrence of defects. Compliance with storage rules is also important and will extend the original appearance and wear time.