Creased shoes can ruin the look of any outfit. Whether you’re wearing dress shoes for a special occasion or sneakers for a casual day out, creases can make your footwear look old and worn out. But fear not, there are several ways to prevent shoe creases and keep your shoes looking fresh and new. Here are some tips and tricks on how to not crease shoes.
1. Invest in Shoe Trees
Shoe trees are a great investment for anyone looking to preserve the shape of their shoes. They are designed to maintain the natural shape of the shoe and prevent creases from forming. Simply insert the shoe tree into your shoe when you’re not wearing them, and let it do its job. Shoe trees are available in different materials such as wood, plastic, and metal, and can be easily found online or at your local shoe store.
2. Use Toe Caps
Toe caps are another great way to prevent shoe creases. They are small inserts that fit inside the toe box of your shoe, providing additional support and preventing the leather from bending and creasing. Toe caps are especially useful for dress shoes that are made of delicate leather and are more prone to creasing.
3. Avoid Over-wearing Your Shoes
One of the main causes of shoe creases is over-wearing your shoes. When you wear the same pair of shoes day in and day out, they tend to lose their shape and develop creases. To avoid this, try to alternate your shoes every other day or every few days. This gives your shoes time to breathe and regain their natural shape.
4. Be Mindful of How You Walk
The way you walk can also contribute to shoe creases. If you tend to drag your feet or walk with heavy steps, you’re more likely to develop creases in your shoes. Try to walk with a lighter step and be mindful of how your feet land on the ground. This will not only prevent shoe creases but also reduce the wear and tear on your shoes.
5. Use a Shoe Horn
A shoe horn is a small tool that helps you slip your foot into your shoe without damaging the back of the shoe. When you force your foot into a shoe without using a shoe horn, you’re more likely to develop creases in the back of the shoe. Using a shoe horn not only prevents creases but also helps prolong the life of your shoes.
6. Store Your Shoes Properly
Proper shoe storage is key to preventing shoe creases. When you’re not wearing your shoes, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing your shoes in a cramped space or in a way that causes them to bend or fold. You can also stuff your shoes with tissue paper or newspaper to help them maintain their shape.
7. Get Your Shoes Professionally Cleaned and Resoled
If your shoes have already developed creases, don’t worry. You can still salvage them by getting them professionally cleaned and resoled. A professional shoe cleaner can remove dirt and stains from your shoes, while a cobbler can resole them and provide additional support to prevent further creasing. This is a great option for expensive or sentimental shoes that you want to keep in good condition.
FAQs
Q: Can shoe creases be removed?
A: Unfortunately, once a crease has formed in your shoe, it cannot be completely removed. However, you can minimize the appearance of creases by using shoe trees, toe caps, and proper shoe storage.
Q: Do shoe trees work for all types of shoes?
A: Shoe trees work best for leather shoes, but they can also be used for other materials such as suede and canvas. However, it’s important to choose the right type of shoe tree for your shoe material to avoid damage.
Q: How often should I clean and resole my shoes?
A: It depends on how often you wear your shoes and the condition of the shoes. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to get your shoes professionally cleaned and resoled every six months to a year.
Conclusion
Preventing shoe creases is easy if you follow these simple tips and tricks. By investing in shoe trees, using toe caps, avoiding over-wearing your shoes, being mindful of how you walk, using a shoe horn, storing your shoes properly, and getting your shoes professionally cleaned and resoled, you can keep your shoes looking fresh and new for years to come.