A nice pair of shoes can last a lifetime, but the movement of the foot inside the shoe can cause creases in the leather. Some creases are inevitable, but there are ways to prevent your dress shoes from getting damaged.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Preventing Wrinkles
Step 1. Choose shoes that fit you perfectly
If there is space between the foot and the shoe, the leather will bend more. This is the main reason for creasing shoes. It is very common around the big toe, so look for a pair of dress shoes that fit you well without being too tight.
Step 2. Apply a water repellent before putting on your shoes for the first time
A water repellent will help protect them from moisture in the environment or water on the ground, which could make your shoes more susceptible to creasing.
- You can find these water repellent products at shoe stores;
- The water repellent will not make your shoes waterproof so you should always avoid getting your dress shoes wet if possible.
- The water repellent should be reapplied once a year.
Step 3. Wear dry shoes the first few times
Most leather shoes take 24 hours to fit. You should always avoid getting your dress shoes wet, but getting them wet while you are wearing them for the first few times will cause marks where the shoe bends at the toes.
Even after wearing your shoes a few times, avoid getting them wet as the leather may discolor
Step 4. Use a shoe horn when wearing shoes
It is a long, flat object that helps put your foot in the shoe. Using a shoe horn will prevent the back of the shoe from sagging and creasing.
You can purchase a shoe horn at any shoe store
Step 5. Put your dress shoes on a shoe last as soon as you take them off
Shoe lasts are inserted into the shoe to absorb moisture and help maintain its shape. Keeping your shoes on form when you're not wearing them is the most important thing you can do to avoid creasing.
- You can find shoe lasts at any shoe store.
- If you don't have a shoe last, fill your shoes with kitchen paper or crumpled newspaper sheets to help keep them in shape.
Step 6. Don't wear the same pair of dress shoes for two days in a row
Let the shoes dry for a full day after wearing them. When you wear them for several days in a row, the moisture from your feet may stagnate in the skin, causing creases to form.
Step 7. Add toe pads if your shoes are pointed
The toe protectors are small discs that are attached to the toe of the shoes. They are used to prevent wear on the toe of the sole, which is where the sole begins to wear out in this type of shoe. Damage to the sole can cause deformation of the upper.
Toe caps are usually nailed to the soles of shoes. To make sure your toe caps are fitted correctly, have them fitted by a professional shoemaker
Step 8. Fill the inside of the shoes with rolled up socks before packing them
If you plan to travel, packing your shoes with socks will help keep them in shape while they are in your suitcase.
Step 9. Treat your skin every 3-6 months
Leather softener is used to keep the shoe upper soft and flexible to prevent creasing. The softener is similar to a lotion that is applied by gently massaging it into the skin.
While applying every 3-6 months is sufficient for most cases, you should do it more often if you live in a very dry climate area
Method 2 of 2: Remove Wrinkles with Leather Oil
Step 1. Moisten the crease with a special leather oil
Make sure you saturate the crease with oil so that the skin around it softens. The oil will help protect the shoe from possible damage when you heat the leather.
You can purchase leather oil such as mink or ox's foot oil at leather stores or shoe stores
Step 2. Use a hot air gun or hair dryer to soften the leather of the upper
Move the jet of air continuously, never dwell on the same point for more than 2-3 seconds. Proceed for about a minute in total.
Lightweight leathers are susceptible to discoloration when exposed to heat, so test a small area of the heel of the shoe first before applying heat to more visible areas
Step 3. Massage the skin until the crease disappears
The combination of oil and heat should make the skin pliable. Use your hands to spread and stretch the sore until it begins to disappear.
Step 4. Leave the shoe to cool on a shoe last
Insert the last into the shoe as tight as possible. As the shoe cools the smoothed area will remain so permanently.
