How to Prevent Shoe Creases (BEST WAYS)

A high-quality pair of workwear shoes can last years and years within a regular work environment. However, your leather shoes may ultimately develop creases that appear unsightly. While there is no way to avoid some level of creasing, you can take some preventative actions to keep your workwear shoes as flawless as when you first unboxed them. So, we have gathered a few tips that can help you keep your work shoes wrinkle-free.

See also: How to Protect White Leather Shoes

6 Easy Hacks To Avoid Creasing

1. Keep your New Shoes Dry

New shoes, especially leather shoes, need a bit of breaking in so that the fabric loosens up and fits comfortably. This requires approximately 20 hours of wear. If your shoes get wet while you are trying to break them in, that will increase their likelihood of developing creases at the areas where your toes flex.

Therefore, if possible, you should avoid circumstances where your new workwear shoes will get in contact with moisture. Another way to keep your new shoes dry during the break-in period is by applying water repellent to the shoes. The repellent will help shield your shoes from moisture within the environment.

Remember that the repellent will never make your work shoes waterproof. Therefore, you should never deliberately allow your shoes to get in contact with moisture even with the repellent on.

See also: How to Dry Work Boots

2. Prevent Creasing by Selecting the Appropriate Shoe Size

When you select the appropriate shoe size, there will be just the right amount of space between the end of the shoe and your longest toe. If there is excessive room between the end of the shoe and your longest toe, then the shoe will bend more in this space as you walk. This will result in unsightly creases at the toe box of the shoes.

To ascertain whether your workwear shoe is the appropriate size while wearing the shoe, slip your forefinger between your heel and the shoe’s heel. Your finger should fit snugly between this space. If your finger glides in effortlessly with room to spare, then the shoe is not the appropriate size in length.

See also: How to Measure Your Feet for Shoes

3. Prevent Creasing with Shoe Trees

Each time you remove your work shoes, inserting shoe trees into them will help ensure they maintain their shape. If you opt for cedar shoe trees, they will not only keep your workwear shoes in shape but will also absorb moisture to prevent odors and rot. If shoe trees are not available, ball up some tissue paper or old newspapers and stuff them into your shoes. This will also help stop creases from developing.

4. Wear Shoes Easily Using a Shoe Horn

Sometimes, putting on a pair of workwear shoes can be a struggle. For example, you may impulsively squeeze your finger into the rear of your work shoes while trying to wear them. If you forcefully put on shoes, it may result in permanent damage or creasing. A reliable shoe horn is hard-wearing and is specially crafted to help your foot properly fit into a shoe. A good shoehorn will also help you avoid injuries to your feet when putting on shoes.

5. Swap out your Work Shoes

Switching workwear shoes can help prevent them from creasing. Rotating your work shoes between pairs will help ensure sweat from your feet does not seep into the leather leading to the formation of creases. Besides, rotating lets you gradually incorporate new work shoes into your wardrobe, instead of having to change suddenly from an exhausted pair to a brand new one.

6. Apply Conditioner to Moisturize your Leather Shoes

While leather is a flexible and tough material, it is recommended you condition your leather workwear shoes monthly to moisten as well as soften the leather. This is especially important if you reside in an area with a warm climate. The conditioner will help prevent the upper section of your shoe from drying out and cracking. This way, the leather upper can bend without creating a permanent crease.