5 Best Ways To Remove Wrinkles Of Leather Shoes & Boots

Wrinkles on leather shoes or boots can make even the best pair look old and tired. If you've ever looked down and wondered how to fix those ugly creases, you’re not alone. The good news? Here, we’re going to show you the best ways to remove wrinkles from leather without hassle.

Here are the five easiest methods to remove wrinkles from leather shoes and boots:

• Shoe Tree: Best for light wrinkles. Insert after wear to maintain shape.

• Iron with Cloth: For deep creases. Use low heat with a cloth barrier.

• Conditioner: Softens leather. Use monthly.

• Blow Dryer: Heat + reshape. Keep moving.

• Pro Repair: For cracks or vintage.

Stick around for step-by-step details, along with some bonus tips.

Key Takeaways

• Creases in leather shoes are normal and happen with regular wear

• Wrinkles form from foot movement, dry leather, poor fit, or bad storage

• Always check the leather type and condition before trying to fix wrinkles

• Shoe trees are the easiest way to reduce and prevent light creases

• Ironing with a cloth barrier works well for deep lines when done carefully

• Leather conditioners help soften the surface and reduce wrinkles

• Blow dryers or heat guns can fix creases but must be used with care

• Regular care, rotation, and storage prevent most leather wrinkles from returning

Before You Try to Remove Wrinkles – What You Should Always Check First

To safely remove wrinkles from leather shoes or boots, always consider:

• The leather type

• Condition

• Right tools. 

From what we’ve learned, the leather type matters more than most people think. Some leathers are super soft and smooth. Others are thick and rugged. When we tried using heat on soft calfskin, it worked fast—but once we did the same on tougher leather, nothing changed. We had to use steam instead. 

So now, the first thing we do is check what kind of leather we’re dealing with. Suede and nubuck? We don’t use any heat at all. For smooth leather, we go ahead with careful methods.

We also always check for dryness or cracks before doing anything. One time, we rushed into using heat without noticing that the leather was too dry. That spot darkened and never looked the same again. 

Since then, we always press a finger on the surface. If it looks flaky or dull, we condition it first. Wrinkles on dry leather can turn into cracks—permanently. A few drops of conditioner can save the whole shoe.

Before starting, we gather all our tools. We don’t like running around mid-way and grabbing things. So here’s what we always set out: a clean cotton cloth, a good-quality leather conditioner, a shoe tree, and either a steam kettle or an iron (depending on the method).

5 Best Ways To Remove Wrinkles Of Leather Shoes & Boots

Here’s a table summarizing the 5 best methods to remove wrinkles from leather shoes and boots:

Method 1: Use a Shoe Tree (Prevention & Mild Wrinkle Fix)

Using a shoe tree is the simplest and safest way we’ve found to remove light wrinkles from leather shoes and boots. It works by gently stretching the leather back to its natural shape. If we catch the wrinkle early, this method alone often smooths it out.

Steps to follow:

• Insert a cedar shoe tree into the leather shoe: It must fit snugly, not too tight.

• Leave the shoe like that overnight or for at least 24 hours: The leather needs time to reshape.

• For better results, apply a light leather conditioner before inserting the tree: It softens the leather and helps it stretch naturally.

• Repeat the process every few weeks to prevent new wrinkles: Especially after wearing the shoes for a long day.

Method 02: Iron with a Cloth Barrier

Ironing leather can remove deeper wrinkles if done very carefully. We only do this when other methods don’t work. The idea is to use controlled heat with a cloth between the iron and the leather. 

We’ve used this method to rescue a badly creased pair of dress shoes—and it worked surprisingly well.

• Set the iron to the lowest heat setting: High heat will ruin leather.

• Place a clean, damp cotton cloth over the wrinkled area: This protects the leather from direct heat.

• Press the iron gently on the cloth for 3–5 seconds: Never slide the iron, just press.

• Let the shoe cool down naturally: Don’t wear or move it right after.

• After it cools, apply a leather conditioner: This restores any lost moisture.

Method 03: Use a Leather Conditioner or Wrinkle-Release Cream

Leather conditioners and wrinkle-release creams work by softening the leather, which helps it relax and smooth out naturally. We’ve used this method many times when the wrinkles aren’t too deep.

• Clean the shoe with a soft, dry cloth: This removes dust and dirt from the surface.

• Apply a small amount of leather conditioner or cream: We always test it on a small hidden spot first.

• Rub it gently into the leather in small circles: We use our fingers or a clean cloth.

• Let it sit overnight or at least 6–8 hours: This gives the leather time to absorb the product.

• Buff the leather gently the next day: It helps bring back the natural shine and removes any leftover cream.

Method 04: Blow Dryer or Heat Gun Method

Using a blow dryer or heat gun helps relax the leather, making it easier to reshape and remove wrinkles. We only use this method when conditioners alone don’t do the trick. What makes this method work is the controlled heat—it softens the leather just enough to allow stretching. 

Steps to follow to remove wrinkles of leather shoes and boots:

• Put a shoe tree or stuff the shoe with paper: This gives the leather something to shape around.

• Set the blow dryer or heat gun to low heat: High heat can damage or shrink leather.

• Hold it 6–8 inches away from the surface: We move it around constantly to avoid burning.

• Gently massage the wrinkled area as it warms: This helps smooth out the leather.

• Let the shoe cool down naturally, then condition: It locks in the new shape and prevents dryness.

Method 05: Professional Shoe Repair or Leather Spa

When wrinkles are deep, the leather is cracked, or we just don’t want to risk it, we take our shoes to a professional. Leather spas or shoe repair shops have advanced tools and products that we can’t use at home. They know exactly how to treat different types of leather. 

For this, find a trusted leather care expert or repair shop nearby. Show them the problem and let them assess the leather type and wrinkle depth: Pros know how to spot things we often miss.

Are Creases in Leather Shoes Normal?

Yes, creases in leather shoes are completely normal. Leather is a soft, flexible material. It moves every time your foot bends. That constant bending naturally creates small lines across the surface. You’ll see them mostly in the toe area because that part flexes the most while walking.

Creasing doesn’t mean something’s wrong. In fact, it’s a sign that the leather is breaking in and starting to shape around your foot. Every pair of leather shoes will crease, no matter how much you paid or how often you wear them.

But not all creases are the same. Shallow ones are normal. Deep, cracked lines aren’t. That usually happens when the leather dries out and hasn’t been conditioned. So, it’s not the crease itself that’s the problem. It’s how you take care of the leather afterward that makes the difference.

Once your leather shoes are looking smooth again, you might want to get creative—here’s how to turn leather shoes into mules with a simple at-home method.

Why Do Leather Shoes and Boots Wrinkle?

Here are the reasons why leather shoes and boots wrinkle:

• The shoe bends every time you step, especially near the toe

• The leather dries out and gets stiff

• The shoes don’t fit right — too tight or too loose

• No support inside the shoe when stored

• Wearing the same pair too often without breaks

• Heat and moisture change the shape of the leather

• The leather is thin or low-quality

How to Remove Creases from Air Force 1 Shoes

Air Force 1s crease fast because the toe box bends with each step. Most pairs are made with synthetic or coated leather, so the material doesn't bounce back as easily as natural leather. But with some heat and reshaping, you can smooth out most of those creases.

Here’s how to remove creases from Air Force 1 shoes:

• Stuff the shoes with socks or paper until they feel firm

• Dampen a clean cloth and lay it over the crease

• Set an iron to low and press it on the cloth for a few seconds

• Don’t leave the iron in one spot. Keep it moving

• Let the shoes cool fully before wearing

• If your pair has real leather, use a bit of conditioner afterward

Tips to Prevent Leather Wrinkles from Coming Back

Keeping leather shoes wrinkle-free comes down to simple habits. The goal is to let the leather recover after each wear and protect it from drying out or losing shape.

Use Shoe Trees After Wearing

When you take off your leather shoes, the leather is warm and flexible. If you leave them like that, they dry in a bent shape. That’s how creases set in.

A shoe tree holds the shape as the leather cools down. It flattens out early wrinkles before they get worse. Cedar shoe trees work best because they also pull moisture out of the leather. If those aren’t available, even stuffing your shoes with socks or paper helps.

The key is to insert the shoe tree right after wearing — not hours later.

Don’t Wear the Same Pair Every Day

Note: Leather shoes need a break. If you wear them every day, the leather doesn’t have time to dry or bounce back. That’s when soft folds become hard lines.

Let your shoes rest for at least a day between wears. Even better, rotate between two or three pairs. This gives the leather time to go back to its natural shape. If you’re only wearing one pair, the creasing will show up faster, especially around the toe area.

Condition the Leather Often

Dry leather creases quicker than soft, well-cared-for leather. That’s why conditioning matters. It keeps the material flexible and able to handle bending without leaving hard lines.

Don’t skip this, especially after wet weather or long wear.

Make Sure the Shoes Fit Properly

Shoes that are too tight or loose can crease in all the wrong spots. Tight shoes bend where they’re not supposed to. Loose shoes let the leather fold over itself.

Try on shoes in the afternoon when your feet are slightly bigger. That gives you the best idea of how they’ll feel during real use. A good fit means less bending, which means fewer wrinkles.

Store Shoes in a Cool and Dry Place

If shoes are stored in a hot or damp spot, the leather can warp or stiffen. That makes existing wrinkles worse.

Keep them in a place that’s dry and has some airflow. Avoid plastic boxes or sealed bags. Use a dust bag or cotton cloth if you’re putting them away for a while. 

Avoid Wearing in Harsh Weather

Rain and snow soak leather. When it dries too fast, it hardens and wrinkles. Walking in soaked leather shoes bends them more than usual, and that leaves lasting lines.

If your shoes get wet, dry them slowly. Just stuff them with paper, let them sit at room temperature, and condition them once dry.

Keep Shoes Clean and Dust-Free

Dust seems harmless, but it dries out leather over time. That dry surface creases faster and doesn’t flex as easily.

Wipe your shoes down every few wears with a soft cloth. It doesn’t take much effort, and it keeps the leather smooth. 

Always remember: Clean shoes last longer and look better.

Bottom Line

Fixing wrinkles in leather shoes and boots isn’t hard. You just need the right method for the right type of leather. The key is to treat the material gently and stay consistent with your care routine.

Here’s a recap:

• Always start with safe options like stuffing and conditioners

• Use heat only when you really need to — and keep it low

• Store shoes with trees to hold their shape while they rest

• Let each pair rest between wears to avoid deep lines

• Clean and condition regularly to keep leather smooth

Take care of your leather shoes a little every day, and they’ll look good for years.