There’s a reason why leather is the preferred choice of material for producing shoes (well several reasons, actually): it’s strong, durable, resistant to the elements, and super comfortable. Whether it’s a pair of tennis shoes or a more dressier pair of oxfords, you can’t go wrong with leather. A good pair of leather shoes can last for 10 years, sometimes even longer, when properly cared for and maintained.
But it’s not uncommon for leather shoes to develop creases over time. Although it doesn’t pose a direct risk to the shoe’s integrity, creases can affect their aesthetics, making them look more casual and less formal. To make matters worse, removing a crease in leather is next to impossible. You can try pulling and tugging on it to no avail. So, what’s the best way to protect your leather shoes from creasing such as this?
Cedar Shoe Tree
Try to get into the habit of storing your leather shoes with a cedar shoe tree. Consisting of a large block of cedar wood, cedar shoe trees are used to retain the shape of a shoe. You place them inside the shoe, at which point they hold its shape until you are ready to wear them again. Cedar shoe trees are an invaluable tool for protecting leather shoes from creasing and other damage. They only work, however, if you routinely place them inside your shoes after wearing them.
Shoe Horn
In addition to using cedar shoe trees, you can also protect against creases with a shoe horn. These small accessories are used to slip your heel into the shoe without causing damage. You can purchase them from most footwear stores for as little as a couple bucks a piece, which is a small price to pay for the benefits they offer.
Moisture
Although leather is naturally resistant to the elements, too much moisture can and will damage it. Water — even small amounts — can settle into the pores of leather, causing it to warp, crack, develop mildew or even rot. When this occurs, it can subsequently lead to creasing, which is why it’s a good idea to store your leather shoes in a climate-controlled environment where the relative humidity is somewhere between 40-50%. If the humidity is too high, you can lower it with a dehumidifier. If it’s too low, you can raise it with a humidifier. Find out what the humidity is inside your home and use the appropriate device to adjust it to a suitable level.