Keeping Your Air Force 1s Looking New: A Complete Guide to Preventing and Removing Creases

Air Force 1s are an iconic sneaker that have stood the test of time. Known for their clean design and versatile style, they’re a go-to for sneaker lovers everywhere. But as with most leather sneakers, one of the biggest issues AF1 owners face is creasing—especially at the toe box. While some wear is unavoidable, there are several strategies you can use to prevent those unsightly wrinkles and even restore your kicks if creases have already set in. Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining that crisp look.

Smart Prevention Techniques for Crease-Free Sneakers

The best way to avoid creases is to take action before they start. With a few precautions and smart habits, your Air Force 1s can stay in top form for much longer.

Use a Leather Repellent Spray

Before even stepping outside in your new kicks, coat them with a protective leather spray. This forms a water-resistant barrier that shields your shoes from moisture and environmental damage—two key culprits behind leather creases. A couple of coats, applied evenly and allowed to dry fully, will keep your sneakers resilient and supple.

Add Toe Box Inserts

Most creases form at the toe because of the extra room between the top of the shoe and your foot. By inserting crease guards—typically made of foam or lightweight plastic—you can fill that space and prevent the leather from bending too much when you walk. These guards are low-profile, easy to wear, and essential if you want to extend the fresh-out-of-the-box look.

Opt for Thicker Socks

Wearing thick or padded socks can help fill up your shoes more snugly, reducing internal space and preventing excessive foot movement. Less shifting inside your shoe means less chance for the leather to fold. If you don’t own thicker socks, layering two pairs of normal ones can be a simple alternative.

Slip Them On the Right Way

Instead of forcing your heel into the shoe and crushing the back, use a shoehorn. This tool ensures your foot slides in smoothly, reducing strain on the sneaker’s structure. If a shoehorn isn’t available, a firm card or any flat object can work in a pinch.

Walk the Right Way

Your walking style impacts how your shoes wear down. Focus on stepping heel-first and rolling onto your toes, rather than pressing the toe down with each step. This small change in gait can significantly reduce toe box pressure and maintain your sneakers’ shape.

Tie Loosely or Try Alternate Lacing

Overly tight laces can pull the leather together, creating bunches and creases. Instead, use a loose lacing style. A bar-lacing pattern not only looks clean but also reduces stress on the shoe’s upper. You can tuck in the ends or leave them dangling for a laid-back aesthetic.

Rotate Between Pairs

Wearing your Air Force 1s every single day increases wear and shortens their lifespan. If you love the look, consider owning two pairs and alternating between them. This allows time for the leather to breathe, dry out, and recover from each wear.

Avoid Using Them for Physical Activity

While AF1s are comfortable, they’re not designed for rigorous movement or athletic use. Wearing them for workouts or sports adds excess stress, quickly leading to creases and structural breakdown. Keep them for casual wear, and opt for purpose-built trainers when hitting the gym.

Keep Original Packaging Inserts

Those cardboard or foam forms that come inside the toe box? Don’t throw them out. When you’re not wearing your shoes, insert them back in to help preserve the shoe’s shape. They provide the structure needed to ward off sagging and creasing.

Get the Right Size

Fit matters. Shoes that are too large will crease more easily because of the extra space. Choose a snug fit that holds your foot without pinching. If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller one—leather naturally stretches and molds to your foot over time.

Restoring Air Force 1s That Have Already Creased

If your sneakers already have creases, don’t worry. You can reduce or even eliminate them with a few simple techniques involving heat and reshaping.

Fill the Sneaker to Reinforce Shape

Before applying heat, stuff the shoe tightly with soft materials like old t-shirts, socks, or microfiber towels. Focus on the toe box to push out the crease from the inside. This creates a solid base to work against when applying external pressure and heat.

Use a Damp Cloth and Hot Iron

Take a slightly wet white towel and lay it over the creased area. The towel acts as a protective barrier between your sneaker and the iron. Heat the iron to its highest setting (preferably cotton or linen) and use gentle back-and-forth motions across the towel. The steam created by the damp cloth helps loosen the leather and minimize the crease.

Only press the iron on each spot for short bursts—around 10 seconds at a time—to avoid overheating. Keep the towel damp throughout the process to maintain effective steam generation.

Let the Sneaker Cool Down

After ironing, let the towel sit on the shoe for a few minutes to retain heat. Once everything has cooled, remove the towel and leave the shoe stuffed overnight. This cooling period allows the leather to harden back into its original shape.

You might need to repeat the process for deeper or older creases, but in many cases, one treatment can make a significant difference.

Day-to-Day Sneaker Care to Maintain Freshness

Preventing creases isn’t just about what you do before you wear your shoes—it’s also about how you care for them after use. Daily and weekly habits can go a long way in preserving your Air Force 1s.

Wipe Down After Each Use

As soon as you take your sneakers off, use a soft towel or cloth to wipe away dirt, water, or grime. Letting moisture sit on leather encourages it to weaken and fold. For tougher stains, use mild soap and water or a designated sneaker cleaning solution.

Use Shoe Trees During Storage

Shoe trees are specially designed inserts that support your sneaker’s structure when you’re not wearing them. Whether plastic or wood, they help maintain shape and absorb interior moisture. If you don’t have shoe trees, stuffing your sneakers with rolled socks or paper (non-inked) works in a pinch.

Condition the Leather Regularly

Dry leather is more prone to cracking and creasing. Every couple of months, apply a high-quality leather conditioner using a soft cloth. Gently massage it into the surface, especially around high-stress areas like the toe box. This keeps the leather supple and prevents brittleness.

In colder seasons when leather dries out faster, consider conditioning more frequently. Monitor your sneakers—if they start to look dull or feel stiff, it’s time for a touch-up.

Final Thoughts

Your Air Force 1s are more than just sneakers—they’re a statement piece. With the right care and a few preventative techniques, you can keep them looking as clean and crease-free as the day you bought them. Whether you’re slipping in crease guards, fine-tuning your lacing method, or giving them a steam treatment, a little effort goes a long way.

By rotating between pairs, wearing them mindfully, and giving them regular TLC, your AF1s can maintain their iconic silhouette and serve you in style for years.