If you’ve ever had leather boots, you know that the creases will start appearing after a while. The problem is you can’t use crease protectors as you do for sneakers.
So, what’s the process on how to uncrease Timberlands boots? How do you get those creases out of your favorite boots?
Well, it’s pretty easy. Just a simple method using an iron and a wet cloth. But don’t jump the gun yet.
As there’s heat involved, you need to know the exact steps. Let’s start, shall we?
Why Do Timberlands Crease?
While leather boots do age with enough time and wear, there are a few reasons that might lead to creasing faster than you’d expect. Here are the main reasons-
It’s How We Naturally Walk
It’s kind of like asking, why do you need to clean your Timberland boots? We naturally walk using the ball of our foot as the pivot point. This is when our foot along with the boot bends.
But let me remind you, it IS NOT a bad thing. That’s how it should be. If your boots didn’t bend along with your feet, it’d be a pain to walk in stiff boots. It might even result in your Timberlands hurting your ankle.
Many people don’t even go through much trouble to break in their Timberlands. The pressure from walking alone is enough to break in boots in many cases.
However, the material also gets compressed introducing new creases from time to time. After wearing a new pair of boots for a while, you’ll notice that the soles will start developing a curved shape. It’s one of the main reasons why Timberlands stretch or any leather boot for that matter.
As you keep walking, the leather eventually forms to the curves of your feet. So, there’s really no way you can prevent this unless, of course, you stop wearing them.
Storing without Shoe Trees
When you store your boots in the closet without shoe trees, they don’t have anything to hold the shape. The pressure it was relying on disappears suddenly.
The result? You get creases in unusual areas.
Poor-Fitting Boots (Especially the Bigger Ones)
Bigger-sized boots are going to develop creases much faster and more horribly. As the boots are not the right size for your feet, they’ll never know which shape to take.
What you’ll get is a loose fit that has plenty of unnecessary extra space. Usually, those areas would start developing creases after a long time.
But thanks to the wrong sizing, the creases come running.
Taking Them off the Wrong Way
I know it feels great to take off your boots with your toes after a long day. But you’re essentially putting too much pressure on the heel area and front part of the boots.
While you might not notice it instantly, if you continue this, your Timberlands will start showing creases unexpectedly.
Quality of Material and Construction
The truth is Timberlands aren’t that ‘expensive’. There are certainly far more expensive boots made with better material and workmanship.
But you can’t really complain at that price point. So, you need to accept that these boots won’t last long. Without proper care, they’ll start showing wear much earlier.
How to Uncrease Timberland Boots?
I know there are other methods using boot trees and heat guns. The first one is more of a preventive measure than a solution. And the second one seems dangerous as it can damage the boots.
The best solution is to use the steam iron method. You don’t need anything fancy and it’s free.
I mean, you do have to buy a steam iron. But most people already have one at home. However, make sure there aren’t any stains. Ironing without removing ink stains from your Timberlands can make them quite permanent. even if you can remove the stains afterward, it won’t be easy.
Anyway, here’s how to get creases out of Timberland boots-
Step 1: Remove the Laces
First off, start removing the laces. You have to stuff your Timberlands with socks so don’t let the laces get in the way.
On top of that, if you need to fix creases on the tongue, you can’t really do it with the laces on.
Step 2: Stuff the Boots with Socks or Cloth
With the laces out of the way, fill up your Timberlands with socks. It might take a few socks. So, if you don’t have enough to spare, you can also use an old t-shirt.
What I’m trying to say is you can use anything you want as long as it’s fabric..
Step 3: Place a Wet Towel Over the Boots
Now, the towel has to be clean and it’s better if you use a while one. You never know when the color starts to leak.
Anyway, soak the towel in regular water and wring out the excess moisture. It doesn’t have to be soaking wet. A damp one would work better in fact.
Step 4: Use the Iron Over the Wet Towel
Set your iron to medium heat and fill up the steam tank with lukewarm water. But if you have a dry iron, don’t worry. You can do the same thing with a spray bottle. Now, give it a few minutes to heat up.
After the iron’s heated up, start sliding the iron going back and forth. Also, keep pressing the steam button for 40-50 seconds.
And I guess I don’t have to remind you that you should only use the iron over the wet towel.
Step 5: Wet the Towel Whenever Necessary
Even with the steam, the towel will get dry. So, you need to wet it again from time to time. Otherwise, the heat would reach directly to the leather leading to dryness and finally CRACKS.
Timberlands boots or in other words suede and nubuck are already pretty vulnerable. So, don’t increase the risks.
Step 6: Keep Ironing Until All the Creases Go Away
If you’ve reached the point where you want to remove creases from your Timberlands. Chances are, there are already creases all over the boots.
So, take your time with it. And keep ironing until you smoothen out all the creases. However, don’t iron one for too long or too many times. That can dry out the natural oil drastically.
Step 7: Apply Water-Repellent Spray(MUST)
Needless to say, your Timberland boots have gone through a lot by this stage. A lot of the natural oil has already dried up. The best thing to do would be to give total protection to your Timbs(there’s a whole guide on it).
Even though your boots should already have water-repellent spray on them. Whatever the case may be, use water-repellent spray afterward.
If you ask my suggestion, I’d recommend the Gear Aid Revivex Kit. It’s affordable and a lot better than other brands you see. On top of that, it’s a COMPLETE KIT.
However, if you want to stick to Timberland products, you can get their Balm Proofer too. But I think you might change your mind after you compare them.
Can You Use Leather Conditioner to Uncrease Timberlands?
If the Timberland boots aren’t made from suede or nubuck leather, you can use a leather conditioner to remove the creases.
However, you shouldn’t even think of using leather conditioners if they are suede or nubuck. You’ll only destroy the boots.
Keep your Timbs away from any kind of leather conditioner. They’ll only make it worse.
How to Not Crease Timberlands?
Even though you can never fully prevent creases on your Timberlands. You can take some steps to delay the process. Follow these tips precisely and see the result for yourself-
Use Shoe Trees
Shoe trees might seem too fancy. But a quality shoe tree can hold the shape of your boots without getting any extra creases. It also increases the longevity of the boots.
Get a Shoe Horn or At Least Remove Your Boots with Care
I know it feels too good. But for God’s sake, please don’t remove your boots with your toe. This puts a lot of stress on certain areas.
The easiest solution is getting a metal shoe horn. These things are quite cheap(not cheaper than plastic ones but those don’t last even a few months) and they will last many years.
Stuff Socks in Your Timbs Whenever You’re Traveling
Don’t keep your socks empty when you’re traveling. Apart from saving storage, you’ll also be doing your boots a big favor.
This way they won’t get squashed with all the other things in your luggage, meaning fewer creases.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s been it. Hope this guide on how to uncrease Timberland boots has been helpful.
If you have any other useful tips, do share them in the comment section. I’d love to get new insights on the topic.
