So I’ve been asked on so many occasions how to reshape sneakers. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube, but the method I found most successful is with the trusty iron. I have had quite a few failures, but I’ve learned from my mistakes and think I’ve found a great method that can be used on all types of sneakers.
As far as tools of the trade are concerned, I use wooden shoe trees (purchased from eBay for around $25AUD), gym socks, a cotton t-shirt and an iron. You can use plastic shoe trees, but I’ve found for a small investment, much better results are gained from using wooden ones.
Firstly heat the iron, preferably on a cotton setting. Whilst the iron is heating up place the gym socks over the wooden shoe trees and place them inside the kicks; this will provide a snug fit to assist with reshaping. Manually manipulate the desired shape with your fingers initially. The trick is to ensure the toe box is packed, but not too packed. Too much, and the toe box will end up being baggy. Too little and they’ll end up creasing whilst trying to iron the new shape.
Soak the cotton t-shirt and wring out the excess. Once this done place the t-shirt over the toe box and follow the contour of the shoe tree with the iron being careful not to let the t-shirt dry out if it does, move the t-shirt to a different area where it is still wet. The mudguard should be the area to concentrate on the most; the emphasis is shaping (think of surfboard shaper and how they glide over a surfboard following the lines).
That’s exactly what you should have in mind when hitting sneakers with an iron. Don’t be afraid to apply a bit of pressure as well. The toe box shouldn’t neglected, rather ironed periodically during the reshaping process.
Continue this method (with regular checking), until the desired shape is acquired. Manually manipulating the toe box in-between ironing will assist with the desired outcome.
Once you’re happy leave the sneakers with the shoe trees in for at least 24/48 hours; you’ll get the best results and longevity in the shape that way. If the mudguard is suede/nubuck make sure to use a good suede brush once the sneakers are completely dry to bring the nap back. This method can be used on traditional leather as well, just be a little more weary and reduce the heat setting on the iron slightly.
Good luck and may the steam be with you!
