Yes, shoe trees are absolutely necessary to improve the lifespan of a shoe. So long the purpose is to preserve the shape of the shoe and prevent the leather from creasing, then the answer is yes. A shoe tree is a foot-shaped device put in shoes to protect them from creases, preserve their shapes, some even keep the shoes from stinking.
Full Answer
Do you need a shoe tree for every pair of shoes?
Ideally, it would be great to have shoe trees for all shoes. But if you only have a pair, you can put them into the shoes you wore most recently and wear another pair in the meantime. 1. Compress the split-toe mechanism into the toe-box of your shoe.
What do you think about shoe trees?
Personally, shoe trees are pure nostalgia for me. I remember carefully removing them from my singular pair of nice brown loafers for Sunday School as a kid. Later that afternoon, upon returning home, I would ensure that I put them back in the shoes before tucking them away into my closet until next week.
Do wooden shoe trees really keep your shoes dry?
If you have wooden shoe trees, then yes, they will. Cedar in particular, will not only help to pull moisture out and dry your shoes, but will likely leave behind a little of that nice cedar aroma. By the way, when the cedar aroma begins to fade over time, just lightly sand to bring them back to life.
Should you buy cheap or expensive shoe trees?
Cheaper shoe trees generally don’t have full wooden heels. Instead, a nob or a piece of thin wood helps stretch out the shoe. These will help with odor and leather cracking, but they won’t hold the shoe shape quite as nicely as more expensive options. Also, don’t buy a varnished shoe tree.
Should you leave shoe trees in all the time?
It keeps the dress shoe's natural shape intact, absorbs the moisture from your sweat, and prevents lining rot. You should insert shoe trees as soon as you take off your shoes, and leave them in for a full 24 hours (as that's the amount of time it takes to dry the shoe out).
Do shoe trees do anything?
A shoe tree holds a shoe in its proper shape so it dries out correctly, and keeps the leather from cracking by wicking away moisture. The absorbent wood also helps dry out the lining of shoes so that they don't rot from the inside out.
Do you need to use a shoe tree?
The short answer is yes, you should definitely use them. For your finest dress shoes, consistently putting shoe trees in them will help to maintain their shape, protect the leather by pulling out moisture, and also combat odors.
Are shoe trees necessary Reddit?
Why do I need them? Shoe trees help maintain the shape and condition of your leather shoes by providing a form to keep the leather from retaining larger creases between wears. As (or maybe more) importantly, they absorb some of the moisture that accumulates during wear, which prevents mold/mildew/etc.
Do shoe trees damage shoes?
Using an incorrect shoe tree can actually cause damage to a shoe. A shoe tree should be inserted into the shoe straight after being worn so that the shoe is still warm and retains any moisture from the feet. As a result, any creases or folds in the shoe can be avoided or smoothed at the very least.
Do shoe trees prevent creasing?
Shoe trees are probably the most important product to have in order to prevent creasing — they maintain the shape of your shoe after every wear and absorb moisture.
Do you put shoe trees in sneakers?
Yes, especially if your sneakers have become creased, sweaty, smelly or out of shape. Cedar wood trees absorb odors and keep your shoes fresh and dry. Plastic shoe trees will also help prevent and decrease creasing, just take the time to pick the right kind of shoe tree for your needs.
Do shoe trees prevent odor?
Not only do cedar shoe trees keep your shoe's shape, but they also help nix odors and shoe rot by absorbing moisture.
Are shoe trees supposed to be tight?
0:364:42How to Properly Size Shoetrees I FAQ I Kirby Allison - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the key to sizing your shoe trees is you want them to fit tight enough and snug enough withinMoreNow the key to sizing your shoe trees is you want them to fit tight enough and snug enough within the shoe that it stretches it out without being too tight.
Will shoe trees stretch my shoes?
Will Shoe Trees Stretch Shoes? While they may look similar, shoe trees are not shoe stretchers, and when used correctly, shoe trees will not stretch shoes.
Are plastic shoe trees good?
0:511:33Wooden Shoe Trees vs Plastic Shoe Trees - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey still provide a good amount of tension in shaping a shoe. Hopefully this may help you orMoreThey still provide a good amount of tension in shaping a shoe. Hopefully this may help you or reinforce your idea and the difference between a wooden and plastic shoe tree preferably.
How do I choose a shoe tree?
Choose a shoetree that is between 1-2 cm bigger than your foot. For example if your foot is 29 cm you should go for size 43 or 44 since the shoetree can be contracted 2 cm.
When to use shoe trees?
The vital time for using shoe trees is the hour or two after you’ve removed your shoes from your feet to best draw out moisture and help the shoe return to its natural shape. After that, the shoe trees merely retain shape and help with odor control.
Why do shoes have a shoe tree?
A shoe tree holds a shoe in its proper shape so it dries out correctly, and keeps the leather from cracking by wicking away moisture.
Why do shoes need wood?
The absorbent wood also helps dry out the lining of shoes so that they don't rot from the inside out. Long story short: Shoe trees are a whole lot cheaper than a new pair of nice shoes, and will keep your current pair in excellent condition for years.
What brand of shoes come with lasted shoe trees?
If your shoes cost more than $700, chances are they will come with their own lasted (specially crafted) shoe trees. Brands like Prada and Gucci sometimes sell their own with high-end shoes, or they come as a perk for splurging on fine footwear.
How much does a shoe tree cost?
Cheap Shoe Trees ($15-$30) These are the bare minimum for those who want a shoe tree but don't want to spend too much money. If your shoes cost less than $200, this is a fine option. Cheaper shoe trees generally don’t have full wooden heels. Instead, a nob or a piece of thin wood helps stretch out the shoe.
What is a shoe tree?
Perfect for business travelers or jetsetters, travel shoe trees are typically plastic (although there are cedar versions) that are lightweight and great for keeping your shoes’ shape in a suitcase without them getting smooshed.
Why do shoe trees have ventilation slots?
Quality shoe trees will have ventilation slots at the toe to help dissipate moisture, a longer, crafted heel, and contain more wood for better drying and odor control. They will also ensure the closest possible fit between the shoe and tree.
They help protect your shoes, but what are shoe trees?
At TheShoeMart, we've been fitting feet and taking care of our customers' shoes for over 60 years, but to those that have never owned a pair, shoe trees can seem quite alien. We'll do our best to demystify these essential shoe accessories for you.
Do I really need shoe trees?
Yes, shoe trees help to preserve your quality shoes. You may not need shoe trees for your tennis shoes, but if you've invested in quality dress shoes, it makes sense to invest in a pair of quality shoe trees, as well. The better quality the shoe, the more important it is to preserve it with shoe trees.
What are the benefits of shoe trees?
When you wear your shoes all day long, your feet will likely perspire and leather breaks down much faster when it is wet. Shoes that are left damp can break down from the inside, create odor, and lose their shape. Cedar shoe trees help your shoes to retain their shape as they dry out and drying your shoes properly can help prevent cracked leather.
How do I use shoe trees?
Simply slip trees into your shoes after each wear. It is recommended to air out your shoes for up to an hour before inserting trees. Leave the shoes in for at least 24 hours to help shoes dry completely.
What should my shoe trees be made out of?
Everyone has their preferences, but we recommend unvarnished cedar shoe trees for their aromatic and absorbent properties. Plastic shoe trees won't absorb moisture, but are lightweight and substantial enough to help keep shoes from being squashed in your suitcase, making them suitable for travel.
What are lasted shoe trees? Do I need them?
Lasted shoe trees are essentially a replication of the last that the shoe is originally made of. These are usually used with Bespoke shoes. Alden shoe trees are not lasted, but are spring-loaded with a split toe and can be used interchangeably with all of the different Alden lasts.
Will shoe trees stretch my shoes?
Shoe trees are intended for keeping a shoe's shape, and not for stretching. However, if a shoe tree is too large, it can create pressure and alter the fit of your shoes. It is best to use a shoe tree that fits the shoes without difficulty. Our Alden shoe trees have a helpful size chart right right on the product page.
Why do shoes need shoe trees?
First, they will help your shoes keep their shape and avoid creasing of the leather. Second, after a long day of walking, some shoe trees will absorb any moisture in shoes and will fight odors. As you may know, dampness is not good for shoes: It might cause the lining to break, create horrible smells and possible infections or fungus. ...
Why do people buy shoe trees?
Shoe trees are very beneficial when it comes to expanding the lifespan of your shoes. They will also save you lots of money in the long run. So buying shoe trees after getting a new pair of good shoes is certainly a wise decision.
How to put shoe trees in shoes?
1. Compress the split-toe mechanism into the toe-box of your shoe. 2.
How to keep your shoes and feet healthy?
So, the best way to keep your shoes and feet healthy is to use shoe trees. Finally, if you are now a fine gentleman and you have started a polishing routine with your shoes, shoe trees will give your shoe more stability while you polish and clean your footwear. Now, you’re probably wondering which shoe trees are the best and how to use them, ...
What is the cheapest shoe tree?
Plastic shoe trees are the cheapest, and they are very light, maybe good for traveling. But they won’t fight odors or absorb moisture, so they will only do half the job. That’s why we recommend you use cedars shoe trees.
Do split toe shoes have ventilation slots?
They imitate the pressure of your feet when they are inside the shoe, thanks to the split-toe across the toe box, the full heel, and the extension mechanism along the shoe. They also can come with some ventilation slots in the toe, which will help any moisture disappear.
Is a shoe tree a plant?
Let’s clear things up: A shoe tree is not a plant that grows shoes. Maybe if we lived in Big Fish, but in our world, it is more of a mundane object, and yet, very useful. Shoe trees are devices shaped like a foot, and they are made to be placed inside your shoes.
What Are Shoe Trees?
Shoe trees are foot-shaped devices that are inserted into shoes to reduce moisture and help hold their shape when they're not being worn. Shoe trees are most commonly made of wood or plastic.
How To Use Shoe Trees
Install shoe trees shortly after wearing your shoes, and leave them in place whenever they’re not being worn. This will allow the shoe trees to absorb moisture and continue to hold the shoe’s shape. If your shoes are soaking wet, give them some time to dry (20-40 minutes) before installing the shoe trees.
What Size Shoe Trees Do I Need?
Shoe trees typically come in sizes that will fit a range of up to 2 different shoe sizes. The following ranges are examples of shoe tree sizing: 6-7.5, 8-9.5, 10-11, 11.5-13, etc.
How Much Do Shoe Trees Cost?
A quality pair of cedar shoe trees will cost $15-25, which is inexpensive enough to buy a pair for each pair of nice shoes that you own.
How Long Do Shoe Trees Last?
A good pair of cedar shoe trees will last a lifetime with very little maintenance or attention. Once a year it’s a good idea to give the cedar a light sanding in order to open up the grain.
Shoe Tree Designs & Materials
The best quality shoe trees will have a three piece design that includes a split forefoot and a rounded heel section that resembles an actual human foot. Lower cost shoe trees (or travel shoe trees) often omit the heel section in favor of a simple rounded end.
Wood vs. Plastic
Wood is the preferred material for shoe trees because it helps remove moisture in addition to holding the shoe’s shape. Cedar is the most common type of wood because it does a better job of removing moisture than other wood species, and it has a pleasant smell.
An Introduction to Shoe Trees
Shoe trees mimic the shape of your foot, designed to hold the shoe taught while absorbing moisture buildup that’s accumulated throughout the day.
How to Use a Shoe Tree
First and foremost, you need to determine what kind of shoe tree you need for your shoe type.
Can they Cause Damage to the Shoe?
Shoe trees will not cause damage per se, but there is a possibility of permanent indentation with the wrong type of shoe tree.
Can Shoe Trees Stretch Shoes?
No they do not stretch shoes and should not be used as a shoe stretcher.
Wood or Plastic?
I hands down recommend cedar wood for your shoe tree because they have more benefits.
When Should You Use a Shoe Tree?
As soon as you remove your shoes, a shoe tree should be placed inside asap.
