Excellent shoes are an investment. When you buy a pair of quality shoes, it’s important to take steps to protect them and help them last for years. That might mean keeping them clean, avoiding mud puddles and taking the time to shine them. Protecting your shoes also means working to prevent the shoes from creasing, cracking, wrinkling and folding over onto themselves. This is where shoe trees come into play.
Shoe trees help shoes keep their shape and prevent them from becoming misshapen or wrinkled when not in use. Many of them are made of cedar, which further works to keep shoes in good shape by absorbing excess moisture, which can cause mildew as well as unpleasant odors in the shoes. Cedar also provides a fresh, crisp aroma. Other materials of construction may be beech wood and polyurethane plastic.
Standout Picks
Original Shoe Tree Comp CedarThe Fresh Cedar Shoe Tree & Shoe Bags 2-Pack from The Original Shoe Tree Company is a good deal for anyone who needs two pairs of quality shoe trees. The cedar construction keeps shoes smelling good while reducing moisture in the shoe, and the integrated spring coil gives enough pressure to fill the shoes properly. Two bags offer a convenient storage solution.
Stratton CedarThe Stratton Men’s Cedar Shoe Tree is top-rated for a reason. It’s quality construction ensures this set of shoe trees will last for years to come. The cedar wood provides a crisp, favorable scent while ridding the shoes of any unpleasant odors. The spring coil centerpiece keeps the shoe stretched enough to keep its shape and prevent wrinkles without over-stretching it.
Cherainti Shoe StretcherThis Shoe Stretcher Women Shoe Tree Widener is made with polyurethane plastic and steel for a more heavy-duty shoe tree that won’t deteriorate over time. It also allows for four-way stretching, a unique feature in a shoe tree that can provide value to many users. It also comes with plugs to customize relief associated with bunion, blister or corn pain.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
When properly cared for, a high-quality shoe tree will last you a very long time. On the surface, durability may not seem very important when it comes to shoe trees, but it plays a large role in overall value and whether or not you feel a particular tree is worth purchasing. One of the biggest aspects that play into durability is the material used in the shoe trees.
Shoe trees are typically made of either wood or plastic. Each material has its pros and cons, and You have to consider what is most important to you when deciding on material.Wood: Wood is the most common material used in shoe trees. It’s semi-porous which allows it to absorb moisture and odors to a certain degree, and some variants of wood such as cedar leave a fresh fragrance in the shoe. Wood is the most durable material for shoe trees, and unless it comes in contact with a lot of moisture, it will resist warping and cracking. Care for them is minimal; store them in a dry place when not in use, and sand them a little from time to time.Plastic: Depending on the build quality, plastic shoe trees can either be more or less durable than their wooden counterparts. Plastic is sometimes preferred over wood because it is often less expensive, doesn’t require sanding, and isn’t sensitive to moisture. Thinner plastics will be more likely to crack or even break over time, while thicker plastics will be more likely to hold up to regular use and abuse.
Ease of Use
Adjustable shoe trees are typically adapted to different sizes and foot requirements by way of a handle on the back that is turned. The handle may be turned one way to adjust for length and another way for width, or a combination of a handle and a knob might manipulate different dimensions of the stretch.
Regardless of the method of stretching, it’s important that the adjustability function is easy to understand. Some shoe trees are difficult to figure out and the package lacks instructions. Users may be able to find instructions online or spend time getting to know the instrument to figure out how the functions work, but in these cases, it does present an obstacle that customers have to overcome.
In addition to ease of use and understandability, it’s important that the adjustable features work effectively. Poorly chosen materials of construction, like a weak metal for the center rod that dents, can prevent users from adjusting the shoe trees to their needs. If the rods become dented or the blocks begin to chip or splinter, it can be more difficult to adjust.
Further, when pressure relief pods are an important aspect of the shoe tree or shoe stretcher, it’s important that the holes are designed to hold the pods. If the pods fall out due to the holes being too large or are difficult to insert because the holes are too small, the pressure relieving parts are difficult or impossible to use.
Materials
When choosing the right shoe tree for your shoes’ needs, it’s important to carefully think about materials of construction. Different materials are better suited to different needs.
Cedar shoe trees are best for people who are looking to keep their shoe shape maintained and to eliminate odors. Cedarwood naturally absorbs moisture, which is the main cause behind bad smells in the shoe. Perspiration and dampness due to other factors are taken in by the cedar wood and evaporates. The cedar wood also lends a pleasant, crisp scent. With a high-quality cedar construction, the shoe is filled fully while not in use, which helps to maintain the original shape and prevent wrinkles, creases or folding.
Plastic shoe trees often are made to stretch shoes to accommodate various foot needs. They can often stretch the width of the shoe, particularly in the toe area, as well as the length and sometimes the height. Plastic, typically polyurethane, is long-lasting and doesn’t come with a risk of splinters or warping.
Shoe trees that are built to adjust to length or width are often constructed with a steel or brass rod which can lengthen or shorten according to size. It’s important that this is also made of quality metal. Poorly constructed rods can prevent the adjustability of the shoe tree, defeating the purpose altogether.
Value
You’ve probably noticed that with each product on our list, we took some time to discuss the cost and value comparisons for them. Value is difficult to quantify as it is Often determined by a combination of other factors. When we determined the value for the products on our list, we Not only considered what the shoe trees offer, but we also looked at the price, as well as the prices of other shoe trees on the market.
So what does good value entail in regards to shoe trees? First off, you don’t want to break the bank. While high-quality products often come with a price tag to match, you can still find good products at a reasonable price. It doesn’t matter if a shoe tree has everything you need if you can’t afford it. You also want to look at effectiveness. How long does it take for the trees to give you the desired effect? Do they properly shape your shoes? How about odor And moisture reduction? Another big thing to consider is durability. An expensive product with limited durability will have significantly less value than a cheaper product that lasts a long time.
Value is subjective, and how you determine it will depend on your own needs. We made it a point to provide as much information as we can to make this decision easier on you. This way you can consider your own needs and make the right purchase.
Versatility
Everyone’s feet are different. Beyond countless foot sizes and shapes, different people also have varying needs in terms of relief from specific types and causes of pain. Shoe trees need to be able to fit different shoe styles that are worn by people who have unique needs in terms of foot care. To that end, shoe trees that are adjustable may be the most versatile.
Adjustability can be found in many different ways. Some shoe trees only adjust according to length, and for people who have few needs in terms of stretching or manipulating shoes to relieve pain, this may be enough for them.
Other shoe trees can adjust the width as well. This is often associated with a split-toe design, as a full-toe design can’t be widened or slimmed down because the toe piece is a solitary, solid block. However, not all split-toe designs are easily adjustable. As such, it’s important to determine ahead of purchasing if the shoe tree can easily be widened to meet the needs of wider shoes.
One more important part of adjustability is the ability to stretch shoes to accommodate bunions, corns, or other specific forms of foot pain. This is done through the use of insertable and removable pressure relief pods. These can be used by fitting them into pre-drilled holes in the side of the toe block. Some shoe trees only come with a handful of holes into which pods can be fitted, while others have more than a dozen. However, a shoe tree or shoe stretcher that doesn’t come with pods (or even holes) won’t be able to easily provide this relief.
1. Original Shoe Tree Comp Cedar
Where to buy
The Fresh Cedar Shoe Tree & Shoe Bags 2-Pack from The Original Shoe Tree Company is a good deal for anyone who needs two pairs of quality shoe trees. The cedar construction keeps shoes smelling good while reducing moisture in the shoe, and the integrated spring coil gives enough pressure to fill the shoes properly. Two bags offer a convenient storage solution.
Quality cedar construction is the key to this shoe tree. The ventilation slots assist in keeping the shoes dry and odor-free, while the cedar wood gives a nice, crisp smell. These shoe trees come with shoe bags to further protect your shoes. The bag has a divider and drawstring closure and is ideal for protecting shoes while traveling or storing them.
This pair of shoe trees keeps your shoes dry, odor-free, and prevents wrinkles. The shoe bags further serve to protect the shoe, especially while traveling. The quality construction makes these long-lasting.
2. Stratton Cedar
Where to buy
The Stratton Men’s Cedar Shoe Tree is top-rated for a reason. It’s quality construction ensures this set of shoe trees will last for years to come. The cedar wood provides a crisp, favorable scent while ridding the shoes of any unpleasant odors. The spring coil centerpiece keeps the shoe stretched enough to keep its shape and prevent wrinkles without over-stretching it.
The high-quality cedar wood used in these shoe trees naturally eliminates moisture in the shoe to prevent bad odors or rot from forming. It also provides a pleasant cedar scent.
A center coil spring gives just enough tension to keep the shoe in its original shape and prevent wrinkles from forming on the exterior. The light spring-loaded technology won’t cause over-stretching. This shoe tree is made with premium Red Cedar wood and a high-quality low-tension spring. Both elements keep the shoe in good shape without letting odors or wrinkles from forming.
3. Cherainti Shoe Stretcher
Where to buy
This Shoe Stretcher Women Shoe Tree Widener is made with polyurethane plastic and steel for a more heavy-duty shoe tree that won’t deteriorate over time. It also allows for four-way stretching, a unique feature in a shoe tree that can provide value to many users. It also comes with plugs to customize relief associated with bunion, blister or corn pain.
The polyurethane plastic and steel construction is long-lasting and won’t break down over time. This also eliminates the possibility of splinters or cracks forming on the shoe trees. This shoe stretcher comes with eight bunion hole plugs and two height stretch pads. These help users to shape their shoes to meet their feet’s needs and can help reduce pain.
This shoe stretcher comes with plugs to ease pain and to increase the shoe height. It also stretches in multiple ways to shape the shoe to the user’s unique foot. Perfect for those with foot conditions, and for those on a budget.
4. MARZ 2-Way Plastic Shoe
Where to buy
The MARZ Products 2-Way Plastic Shoe Stretcher Shaper offers sturdy support for both men’s and women’s shoes. They adjust length-wise to fit many different sized shoes, as well as width-wise to accommodate shoes and toes of multiple shapes and sizes. The adjusting handle is simple to use and easy to grasp. Pressure relief pods can be inserted to relieve foot pain.
This shoe stretcher is made with polyurethane plastic for a durable construction that doesn’t risk splinters or chipping. The steel handle is easy to use, strong and long-lasting.
Four pressure relief pods can be inserted into holes to create space for bunions, corns, blisters, calluses and more. These help to relief localized foot pain due to these ailments. This shoe stretcher helps adjust shoes of many shapes, sizes and styles, from athletic to heels to backless. Steel handle rotates to adjust both length and width, and relief pods help reduce pain.
5. Woodlore Adjustable
Where to buy
The Woodlore Adjustable Shoe Tree Pair is built with high-quality aromatic cedar wood, which will naturally reduce moisture and deodorize the shoe. The cedar will leave shoes smelling fresh. The split-toe design accommodates shoes of varying widths. The tree is also made with a steel center and nylon straps to aid in removing the trees from the shoes.
This shoe tree is made with cedar wood, and at least three-quarters of it is composed of heartwood, which is where the aromatic qualities naturally reside. This will keep shoes smelling fresh. The split-toe design is built to accommodate shoes of many different toe widths — the spreader plate further assists in fitting the shoe tree to any shoe the user might own.
The cedar this shoe tree is constructed of is naturally moisture-wicking, which will keep the shoe dry and free of nasty odors. It also can be adjusted to meet a range of toe widths.
6. Rochester Cedar Western
Where to buy
The Rochester Cedar Western Boot Tree is ideal for maintaining the shape and quality of boots, preventing wrinkles and slouch marks. Moisture wood absorbs moisture and prevents odors from developing, plus adds a pleasant scent to boots. A leather loop makes it easy to remove trees from boots. A higher-than-average vamp fits taller boots, and the hinged construction makes inserting into boots easier.
Hinged construction and a vamp that’s higher than most trees make these ideal for boots. They are easy to insert into taller boots and a leather loop makes them easy to take out. Cedar construction takes in extra moisture built up in the boot to prevent unpleasant odors from forming. The wood also provides a favorable scent to the boots.
These boot trees are built with cedar wood to take out excess moisture, remove bad smells and add a fresh aroma, plus are designed to maintain the original shape of the boot.
7. Houndsbay Cedar
Where to buy
Another quality cedar shoe tree on our list is the Houndsbay Cedar. Made from a tantalizing Red Cedar, it will keep shoes smelling great while keeping their form. It’s wide heel and spring-loaded centerpiece help to create a tailored fit specifically for your unique shoes. With an easy inscription on both pieces, you won’t mix up the left or right you’ve already adjusted either.
Designed from Red Cedar tree to help keep moisture at bay, and a pleasant smell in the closet, and your shoes, the Houndsbay Cedar is a sure buy. You can place these in the closet without fear of unpleasant odors clinging to your clothing, and you’ll have dry shoes to step back into the next day. Bonus to Houndsbay on their Eco-Friendly policy as well; they will plant a tree in the US, on your behalf with every purchase.
The left and right pieces are inscribed with just those terms, ‘Left’ and ‘Right,’ to help keep the fit you adjusted for the right foot, making them easy to use, and reuse. A spring loaded center helps to keep the right width of the shoe, while the wide heel in back comes with a comfort hook to help you remove the shoe tree with ease. Slightly more affordable than some found on our list, it’s a bang for your buck. You get cedar quality, ease of use, and quality fit with the Houndsbay Cedar. Plus, with an Eco-Friendly policy which will plant a tree on your behalf with every purchase, this one helps you save the planet in style.
8. Allen Edmonds Combination
Where to buy
The Allen Edmonds Men’s Combination Cedar Shoe Tree is designed to maintain shoe shape and help them last longer. The tree keeps them looking sleek and wrinkle-free. The split toe design allows users to adjust the tree to fit their shoes both in length and in toe width. The cedar wood keeps the shoes smelling fresh, eliminating moisture and preventing odors.
The adjustable split-toe design allows users to manipulate the width of the front of the shoe tree to fit the toes of their shoes. This helps keep shoes of varying widths stay looking fresh.
Both pieces of this shoe tree are made of cedar, which naturally works to reduce moisture and odors. The quality cedar wood also offers a fresh scent to shoes. These high-quality shoe trees are constructed with fresh-smelling cedar wood and an adjustable center rod to allow users to fit the tree to their shoes. A split-toe design fits multiple widths.
9. FootFitter Premium
Where to buy
The FootFitter Premium Professional 2-Way Shoe Stretcher is designed to stretch both the length and the width of shoes. The stretcher is made of German beech wood that has been polished and crafted into an attractive shoe stretcher. It comes with three pressure relief pods that can be inserted into many different holes for customizable relief for bunion, blister or corn pain.
Pressure relief pods can help stretch shoes according to unique foot needs, such as bunions, corns, blisters and more. This stretcher has many holes to make stretching even more customizable.
Easy to use adjuster lets users turn the handle to adjust the length or width of the shoe stretcher. This makes it ideal for shoes of varying widths, lengths, and styles, and locks in your specific fit requirements, tailored to your needs. These beech wood shoe stretchers are easy to use and come with three pressure relief pods which can be inserted into user’s choice of multiple different holes for customized relief. Ideal for those with sensitive feet, bunions, or other foot issues. A great addition to any closet!
10. Ollieroo Adjustable Cedar
Where to buy
Last on our list is the Ollieroo Adjustable Cedar, another perfect option to help wick away moisture from a long day on your feet, and plenty of structural support to keep your shoes in perfect form. With added ventilation slots in the toe to help keep dry feet in the forefront of the design, they are also adjustable to size or stretch for your unique foot shape.
A zinc alloy helps maintain the integrity of the shoe tree while spring-loaded adjustments allow you to widen and lengthen the shoe to suit your needs. Steel tubes which are brass plated provide structural stability, making sure tight shoes become looser when you need them to. And with an easy handle to help pull them out, they are simple to use!
Cedar is known for its moisture-wicking capability in shoe trees, but the Ollieroo Adjustable also comes with three ventilation found in each toe. These add additional functionality to help keep the inside of your shoes clean and dry and prevent any sort of bacterial growth from damp insoles or linings. Averagely priced when compared to many of those found on our list, is another solid purchase, especially for those whose feet may perspire more than others. With its ventilation and cedar design, these will keep your treasured pair of shoes dry for their next full day of wear.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Shoe Tree,
- Kirby Allison, 3 Reasons You Need Shoe Trees,
- Desiree Stimpert, What Are Shoe Trees and Why Should You Use Them?,
- Justin FitzPatrick, A Guide To Shoe Trees,
- Mounsieur Chaussure, The Shoe Tree Bible,
- Shoe Tree Project, Shoe Tree Fit – Are My Shoe Trees Too Large / Small?,
- Shoe Gazing, Guide-Shoe Trees,
- Cobblers Best, Everything you wanted to know about shoe trees,
