Shoe trees are essential tools for maintaining the shape and structure of your shoes. They are especially important for leather shoes, as they help prevent creasing, cracking, and premature wear. While there are many different materials used to make shoe trees, wooden shoe trees are a classic and popular choice. In this article, we'll take a closer look at wooden shoe trees, including their benefits, types, and how to use them.
One of the primary benefits of wooden shoe trees is that they help maintain the shape of your shoes. When you wear your shoes, they can become misshapen, which can lead to creases and cracks in the leather. Wooden shoe trees help prevent this by filling out the shoe and providing support to the leather. This helps to reduce creasing and cracking, and can even help extend the life of your shoes.
Another benefit of wooden shoe trees is that they help absorb moisture and odor from the shoes. When you wear your shoes, they can become sweaty and damp, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even mold. Wooden shoe trees help to absorb this moisture and odor, which can help keep your shoes smelling fresh and clean.
There are many different types of wooden shoe trees, including adjustable shoe trees, split-toe shoe trees, and cedar shoe trees.
Adjustable shoe trees are designed to fit a range of shoe sizes. They have a mechanism that allows you to adjust the length and width of the shoe tree to fit your shoe. This makes them a versatile option for people who have shoes in different sizes.
Split-toe shoe trees are designed with a split in the toe, which allows them to expand and contract to fit the shoe. This is a popular option for people with shoes that have a narrow or tapered toe box.
Cedar shoe trees are a popular option for people who want to keep their shoes smelling fresh. Cedar wood has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause odor. Cedar shoe trees also help absorb moisture, which can help prevent mold and mildew.
Using wooden shoe trees is simple. First, make sure that the shoe is clean and dry. Then, insert the shoe tree into the shoe, making sure that it fills out the toe box and the rest of the shoe. Adjust the shoe tree as needed to make sure that it fits snugly. You can also use a shoe horn to help insert the shoe tree and avoid damaging the heel of the shoe.
It's important to use wooden shoe trees consistently to get the most benefit. We recommend using them every time you take off your shoes, and leaving them in the shoes for at least 24 hours. This will help the shoe tree absorb moisture and odor, and help maintain the shape of the shoe.