Introduction:
Shoe trees dramatically increase the lifespan of your shoes. They keep your shoes looking optimal for great first impressions, time in buying shoes, and of course, money with buying fewer shoes. Here's why.
What are the visual advantages for putting shoe trees inside my shoes?
Shoe trees visually prevent creases on the shoe as they mimic a foot being inside the shoe itself - the vamp portion of the shoe is where the majority of creasing occurs - which is the first impression when someone is looking at your shoes. The vamp of the shoe covers a large area which is going to be the first impression of your look to somebody else - either they like you or don't want to talk to you in 4 seconds. Why? Because humans are consciously/subconsciously judging everyone on a scale of beauty based on the golden ratio, which values symmetrical lines and creases are asymmetrical.You should get shoe trees that have a heel and not a nub as the nub versions damage the heel structure of the shoe as the pressure is not evenly distributed. Deformation in the heel can cause, again, a lackluster first impression if someone were to view your shoes from behind.
Shoe trees also prevent the cracking of the leather itself on the exterior and it prevents rotting on the interior of the shoe - causing the shoe to maintain its proper shape inside and out.
How do I pick the correct size of shoe trees?
Shoe trees come in different sizes so match your shoe tree according to the size of your shoes as smaller sizes will not stretch the shoe and too large of a shoe tree will destroy the size of the shoe itself - making the shoe become loose and deformed.
How do I prevent my shoes from smelling bad?
You should use an unvarnished cedarwood shoe tree as the material is porous - causing it to absorb moisture which eliminates bacteria that causes odor, mold, and mildew from the foot that has accumulated throughout the day. Cedarwood emits a pleasant natural deodorant for your shoes.
The cedarwood scent itself also repels insects such as moths in which a single moth can lay up to 300 eggs and that lovely family can eat your entire wardrobe.
Are plastic shoe trees worthwhile for traveling?
Stay away from the plastic and varnishined shoe trees as they do not absorb moisture - allowing bacteria to fester.Plastic shoe trees are usually pitched as lightweight and used for travel, but typical weight constraints for airline travel is 50 pounds (which is plenty) so do not opt for sub-par shoe tree performance as you will not have the odor and moisture eliminating properties of cedarwood.
Based on my budget, what type of shoe trees should I buy?
On a budget? Opt for split-toe shoe trees as they help create great width tension to ensure a generally tight fit and they allow for ample air circulation due to the air channels in the middle of the separation.Don't have a budget? Opt for bespoke, fully lasted hollowed shoe trees - superior fit and air ventilation.
How do I use and care for my shoe trees?
Insert the shoe trees immediately after taking off your shoes and leave them in there for 24 hours for maximum stretching, absorption and smell.
Flex the shoes flat to get the maximum amount of tension that the shoe tree can offer.
Each year, gently sand your cedarwood shoe trees with 200 grit to remove surface level buildup on the shoe trees which helps to maintain high levels of moisture absorption for your shoes and it brings out the cedar oil that helps prevent against moth attacks.
