The function of the shoe tree is to restore the shape and absorb moisture from the inside of the shoes. The best for this task are a couple of trees that are made from cedar, partly because they have a certain antibacterial effect and because they help to spread a nicer smell in the wardrobe. Shoe trees made from lacquered wood or plastic are mainly used for signage in shoe stores. Plastic shoe trees trap the smell and do more harm than good.

Choosing a model can often feel difficult. Simplified, there are two types of shoe trees, spiral or spring trees with a fixed shape and trees with a split toe. The advantage of trees with a split toe is that they stretch the shoes in both depth and width. We had recommended that you avoid so-called spring or spiral trees that consist of a front piece and a spring that bends at the back of the shoe. This type of shoe block risks destroying the heel area and the natural shape of the shoes. Then they press the seams unnecessarily hard from the inside, rather than supporting.

The trees usually fit in most shoe models, but if you have chosen to invest in a pair of more exclusive shoes, you should consider acquiring loaded shoe blocks to get the best fit.

Investing in shoe trees can feel like a boring expense, but if you turn it around, they can double the life expectancy of your shoes. The cost of shoe trees should of course rhyme with the price of the shoes themselves. If you have invested in an entry-level shoe for 100 – 150 euros, it is understandable if you do not wish to add a fortune on shoe trees.