Shoe tree

A shoe tree is a device approximating the shape of a foot that is placed inside a shoe to preserve its shape, stop it from developing creases and thereby extend the life of the shoe. It is a reusable alternative to wadded rags or newspapers.

Perhaps more important than maintaining the shape, shoe trees also play a crucial part of wicking away leather-damaging moisture from the inside. This is especially important when shoes are worn without socks, as the sweat absorbed by the leather can lead to lining rot.

Higher quality shoe trees are made from solid wood, usually cedar, which helps control odor and absorb moisture. Other materials include beech, lime and alderwood. Although most shoe tree manufacturers claim that cedarwood is superior, there is really no difference as long as the shoe tree is made of unfinished wood.

Among wooden shoe trees, there are generally three categories, which correspond to price and quality.

The cheapest are wooden shoe tree without a full heel. Although they help with odor, and will help preserve the original shape at the front of the shoe, the narrow knob on the heel puts excess pressure on one section of the heel and prolonged use may deform the shoe.

Mid-range shoe trees have a full articulated (usually rounded) heel and sometimes have ventilation slots in the toe to help moisture evaporate. These are usually made of 3 parts: a heel, a head, and a smaller toe piece. These approximate the shape of your feet, so they are better at maintaining the structural integrity of your shoe compared to generically shaped shoe trees.

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Wikipedia