Shoe trees help your high-quality leather shoes maintain their shape, increasing their longevity. Some trees can also assist in deodorizing your shoes as well as absorb moisture to reduce the chances of bacterial growth. You don’t need to spend tons of money to get excellent shoe trees either, as many cost $30 or less.
The best shoe trees are the Woodlore Adjustable Shoe Tree. These made-in-America trees use top-quality cedar to keep your shoes smelling great while holding them in perfect shape.
Some shoe trees are one-size-fits-all, but these can damage your shoes. It’s always best to buy shoe trees that match your shoe size as closely as possible. Most trees should have an accompanying sizing chart to help you pick the right one.
There are five types of basic shoe trees.
Lasted trees are made by a shoe manufacturer to precisely fit one specific type and size of their shoes. There are three kinds.
Shoe trees are typically made of plastic or wood.
The best shoe trees have a system for easily removing them from their shoes. Rings, loops and handles are common in better tress, while lower-quality trees tend to use spring and slide systems.
Shoe trees typically cost $5-$150. The cheapest trees for basic leather shoes cost $10 or less, but if your shoes are nice, you may want to look for better options in the $15-$40 range. Lasted trees start around $60 and increase in price with the quality of the matching shoes.
A. Yes, in a pair of trees, one is always meant for the left foot and the other for the right foot. Placing a tree in the incorrect side shoe can warp your shoes out of shape. Some trees clearly label which is meant for which foot, but others you must closely inspect to determine which is meant for which foot.
A. You can, though it’s typically unnecessary as shoe trees are meant for use with materials that shrink. However, if your non-shrinking shoes are being packed tightly or are placed in other situations where they can be crushed, using shoe trees can help prevent some damage.
A. Better wooden shoe trees are highly effective at removing residual moisture. That said, shoes that have been excessively dampened should be dried thoroughly before a shoe tree is used to help eliminate the last of the moisture.
What you need to know: It’s minutely adjustable and uses high-quality materials.
What you’ll love: It uses cedar to absorb moisture and deodorize your leather shoes, plus it uses top-quality steel for durability. It’s made in the U.S and comes in five sizes following men’s sizing guidelines. One pair is included and it comes at an affordable price.
What you should consider: It can be difficult to remove the tree from the shoe once it’s placed, but this does mean your shoes will hold their shape well.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
B&E Life Practical Plastic Adjustable Length Tree Shoe
What you need to know: These are dirt cheap and can fit most men’s size shoes.
What you’ll love: It’s available in black and white, with the black set coming with two or five pairs and the white set coming with five pairs. They can be adjusted to fit men’s sizes of 5.5-11.5. They’re ultra-light, making them perfect for traveling.
What you should consider: Some customers reported them to snap if too much pressure is placed on them. They don’t have the same aesthetic value as wooden trees.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Cedar Elements Combination Cedar Shoe Trees
What you need to know: These are perfect for those wanting wooden trees for a great price.
What you’ll love: This set includes two pairs of trees and they come in sizes small to XXL — a sizing chart is included to help you find the perfect fit. They are made of U.S.-grown Aromatic Red Cedar for deodorization and moisture absorption.
What you should consider: Some purchasers reported these to run on the small side. Others had issues with the springs being lower quality than expected.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
