Premium-quality shoes for men are costly. However, they can last years and even decades, particularly if they're cared for correctly. This is where shoe trees come in. Certain men consider wooden shoe inserts an unnecessary investment. However, shoe trees are imperative for keeping shoes in perfect condition as they age. 

In this article, we take a closer look at shoe trees and if they are a good choice for you. 

What Are Shoe Trees?

For those who don't know, shoe trees are foot-shaped blocks placed inside shoes when they’re not being worn to help maintain their shape. Shoe trees are usually made of wood, typically cedar. However, they can even be made with plastic. Some types of shoe trees, especially those made of cedar, can even help absorb sweat in order to prevent pesky odors and shoe rot. 

Even though shoe trees are typically used to help maintain the integrity of expensive men's shoes, they can also be used for boots, heels, and sneakers. 

Are Shoe Trees a Good Choice for You?

Your feet sweat throughout the day, and the lining and leather of your shoes absorb all that moisture. This can cause the lining of your shoes to rot and even stink. It can also make the leather crack over time, thus ruining costly footwear. 

The good news is a shoe tree holds your shoe in its correct shape, allowing it to dry out properly. It also prevents the leather from cracking by eliminating moisture. In addition, the absorbent wood even helps to dry out the shoes lining so that they don't start to rot. 

In a nutshell, shoe trees are significantly cheaper than a brand new pair of shoes and will keep your current pair in perfect condition for many years. 

Will Shoe Trees Help Your Shoes Maintain Good Form?

Definitely! Fine leather sometimes requires a little support. They have a lot of it when you're actually wearing the shoes, but for those long periods in the closet, a shoe tree works as your double. 

Besides looking great, shoes that maintain excellent form will also be good for your feet and thus be more comfortable to wear.

We would again like to reiterate that offering good support is only half the equation, as shoe trees also work to protect the lining and leather. 

What Material Should You Choose for Shoe Trees?

Shoe trees come in a range of materials. However, the majority of experts concede that cedar wood is your best option. That's because men's cedar shoe trees are extremely useful when it comes to moisture absorption and odor control, along with other things. 

You can even get shoe trees made with woods such as lime, Alderwood, or beech. To be very honest, as long as the shoe tree features the essential elements (i.e., a head, a full heel, a smaller toe piece, along with ventilation slots on high-quality varieties) and is made of unfinished wood, it should be sufficient to complete the job. 

Last Few Words

Shoe trees are quite beneficial when it comes to extending the lifespan of your shoes. They will surely help you save plenty of money in the long run. Thus, investing in a shoe tree after getting a new pair of premium shoes is a wise decision.