Why quality cedar shoe trees make all the difference
Some people think that shoe trees are an unnecessary purchase, but it is actually essential to a complete shoe care routine.
It's all in the cedarwood. The cedarwood isn't only for the looks but actually serves a function. When unvarnished, cedar protects the leather, fabric, stitching and soles of your shoes by absorbing moisture, salts and acid. And that is exactly what your dress shoes need after a long day of wearing them.
Why should you get shoe trees?
Shoe trees help your shoes keep their original shape. By gently stretching the leather after each wear, they reduce creasing across the vamp and stop your shoes from losing their form. Put them in while the leather is still warm and flexible, and they’ll do their job even better. The result: tighter-looking leather, a sharper silhouette, and shoes that last much longer. Combined with the right care routine, shoe trees also keep small creases from turning into cracks.
Practical tips
- Place your shoe trees straight in after you take off your shoes.
- Rotate your pairs daily to give the leather time to recover.
- Always store shoes with shoe trees when you’re not wearing them.
- Lightly sand your cedar shoe trees once a year (use sandpaper grit 300+). This keeps their natural ability to absorb moisture and refreshes the cedar aroma that fights bacteria.
Cedar shoe trees
Ever wondered why so many quality shoe trees are made from cedar? It all comes down to the wood’s natural benefits. Our Sir Beecs cedar shoe trees, for example, are crafted from 100% untreated young American cedar. This type of cedar is rich in natural oils that not only give off a fresh, distinctive scent but also help neutralise bacteria.
Cedar also outperforms other types of wood when it comes to absorbing moisture, making it the top choice for keeping your shoes fresh and in shape. On the other hand, lacquered shoe trees are the least effective, since the coating prevents any moisture absorption at all.
Tip!
As soon as you get home and take off your shoes, slip in your shoe trees right away. They’ll immediately start absorbing moisture and help your shoes settle back into shape.
Different models of shoe trees
Shoe trees come in a variety of models, each with its own purpose. The main differences are in weight, shape, and the level of support they provide.
Travel shoe trees are lightweight (around 200 grams), compact, and perfect for on the go. They keep the front of the shoe in shape but offer less support for the heel and instep.
Full cedar shoe trees fill out the entire shoe and distribute tension evenly. They keep the leather smooth, absorb moisture, and release a fresh cedar scent. Perfect for everyday use, our Sir Beecs cedar shoe trees are especially popular thanks to their outstanding value for money.
For boots, there are specialised models with a higher shaft that also support the ankle area, preventing distortion.
And if you’re looking for something truly refined, luxury models like those from Saphir Médaille d’Or are anatomically shaped, beautifully detailed, and crafted from aromatic cedar or durable beechwood. They combine top performance with a premium, elegant look.
Tip!
Use them daily. Keep shoe trees in whenever you’re not wearing your shoes to help them hold their shape.
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