We have a Seinfeld-ian dilemma on our hands today. Shoe trees. They’re neither shoes nor trees.
Yet here we are, not only blindly accepting their place in society but extolling their virtues as the saviors of your hard-won oxfords, derbys, and loafers. But alas, it’s true. If you’ve got a prized pair of shoes or two, the best shoe trees will help them keep their original shape and draw out moisture over time.
The investment you make in a quality shoe tree should be in lockstep with the investment you make in your shoes. Sure, there are plenty of inexpensive pairs that you could throw in any pair of shoes, but most of you reading this are likely hoping to preserve a heritage pair of dress shoes. In other words, if you’re looking for super cheap, you know how to find it.
As for the good stuff…
Key Takeaways
Like most products, men’s shoe trees vary wildly in terms of quality, price, and materials used. Generally, the best shoe trees are going to be made of cedar (for its exceptional ability to absorb moisture) and have features that conform closely to the contours of your shoes. My top pick, the Premium Shoe Trees from Myrqvist, nails all of those features and more, followed closely by Oliver Cabell’s Wooden Tree Shoes.
American Red Cedar is a gold standard material for shoe trees, and that’s exactly what Myrqvist’s Premium Shoe Trees are made of. Not only do they look great and add an air of sophistication to your wardrobe, they also do an exceptional job of absorbing moisture and conforming to your shoes’ exact contours.
Their shape-shifting abilities can be attributed to the three-dimensional design that allows you to adjust the shoe trees front to back and left to right. The Swedish brand is known for its bar-raising shoes handcrafted in Portugal, and the same level of pride and craftsmanship has been poured into these handsome cedar shoe preservers.
Material: Cedar | Best For: Dress Shoes | Size: 6-12
To rehash a point I’ve already made, “budget” and “cheap” are very different things. When it comes to budget products, remember that we’re talking about the best men’s shoe trees, not the cheapest. If you’re looking for top-tier quality at a fair price,
They’re made from moisture-wicking, damn-good-smelling cedar, and the company’s whimsical logo is emblazoned on the forefoot. This pair uses a metal spring coil to gently nudge them into place and is made to fit best with Olver Cabell footwear. These are a no-brainer for a pair of dress shoes, but they’ll also keep a crisp pair of white sneakers like
Material: Cedar | Best For:
American red cedar. If we’ve learned anything up to this point, it’s that your shoes love the stuff, and it loves them back. Not only will Stratton’s Cedar Shoe Trees leave your shoes smelling glorious, they’ll extend their life for a song.
Yes, the price is approachable. Which is nice. “But how are the Amazon reviews?” you ask with a bit of salt. To which I say, “Just under 5,000 reviewers have sung the praises of these shoe trees so far. Also, I would appreciate less salt next time.”
In conclusion: Stratton’s shoe trees offer amazing quality and value, and I hope we can one day recover from this fictional little tree-related tiff we’re having.
Material: Cedar | Best For: Dress Shoes | Size: S-XXL
Italy’s King of Cashmere, Brunello Cucinelli, also knows a thing or two about crafting some of the world’s finest shoes. But you knew that.
Among the storied Italian brand’s niche offerings are its equally storied shoe trees composed of beech wood, metal, and decades of meticulous craftsmanship. They’re designed with Cucinelli footwear in mind—a worthy parallel investment if there ever was one. But this being the luxury stop on our tour through the best shoe trees known to man, this is a pricey but totally worth it proposition. But you also knew that.
Material: Beech Wood | Best For: Dress Shoes | Size: S-L
Morjas has been quietly plying its meticulous shoemaking trade since 2017. Have you heard of it? Do you own a pair of Morjas shoes? If not, it’s okay. Shhh… it’s okay.
Because we’re going to change all that today. Each pair of Morjas shoes takes two months to produce and passes through over 60 work stations along the way. Turns out, the same time, effort, and craftsmanship goes into their shoe trees. These cedar beauties are cut from a single piece of wood and feature metal hinges, a sophisticated aesthetic, and an easy-grip heel design.
Material: Cedar | Best For: Dress Shoes | Size: 5.5-13.5
What To Look For In The Best Shoe Trees
Material
Shoe trees are available in almost any material, from plastic to wood. But the best shoe trees are made of wood, particularly cedar. Cedar does an outstanding job of not only keeping your shoes’ shape but also drawing moisture out of them. As a bonus, it also happens to smell fantastic.
Shoe Type
Most shoe trees are adjustable to fit the exact size of your shoes, and they come in different sizes overall. But pay special attention to the shape and style of your shoes—boots will need boot shoe trees, for example, which feature more material up the ankle. If your shoes have pointed or almond-shaped toes, look for a product that caters to the shape.
Price
As you might expect, shoe trees can cost a few bucks or a few hundred, depending on their quality and materials used. The investment you make in your shoe trees should speak to the investment you’ve made in your shoes. In other words, if you’re just looking to prolong the life of a casual pair of sneakers, you don’t need costly cedar shoe trees to get the job done.
Final Verdict
If you stick to wood products, particularly cedar, and ones designed specifically for your shoe type, there are dozens of high-quality shoe trees that will help preserve the life of your footwear. My top pick, based on its three-dimensional adjustment design and the use of American Red Cedar, goes to Myrqvst’s Premium Shoe Trees.
FAQ
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Though it ultimately comes down to your budget and needs, the best shoe trees are typically made of wood. Cedar, in particular, does a great job of drawing moisture out of shoes while also keeping them smelling nice.
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If you’ve invested in a quality pair of dress shoes or dress sneakers, shoe trees can help protect that investment by prolonging the life of your shoes. If that’s the case: worth it. Less so, however, if you’re trying to preserve a casual pair of shoes.
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The best shoe trees are largely beneficial for your shoes since they help wick away moisture and maintain their original shape. That said, they can cause damage if you don’t use them correctly. Make sure you’re buying the right pair for your shoes and that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
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