Wooden Shoe Trees: How to Care for Them

Proper use, gentle cleaning and careful storage are all it takes to keep a shoe tree in good working order.

Daily shoe tree use

Insert the shoe tree after removing your shoes. The wood helps absorb moisture and maintain their shape.

It should fit with gentle pressure, without forcing or distorting the shoe. Leave it in for a few hours before wearing the shoes again.

Cleaning the surfaces

Remove dust with a dry cloth or soft brush. For stubborn dirt, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking, excess water, harsh cleaners and solvents.

Unfinished and treated wood: different care

On unfinished cedar, light sanding with fine 200–300 grit sandpaper can refresh the surface when its scent fades. For painted or treated wood, use only a dry cloth: do not sand or apply oils, as these may alter the finish.

Tradigo tip

Check the finish first: the treatment suitable for unfinished cedar is not appropriate for a painted surface.

Moving parts and storage

Check screws, springs and joints periodically. If needed, a drop of light oil on moving parts can help them operate smoothly. Store the shoe tree in a dry, ventilated place away from radiators and direct sunlight. For long periods of non-use, store it outside the shoes in a cotton bag.

When to replace it

Replace the shoe tree if the wood is cracked, splintered or warped, or if the mechanism no longer works properly, to avoid damaging your shoes.