Omar Khalid
Shoe trees are foot-shaped devices that are inserted into shoes to help them retain their shape when not being worn. They are also used to reduce moisture and prevent creasing. Shoe trees are commonly made of wood or plastic, with the former being more expensive and sturdy, and the latter being lighter and cheaper. While wooden shoe trees are generally considered superior due to their moisture absorption qualities, plastic shoe trees are a good alternative for those on a budget or for travel purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Help hold the shoe's shape, prevent creasing, smooth out existing creases |
| Material | Plastic |
| Advantages | Inexpensive, lightweight, widely adjustable, good for travel |
| Disadvantages | Does not absorb moisture, may not be sturdy, can cause lining rot, cracked leather, and smelly shoes |
| Price | $2-$4 per pair |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic shoe trees are inexpensive and lightweight
Plastic shoe trees are a great, inexpensive way to keep your shoes in good condition. They are usually sold in multi-packs, with prices starting at $4 for a pair and $9.59 for a two-pair pack. They are widely adjustable and can accommodate a larger range of sizes than wooden shoe trees. They are also lightweight, which makes them perfect for travel. You can easily find them at IKEA for as little as $1.
While plastic shoe trees are an affordable option, they do not absorb moisture or odours like wooden shoe trees do. This means that you may have to deal with sweat build-up, which can cause stinky footwear and promote bacterial growth leading to mould and mildew. However, some people suggest that you can get similar effects to wooden shoe trees by using plastic shoe trees with a small amount of baking soda or body powder.
Wooden shoe trees, particularly those made from cedarwood, are a more premium option. They are more expensive, with prices starting at $9 for a pair and going up to $20 for a two-pair pack. They are sturdier and less likely to break than plastic shoe trees. Cedarwood is the preferred material for shoe trees because it effectively removes moisture, has a pleasant smell, and helps prevent lining rot and cracks.
Overall, plastic shoe trees are a cost-effective and lightweight option for maintaining the shape of your shoes. However, they may not offer the same odour-control benefits as wooden shoe trees, especially those made from cedarwood.
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They are widely adjustable and can fit a large range of sizes
While some people prefer wooden shoe trees, plastic shoe trees are a great option for those on a budget. They are widely adjustable and can fit a large range of sizes. This makes them a more versatile option than wooden shoe trees, which typically come in fixed sizes.
The adjustability of plastic shoe trees comes from their spring-loaded design. They consist of a front half resembling the forefoot and a back piece resembling the heel. The spring-loaded mechanism allows the two pieces to move towards or away from each other, accommodating shoes of different sizes. This customisable fit ensures that the shoe tree fits snugly in the shoe, effectively preventing creases and maintaining the shoe's shape.
The adjustability of plastic shoe trees is particularly advantageous for those with a large shoe collection encompassing various sizes. Instead of purchasing multiple sizes of wooden shoe trees, one set of adjustable plastic shoe trees can be used across a wide range of shoe sizes. This versatility makes them a cost-effective solution for those seeking an affordable and adaptable shoe care option.
Additionally, plastic shoe trees are ideal for travel due to their lightweight nature. When packing for a trip, every ounce of weight counts, and plastic shoe trees can be a lightweight alternative to wooden ones. They can be easily transported and won't add significant weight to your luggage. This makes them a convenient choice when you want to maintain the shape of your shoes while on the go.
While plastic shoe trees offer excellent adjustability and versatility, it's important to consider their limitations. Plastic does not absorb moisture or address odour issues like wooden shoe trees, particularly those made from cedarwood. If moisture absorption is a priority, combining plastic shoe trees with a small amount of baking soda or body powder can help address this concern.
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Plastic shoe trees are good for travel as they are lighter
Plastic shoe trees are a great option for travellers who want to keep their shoes in good condition on the go. While wooden shoe trees are often considered superior due to their moisture-absorbing properties, plastic shoe trees offer several advantages, especially when it comes to travel.
Firstly, plastic shoe trees are lightweight. This is a significant benefit when packing for a trip, as every pound saved in your luggage means more room for other essentials or souvenirs on the return journey. The weight difference between wooden and plastic shoe trees can be noticeable, especially if you're bringing multiple pairs of shoes and need a shoe tree for each.
Secondly, plastic shoe trees are inexpensive. They are usually sold in multi-packs and can cost as little as $2 per pair. This affordability means you can stock up on plastic shoe trees for all your travel shoes without breaking the bank. They are widely available, with options like the Yoloplus+ 2-Pair Pack and the Ambram 5-Pair Pack easily accessible on Amazon.
Additionally, plastic shoe trees are adjustable, accommodating a larger range of sizes than wooden shoe trees. This adjustability ensures a snug fit, which is crucial for effectively preserving the shape of your shoes. Plastic shoe trees are also easy to find and purchase, with options available at IKEA for a very low price.
While plastic shoe trees may not address moisture absorption like their wooden counterparts, this can be mitigated with simple solutions. For example, adding a tiny amount of baking soda or body powder can help dry out your shoes and maintain a pleasant smell. This combination of plastic shoe trees and powder can provide similar effects to wooden shoe trees at a lower cost and with less weight.
In conclusion, plastic shoe trees are an excellent choice for travellers due to their lightweight, affordable, and adjustable nature. They help maintain the shape of your shoes and, with some creative solutions, can also address moisture issues. So, the next time you're packing for a trip, consider investing in some plastic shoe trees to keep your shoes looking sharp and feeling fresh during your journey.
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$14.99
They are not good for absorbing moisture
Plastic shoe trees are not ideal for absorbing moisture. While they help retain the shape of shoes, they do not offer the same moisture-absorbing benefits as wooden shoe trees.
Wood, particularly cedar, is a natural absorber of moisture and is superior to plastic in this regard. Cedarwood, for example, has a porous structure that effectively absorbs moisture before it can penetrate the leather of the shoe. This helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the leather, preventing issues such as cracked leather and lining rot, which can occur when shoes are exposed to excessive moisture.
Additionally, cedarwood has a pleasant smell and is known for its freshening qualities, helping to eliminate odours that can develop due to sweat build-up and bacterial growth. Plastic shoe trees lack these moisture-absorbing and odour-neutralising properties, making them less effective at preserving the freshness and longevity of shoes.
While plastic shoe trees are inexpensive and lightweight, they do not provide the same level of moisture absorption and odour control as their wooden counterparts. For this reason, wooden shoe trees, especially those made from cedarwood, are generally recommended for effective moisture management and to prolong the lifespan of shoes.
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Plastic shoe trees are good for maintaining the shape of shoes
Plastic shoe trees are a great option for maintaining the shape of your shoes. They are inexpensive devices that help prolong the life of your footwear by preventing creasing and reducing existing creases. The main purpose of a shoe tree is to act as a backbone for your shoes, providing structure and support to preserve their form.
Plastic shoe trees are usually widely adjustable, allowing them to accommodate a larger range of sizes than wooden shoe trees. They are also lightweight, making them ideal for travel. You can find plastic shoe trees at very affordable prices, with some options available for as little as $2 or even less. They are typically sold in multi-packs, so you can get multiple pairs for a low cost.
While plastic shoe trees don't offer the same moisture absorption and odour control benefits as wooden ones, this can be mitigated by using a small amount of baking soda or body powder. Plastic shoe trees are an excellent choice if you're looking for an affordable and effective way to maintain the shape of your shoes.
Compared to wooden shoe trees, plastic ones are more prone to issues like lining rot, cracked leather, and smelly shoes over time. This is because plastic does not absorb moisture, which can lead to the deterioration of the shoe's interior. However, if you're looking for a short-term solution or an option for travel, plastic shoe trees are a viable choice.
Overall, plastic shoe trees are a good option for maintaining the shape of your shoes. They are inexpensive, widely available, and effective at preventing creases. While they may not offer the same additional benefits as wooden shoe trees, they are a lightweight and budget-friendly alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic shoe trees are effective at maintaining the shape of shoes.
Plastic shoe trees are not better than wooden shoe trees. Wooden shoe trees are sturdier and less likely to break. They are also better at absorbing moisture and odours.
Yes, plastic shoe trees are cheaper than wooden shoe trees. They are usually sold in multi-packs and can cost as little as $2.
You can buy plastic shoe trees from IKEA, Amazon, or Nordstrom Rack.
Yes, plastic shoe trees are lightweight and inexpensive, making them a good option for travelling.
