Shoe-trees

[marcelo]

Do gentlemen of this forum leave shoe-trees in their shoes for some time only, removing them afterwards, or do they leave the shoe-trees in the shoes for an indefinite length of time, till the shoes are used again? The latter procedure is the one I have usually followed, but I have recently heard that shoe-trees are supposed to be removed after the shoes have rested for a while.

Marcelo

[shredder]

Interesting theory, but I wonder what the rationale is for taking them out after a prescribed period, other than for the express reason of wearing the shoes.

[marcelo]

I remember I have once seen a supporter of this theory in a German speaking forum on gentlemen’s shoes. The idea, it seems, is that after a couple of weeks, if the shoes are not to be used for a while, the shoe-trees should be removed for two or three days, before being reinserted into the shoes again. This procedure is supposed to enhance the leather’s resilience. There seems to be also some dispute as to when the shoe-threes are supposed to be put into the shoes. Some people suggest that they should be inserted no sooner than the shoes have been taken off, while others maintain that one should never insert them as long as the shoes are still warm.

Be that as it may, the sheer contemplation of a collection of well-cared shoes, adorned with handsome shoe-trees, provides no less an amount of pleasure than wearing the shoes themselves.

[shredder]

I am a little surprised that proponents of such theories actually wear their shoes outdoors. God forbid I end up at their houses, soiling the doilies...

[marcelo]

only for decoration...



Adolphe Menjou with doilies...

[India Mail]

I have just popped into my shoe-shop to check this. The gentleman says one keeps one's shoe- (and boot-) trees in continuously, for as long as they are not worn. Their purpose is to retain the shape of the shoe. I did not ask this to-day, but the same gentleman has told me one inserts the trees as soon as the shoe/boot is removed. The wood absorbs any dampness.

Hope this is of help. I know of no other authority whose opinion I would trust. Mr Marcelo's illustrations are wonderful: thank you.

[shredder]

I always find that image of A Menjou rather uplifting. I don't know why. Perhaps because he looks like a little lad in a sweets shop.

[Cufflink79]

I love those two illustrations of storing shoes. They provide so much inspiration and show how quality classic styling of footwear and tailored clothing can serve one well for many years of use.

I myself use cedar shoe trees for all my shoes, and leave them in until it is time to wear my shoes.

As for the Adolphe Menjou photo I've always wanted to see what the rest of the closet looks like.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

[marcelo]

Thanks, India Mail, for the trouble to ask about the question I had posed. Another inspiring image, Cufflink79. I think I would also feel like a lad in a sweet shop amongst The Duke of Windsor’s shoes. After all, 500$ for seven pairs of royal footwear is a real bargain!




By the way, I think the LL fellow member NJS is an advocate of the theory which says that the shoe-trees should NOT be put into the shoes immediately after one’s having taken them off. This is what I have learnt upon reading page 178 of his instructive book.

[shredder]

I am told that the book in question is now happily on its way to me, but in the meantime, I think it's about time NJS / storeynicholas enter this thread!!

[marcelo]

Vincent van Gogh was also fond of contemplating shoes. But it seems the poor painter could not afford himself good shoe-trees...


top: 1853 / 1885 / 1888
bottom: 1886 / 1887 / 1887

As for the different theories on the appropriate moment to insert the shoe-trees, there really seems to be some dispute on this matter. Lasz Vass, author of “Handmade Shoes for Men”, argues that, in spite of the commonsensical view that shoe-trees should not be put in while the shoes are still warm, it is advisable to insert them immediately after the shoes have been taken off.

http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Shoes-Me ... 538&sr=1-3