Are these shoe trees stretching my shoes? (with pics)

[pauliec]

I ordered Woodlore full shoe trees from Zappos along with this pair of Florsheim Westhavens (yes, they aren't the SF-approved Florsheims, but they are quite comfortable and I like the synthetic outsole).

The shoes are a 10.5D, and the trees are a Large, which are for sizes starting at 10.5. I think the tree is quite snug and when I put it in the shoe it looks like it stretches the upper a little bit, as you can see from the pics below. The shoes are brand new, I wore them for the first time today. Is this something to be concerned about?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sho'nuff]

dont worry

 

[pauliec]

The only reason I'm asking is because the heel slips slightly as it is and I don't want it to get anymore stretched out.

 

[MyOtherLife]

You're fine.

 

[rioni]

no

 

[dieselman89]

The key purpose for shoe trees is to dry out wetness in the shoe from sweat while wear the shoe and to maintain the shape/form of the shoe. I dont think they will stretch.

 

[onix]

Originally Posted by dieselman89

The key purpose for shoe trees is to dry out wetness in the shoe from sweat while wear the shoe and to maintain the shape/form of the shoe. I dont think they will stretch.

Big shoe trees can stretch (shoe stretchers are just special kind of shoe trees). But in the case of OP, it seems fine.

 

[LanceW]

Although it is generally recommended to purchase smaller when between sizes, I do not see anything wrong with those. Keep wearing them though, when the sole breaks in more, I imagine the heel slip will go away.

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by dieselman89

The key purpose for shoe trees is to dry out wetness in the shoe from sweat while wear the shoe and to maintain the shape/form of the shoe. I dont think they will stretch.

Solid wood trees don't absorb liquids. They hold the shape of the leather while the sweat evaporates.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Originally Posted by alliswell

Solid wood trees don't absorb liquids. They hold the shape of the leather while the sweat evaporates.
This depends on whether the shoe tree has a finish (example-lacquer) or not. If the wood is untreated (example-cedar) then by its very nature, wood is porous and most certainly will absorb moisture, solid or not, by wicking and (internally) capillary action. Some (Woodlore, etc) cedar shoe trees, when new, have been sprayed with a chemical and need a light sanding before their first use, and further periodic sandings (once a year or so) to continue releasing its wonderful fragrance into the shoes. A lacquered shoe tree on the other hand, will absorb nothing since the natural wood has been sealed by the lacquer.

 

[pauliec]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[phxlawstudent]

Unless your wedging your shoe trees in with a crowbar, no.

 

[Jim Barns]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

This depends on whether the shoe tree has a finish (example-lacquer) or not.
If the wood is untreated (example-cedar) then by its very nature, wood is porous and most certainly will absorb moisture, solid or not, by wicking and (internally) capillary action.
Some (Woodlore, etc) cedar shoe trees, when new, have been sprayed with a chemical and need a light sanding before their first use, and further periodic sandings (once a year or so) to continue releasing its wonderful fragrance into the shoes.
A lacquered shoe tree on the other hand, will absorb nothing since the natural wood has been sealed by the lacquer.

Well nice lecture

I was coming to give an advise, but instead I got more than one.

 

[sho'nuff]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

This depends on whether the shoe tree has a finish (example-lacquer) or not.
If the wood is untreated (example-cedar) then by its very nature, wood is porous and most certainly will absorb moisture, solid or not, by wicking and (internally) capillary action.
Some (Woodlore, etc) cedar shoe trees, when new, have been sprayed with a chemical and need a light sanding before their first use, and further periodic sandings (once a year or so) to continue releasing its wonderful fragrance into the shoes.
A lacquered shoe tree on the other hand, will absorb nothing since the natural wood has been sealed by the lacquer.

dam.

 

[Franky12]

I think your shoes will be fine, the trees are not going to damage or stretch them in any way, you don't have to worry.