Fit of Costco shoe trees

[mg428]

I own Woodlore Epic shoe trees and have recently bought Costco shoe trees.

First off, I need to stat that they are not the same. Before buying the latter I thought that they might be Epic without the Woodlore brandname.

Here is my question: The Epic fits to my shoes well. The Costco shoe trees fit snugger, especially in terms of width. Although I am aware, as indicated on the box of Costco shoe, that "the split-toe design is made to uniquely fit the width of shoes by exerting equal pressure in all directions", I was wondering whether the snugger Costco shoe trees would increase the width of my shoes or even perhaps damage my shoes. Or, would you say, as long as they fit, both trees will have the same effect and will fit exactly the same.

Thanks.

 

[mg428]

Help pls! Because I may buy a bunch of more Costco shoe trees...

 

[anon]

I suppose they could slightly stretch the leather if they're really bulging.

How much effort do you have to put into putting the trees in? If it's not unreasonable, they're probably fine. If you have to really strain to get them in, they're probably too big.

 

[instep]

Whether they deform your shoes depends not only on the outward pressure they are exerting, but also the construction and leather quality of your shoes: I've sent shoes from stretching that have come back too loose, and then others that did not change a bit despite being put through the same stretching process.

That said, I'm doubtful that a pair of shoe trees would exert sufficient force to deform shoes permanently, unless of course most/all of the pressure happened to be focussed on a particular spot.

 

[mg428]

Originally Posted by anon

I suppose they could slightly stretch the leather if they're really bulging.

How much effort do you have to put into putting the trees in? If it's not unreasonable, they're probably fine. If you have to really strain to get them in, they're probably too big.

Well, when inserting the shoe trees, I don't have any problem, but it is a bit hard to take them out.

 

[lee_44106]

what size shoes do you wear? This will help in the Costco tree discussion. In my experience, the Costco tree is best for a 9.5D or 10D US size.

 

[whiteslashasian]

I use the Costco trees in my 10.5's and they are just barely long enough to do the job, although the high vamp helps a lot. I'd say their sweet spot is a 9.5-10.

 

[MetroStyles]

They fit quite snugly in my US 9.5Ds.

 

[mg428]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

They fit quite snugly in my US 9.5Ds.

They fit quite snug to my US 10D.

I concur that US 10.5D is perhaps the last geater size it can be used. US 11D might be OK if used with a narrow shoe.

The thing is that I don't have any problem with the length. The problem is the width. It is quite snug. Due to the snug width, perhaps US 10.5D might be the ideal size to use these trees with. I have a pair of C&J shoes in US 10.5D sizing that I bought mistakenly in my early SF days. Although they are on 341 last which has a narrower fit and thus I don't know whether it will be determinative in this regard, I will try to try them on these shoes and report back.

 

[a-rock]

9.5 is probably the smallest size they'll fit IMO even though the box says size 8-11. how anyone would fit the trees in a size 8 without tearing your shoe apart is beyond me.

 

[Eustace]

They fit some of my 9's alright, others not so much.

 

[Jacksdad]

Originally Posted by whiteslashasian

I use the Costco trees in my 10.5's and they are just barely long enough to do the job, although the high vamp helps a lot. I'd say their sweet spot is a 9.5-10.

Exactly. I am a 10.5 and they are not long enough IMO. If I put in a pair of traditional nordstrom shoe trees you don't see the crease in the toe box area. With the Costco's I have to shove them forward and still can place my index finger in the back.

 

[hitokiri8]

Originally Posted by DapperDave

They fit some of my 9's alright, others not so much.

I've had the same experience. They go in some of my Sz 9's. But they definitely won't go in an EG 888.

 

[osc]

Originally Posted by a-rock

9.5 is probably the smallest size they'll fit IMO even though the box says size 8-11. how anyone would fit the trees in a size 8 without tearing your shoe apart is beyond me.

They fit my 8.5 AEs just fine - fully compressed and slips right in like a perfect fit.

 

[idfnl]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

what size shoes do you wear? This will help in the Costco tree discussion. In my experience, the Costco tree is best for a 9.5D or 10D US size.

+1

Many of my 11's are too big for them. I havent noticed any problems with the width.