shoe trees - sizing question

[rabiesinfrance]

Question: shoes in a half size - should I go up or down in size i.e. size 9.5 shoe = size 9 or 10 tree?

Unless there's a half size tree I've always assumed that you go down. The exception might be a very generous last, when you can just get a 10 tree into a 9.5, or if it fits ok.

Reason I ask is that a high-end London shop insisted on fitting a 9.5 shoe with a 10 tree, which, in my view, was wrong (far too tight across the vamp). I went for a 9 tree. He was very new, I think.

I've always been fitted with a size down in the case of half sizes.

 

[Northampton Novice]

I've always gone size down too.

But there appears to be an emergence of SAs who insist you should go size up as it ensures the trees completely fill the shoe and reduce creases. Personally I think this likely to put a constant strain on the seams of the shoes and in the long term may damage the natural elasticity of the leather fibres.

Be interested to hear the opinion of others.

 

[rabiesinfrance]

My reasoning is that the purpose of the shoe tree is to a) reduce creasing; b) retain shape; c) absorb moisture. Unless the tree is made to fit the last and is in a half size, it doesn't matter if the shoe tree is slightly too small for the shoe. However, a tree that's too big for the shoe will only cause damage in the long run because it puts undue strain on the leather across the vamp. I am in agreement with Northampton Novice on this.

 

[Northampton Novice]

So what's the official SF consensus on this one?

C'mon folks

 

[cioni2k]

Honestly I think either way is perfectly fine. I don't think you'll find a tree that is too big if it does, in fact, fit inside the shoe. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the springs allow a smaller size to fill the vamp and heel, whats the issue? I wouldn't worry too much and keep going with the size down if it makes you comfortable.

 

[phxlawstudent]

Originally Posted by Northampton Novice

So what's the official SF consensus on this one?

C'mon folks

I think the only way to really find out is to try on different shoe trees in different styles in the range of sizes that are supposed to fit your shoes until you find the brand/style/size that works for your shoes in the way you want it to fit.

 

[mktitsworth]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

I think the only way to really find out is to try on different shoe trees in different styles in the range of sizes that are supposed to fit your shoes until you find the brand/style/size that works for your shoes in the way you want it to fit.

Empirical study. Can't go wrong with that.

And what is this, Science/Philosophy day on StyleForum?

 

[Northampton Novice]

Originally Posted by Northampton Novice

So what's the official SF consensus on this one?

C'mon folks

Methinks there isn't one.

So unless you disagree from henceforth the SF position on shoe trees for half sizes, is to always size down not up.

Sorted.

(If that doesn't get folks going on this - nothing will)

 

[pebblegrain]

I use the smallest shoe tree that shows some tension in the springs. ie usually size down rather than up.

 

[phxlawstudent]

Originally Posted by mktitsworth

And what is this, Science/Philosophy day on StyleForum?

Just the ramblings of a half hung over law student on Sunday morning...

 

[mr monty]

Trust me, don't use trees on suede loafers that are 1/2 size larger than the loafers

 

[Northampton Novice]

The 'SF position on shoe trees for half sizes, is to always size down not up'

.

 

[rebel222]

I use whichever fits better.

 

[fritzl]

i have them made but would size up, given the fact i can try them out. no online shopping for trees for me.

 

[JamesX]

I always size down. You don't need all that much tension to keep the soles stretched. Going half a size up will probably end up with too much tension and stretch your shoes necessarily.

Most shoe trees are 6-8 and 8-10 or such. I happens to be a 8, I always pick the 6-8 one. Since from experience I know the 8-10 ones stretch my shoes out.