shoe trees slightly too small or slightly too large?

[rdawson808]

I did a search and didn't see anything to this effect, so I thought I would ask:

I wear a standard US 9. My shoe trees (size M or whatever, not size 9 specifically) seem to be a bit tight. So I have two questions:

1. Am I imagining this, they should fit (very) tightly, and everything is fine?
2. If I'm not imagining it, is it better to go a size smaller (Small)?

Really I'm just worried that my shoes are stretching ever-so-slightly. This is something I've always worried about.


b

 

[Sator]

Yes, large shoe trees will stretch your shoes with time. I have experienced this first hand and even use it to make a tight fitting shoe fit better to great effect. However, if the fit is good to start with....

 

[rdawson808]

I guess I should have asked this too: if I buy shoe trees one size smaller, will they do their job?

b

 

[thinman]

I don't know if small shoe trees will do their job, but I have several shoe trees that are slightly too large (Woodlore Epics, IIRC). I discovered that small holes in the sides contain adjustment screws, so I've adjusted them to expand to as small a size as possible and I use them for boots and other, slightly-larger-than-my-normal shoes. Check for adjustment screws.

 

[pnewelljr]

I am having a similar issue. I am using Jos Bank shoe trees. I have Cheaney shoes in both UK 8 and UK 8.5. It is right in the edge but technically medium. It feels a little tight to me. S size fits okay, it does fill from front to back but not with much pressure. Does there need to be pressure? These shoes are already on the verge of too big, so I don't want to aggravate the problem.

 

[Valmak]

my right shoe tree fits fine but the left one feels too big. i don't know how this is possible since they should be the same size. i would say don't worry about it too much. shoe trees should be snug because they give support to the top leather of the shoe. also, the little bit it might be widening the shoe is better than leaving your shoe without a shoe tree. so pros outweigh the cons.