Shoe Trees

[rajesh06]

Per the C&J 337 thread - I just bought my first pair of C&Js.

Do you think the $100 waxed shoe trees from C&J are worth it - relative to the $25 split toe Woodlores that I would get otherwise?

 

[sysdoc]

Originally Posted by rajesh06

Per the C&J 337 thread - I just bought my first pair of C&Js. Do you think the $100 waxed shoe trees from C&J are worth it - relative to the $25 split toe Woodlores that I would get otherwise?
I know the C&J shoetrees from the C&J outlet in Northampton. They are sold for a whopping £50. These trees are indeed varnished. They look almost the same as the trees from EG or JL, but there's one important difference. EG and JL shoe trees have a special channel that allows the insole to dry openly, while the C&J tree has not got that feature. It's a massive piece of wood instead. The insole has to dry through the outsole. I consider these trees inferior to EG's or JL's offerings. The shape of JL and EG trees is pretty much the same, but only EG shoe trees are unvarnished, which seems to be the most sensible solution. EG shoe trees are £50 as well, though they are the better product. I'd say EG trees are the only ones remotely worth the actual $100. My advice - Go for Woodlore trees and forget the hopelessly overpriced C&J ones. If you really want class A shoe trees you should try to get the EGs.

 

[Dmntd]

I thought part of a shoe trees job was to absorb moisture. If that is in fact the case, waxing or otherwise finishing with a sealant would be contraindicative to the health of ones shoes.

Just a thought,

Dmntd

 

[UR003]

Same here. I was adviced to only use red cedar trees. Does EG make those? I can't find them either on their website nor in their brochures.

 

[billiebob]

Asprey had unvarnished cedar EG lasted shoe trees (202 width E, and the loafer last in E) in New York. They seem to switch between selling them and saying they're not available. You might give them a call and see what they want for them these days, if they are indeed available. They are really, really nice double barrel models with a silver knob and Asprey plaque.