Have you noticed that most new shoes are stuffed lightly with tissue paper? This is done to preserve the shoe shape and to keep the shoe in the original factory condition before they get bought and worn!
If manufacturers do this, why shouldn't you? Instead of using tissue paper, you can purchase shoe trees. Shoe trees are inserted into shoes to help maintain the original shoe shape, help prevent creases and cracking, and can absorb moisture from the lining of the shoes. Moisture? My feet sweats? Yes, they do! On a normal day, your feet produces over 1/4 cup of moisture and up a 1/2 cup when active. This moisture accumulates in the lining of your shoes and can deteriorate your shoe slowly over time.
Types of Shoe Trees
Shoe trees are available in men and ladies sizes and in either plastic or wood (usually cedar).
Plastic shoe trees are least expensive and they are lightweight, making them good for travel and can cost as little as $5.
Unfortunately, plastic shoe trees do not help absorb moisture. Cedar shoe trees are more expensive ($30) but they last longer and do a better job at keeping your shoe's shape. In fact, cedar shoe trees can extend the life of your leather shoes up to 3X their expected life spanbecause they draw moisture out of your shoes and the adjustable tension of the shoe tree helps prevent the leather from wrinkling and cracking.
The aroma of the cedar also deodorizes your shoes naturally keeping them smelling fresh
Shoe trees are also useful for polishing or buffing your shoes. By inserting a shoe tree into the shoe you're working on, the shoe will be held in shape, and caring for them will be easier.
Additional Tips:
If you have boots, use a boot shaper to maintain the shape of your boots
Always use a shoe horn when putting on your shoes. This saves the shoe's heel collar from unnecessary wear To protect men's dress shoes from rain or snow, use overshoes to shield shoe from damaging elements and prevent unnecessary falls on slippery streets Add rubber sole guards to prolong your shoe's life. These are stylishly thin rubber that are professionally installed by shoe repairers on the bottom of your soles. They are water resistant and skid proof. Finally, give your shoes a day off by not wearing them for more than two consecutive days.