Shoe Trees for Sneakers? How Do You Use Them?

The best things in life need proper care to last as long as possible. That's why in this article you'll learn how to use shoe trees properly and what to do to make your sneakers last for years.

If you've just bought your first dream pair or you already own a whole bunch of sneakers, it's time to take proper care of them. Unfortunately, they won't stay in pristine condition on their own, but there are a few ways to keep them that way for as long as possible. 

The good news is that shoe care has come a long way, so you no longer have to rack your brain over how to keep your shoes in shape or stuff them with paper or cardboard. 

Shoe trees for sneakers and other premium footwear care tools will always be a must-have in everyone's closet.

Why do your sneakers need shoe trees and proper care?

Your sneakers are valuable, but as soon as they come out of the box, they're exposed to many threats that instantly lower their value. Factors like air and moisture contribute to that loss of value and can seriously worsen their condition, so it's worth knowing how to store them properly. 

When you walk down the street, your shoes pick up dirt, dust, mud and rain. You might not even notice it, but you're also contributing to the whole wear-and-tear process – though you can effectively prevent it.

Your feet sweat into the inner lining, and walking and running cause creasing around the toes. It's very important to give your good sneakers the best possible rest with shoe trees, so they stay as good-looking as they were on day one. 

What do you need to waterproof and store your shoes?

Mid-range and high-end shoes made of high-quality leather can last for years if they're properly maintained:

• The best shoe trees (such as cedar shoe trees) keep shoes in perfect shape by preventing further creasing. They also draw out moisture and have the added benefit of deodorizing footwear. Now sweat won't be a problem!

• High-quality leather conditioners keep leather supple enough that it doesn't crack as easily. Soft leather has the best chance of lasting a long time and holds up against external factors. 

• Top-quality shoe brushes increase the effectiveness of cleaning products by ensuring proper application, so you do less work, even on heavy dirt, and you don't damage the leather in the process.

Leather-friendly solutions for cleaning and storing footwear provide proper, gentle care tailored to the type of material the shoes are made of. 

See also: Shoe care