Cedar Shoe Trees

The famous cedar from Virginia actually comes from the Virginian juniper (Juniperus virginiana L.). Its wood has a cedar-like smell, hence the now-common trade names “Virginian cedar” or “red cedar”. Its natural proportion of essential oils and its ability to draw moisture into itself make the untreated wood the perfect material for shoe lasts and trees; they are especially convenient while traveling due to their low weight. However, their spicy scent is not for everyone. Made in Bad Berleburg, Germany.

After wearing them, shoes should be put on shoe trees or lasts. Not only do these maintain the shoes’ shape, they also absorb the moisture formed inside the shoe when worn. The latter is only acceptable if they are made of unpainted wood. While it is undisputed that shoe trees or lasts belong in every pair of shoes, there are two opinions as to the time of their use: some say that you should put the trees or lasts in the stillwarm shoe, while others maintain that they should be aired out first. If the shoe gets wet, it should first and foremost be stuffed with old newspaper; only when the shoe is reasonably dry should the shoe tree be inserted.