[rhz]

Hi,

I wear a 9B for AE dress shoes (Walton, Macneil, Delray, Brentwood (3 last like Walton)). The AE shoe tree size chart indicates small but 9.5B and 9C are both medium. Does it make sense to size up? Also, I've read a bit about the full toe vs split toe, but don't see a clear trend in preference. They say that the full toe is specially made for AE shoes, but with the lasts being so different, I don't understand how that can be true. So, which makes more sense here? Is there any reason to get AE trees in particular for AE shoes?

 

[Barrister & Solicitor]

I wear 9C as well as some 9B in AE and I use medium trees.

 

[drlivingston]

@rhz While branded as AE, they are Woodlore trees. They are $25 per pair from AE or Woodlore. However, through Woodlore, you can order two pairs for $38. Both places require a $50 minimum for free shipping.

 

[rhz]

@rhz While branded as AE, they are Woodlore trees. They are $25 per pair from AE or Woodlore. However, through Woodlore, you can order two pairs for $38. Both places require a $50 minimum for free shipping.

Thanks for the tip. Amazon has free returns on these, so I just ordered both the small and medium to see which will fit best. I went for the solid toe rather than the split toe.

 

[Andy]

Here's what I have in the Shoe Care Chapter of The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes:

Solid toe shoetrees work best on heavier shoes, while split toe shoetrees work well on soft shoes, like hand-sewn, boat, and athletic shoes

That said almost all of my shoe trees are the split toe variety.

 

[drlivingston]

Here's what I have in the Shoe Care Chapter of The Encyclopedia of Men's Clothes:

Solid toe shoetrees work best on heavier shoes, while split toe shoetrees work well on soft shoes, like hand-sewn, boat, and athletic shoes

That said almost all of my shoe trees are the split toe variety.

I am more of a solid-toe fan. I like having fewer moving parts in my trees.

 

[JLibourel]

One of the more knowledgeable salesmen at A-Es sadly now-defunct Cabazon outlet once told me there was no real practical difference between solid toe and split toe trees. I have used them indiscriminately and have yet to rue any ill consequences.