The Best Shoe Stretchers for Men
Since you've graduated beyond one pair of active sneakers and one pair of "nice" sneakers, it might be time to invest in some shoe stretchers. Other than being unexpectedly riveting toys for kids to play with, shoe trees and stretchers also do all of the dirty work to extend your footwear's lifespan. Cedar models can absorb sweat, deodorize, and maintain your shoes' shape all in one, while lighter plastic models are ideal for keeping loafers and oxfords crease-free for traveling businessmen. We've rounded up some of the best shoe stretchers on the market, ranging from classic wooden trees to more versatile multidirectional stretchers. Read on to find the perfect companion for your collection of kicks.
Eachway Shoe Stretcher
Eachway Stretches Every Way
Whether your new shoes are too tight or your old ones are losing shape, slide these Eachway shoe stretchers in and let them work their magic. While the toe portion of this tree can stretch the width of your shoe, the adjustable heel catcher can help stretch the instep and overall length. You can clip on the small pressure point modules to ensure that friction-prone areas of your shoe stay supple and crease-free. With an ABS plastic and steel construction, these stretchers are bound to give you plenty of years of use, so long as you tree-t them well. (We couldn’t help it.)
Pros:
- Multidirectional stretching
- Attachable modules for pressure point relief
- Purchase includes shoehorn and carrying case
Cons:
- Only suitable for men’s sizes 10–13.5
Lanney Pair of 4-way Shoe Stretcher
Slide in and Widen
If you have feet that are too wide for narrow shoes but too narrow for wide shoes, you might benefit from these shoe stretchers from Lanney. A smooth plastic construction ensures damage-free insertion and removal, while the spring-loaded toe portion expands to give your shoes a nudge in the right direction. Lanney includes 12 “bunion plugs” of varying sizes for those pressure point areas, along with a shoehorn and carrying case. The differently colored models correspond to shoe size ranges, so you should be able to find the perfect fit for your footwear. There may not be a functional way to shrink shoes, but making a little extra wiggle room is a cinch for these stretchers.
Pros:
- Toe portion widens up to 5.2 inches to adequately stretch shoes
- 12 bunion plugs allow for detailed, specific expansion
- Lanney offers a range of sizes to accommodate various shoes
Cons:
- Sturdy hold may damage shoe if stretched too tightly or left for too long
Stratton Cedar Shoe Stretcher
Making Your Dad Proud
Stratton’s shoe stretchers are about as classic as they come. Made of 100% red cedarwood, they’re naturally aromatic, odor-diffusing, and moisture-absorbing, so they help keep your kicks fresh and dry. Vented slots along the toe portion help aerate the shoe without taking away from the proper expansion provided by these wooden trees. To that end, regular use should drastically extend the lifespan of your shoes by maintaining their shape and reducing wrinkles near pressure points.
Pros:
- 100% red cedar construction is aromatic and moisture-wicking
- Sturdy and smooth toe portion ensures damage-free expansion
- Golden-plated branding is subtle but classy
Cons:
- No spring-loaded hinge in the toe portion, limiting expansion
B&E Life Plastic Adjustable Shoe Stretcher
The Compact Companion
We all need a good stretch after flying — even your leather loafers agree. They’ll thank you for packing these affordable plastic shoe stretchers next time you go on a business trip. You might already be familiar with this style of shoe tree from B&E as they’re common in department stores, but don’t let their unassuming look fool you. Their lightweight construction makes them a breeze to pack away, while the adjustable length promises a perfect stretch on the go. For less than a movie ticket (roughly), this set of five shoe stretchers can save you and your shoes from excessive airport stress.
Pros:
- Lightweight construction ideal for packing
- Adjustable length to fit men’s sizes 5.5–11.5
- Purchase includes 5 pairs of stretchers
Cons:
- Plastic molding occasionally has sharp edges
Houndsbay Cedar Shoe Tree
A Tree for a Tree
We love a solid wooden product as much as anyone, but we’re also acutely aware of the limitations of naturally occurring goods. Houndsbay hears that loud and clear, which is why a purchase of these cedar shoe trees directly results in the planting of a real tree somewhere in the U.S. The aromatic cedar absorbs excess moisture and leaves your shoes smelling clean, while the spring-loaded toe portion expands to properly fill the shape of your shoe. Since shoe trees can sometimes be interchangeable, Houndsbay has also included engraved “right” and “left” labels to avoid any confusion after a long day on your feet.
Pros:
- Company promises sustainability by planting a tree for every purchase
- Aromatic cedar is odor-eliminating and moisture-wicking
- Labeled right and left for easy insertion
- Spring-loaded toe portion to ensure proper expansion
Cons:
- Spring may not be as sturdy as other models
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between a shoe tree and a shoe stretcher?
While a shoe tree’s features (e.g., moisture-wicking, odor-eliminating, shaping) are mostly intended to extend the lifespan of your footwear, shoe stretchers are usually made to increase the length or width of your shoes with less frequent use. Both can be used to maintain shape, avoid wrinkles and smooth creases, but you’ll want to opt for the shoe stretcher if you’re hoping to see a real change in shoe size or fit.
Do I need a shoe stretcher for each pair of shoes I have?
It depends on how much you care about the shape of your shoes, but most likely, no. Where you might want to avoid creasing your quality leather dress shoes, you probably won’t care if your mesh running shoes start to wrinkle. Take stock of your footwear and identify key needs like moisture-absorption, odor-elimination, form-maintenance, and wrinkle-prevention. Then, make an educated purchase that suits those needs.
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