are often used when traveling, as well as having the added benefit of being lightweight. When to use By absorbing moisture from leather more quickly than evaporation would alone, a shoe tree aims to limit the growth of bacterial colonies that would otherwise thrive by decomposing the sweat-saturated leather. So it is best to insert a shoe tree immediately after the shoe is removed before such colonies develop or while they are as small as possible. Boot trees Boot trees are shoe trees for boots. Boot trees are often used on ankle-high boots and are similar to standard shoe trees but have a higher ankle area. Their main function is to support the heel counter, which helps preserve the integrity of the higher heel and prevents it from creasing or folding over. The fore part of the boot tree acts as a standard shoe tree and works to gently stretch out the vamp and prevent creasing. Creases that form in the calves of boots can affect comfort when walking. For zip boots, creasing may eventually cause the zip to break. By investing in a pair of boot trees a repair like this can easily be avoided. A boot shaper, on the other hand, has wooden or plastic formers with centre support or wedge that expands to provide the ideal tension for your boots. Some boot shapers come with a trigger that allows easy fitting and hanging. References Footwear accessories Domestic implements es:Horma fi:Lepolesti