At Lodger we obsess about our shoes.  But we also obsess about each and every detail that comes into contact with our shoes.  And one of the details that can make the most difference in keeping your new pair looking like new for many years to come is a well made pair of shoe trees. 

With most shoe companies the trees are an after thought.  They charge you extra for generic lumps of wood that are spring loaded to fit as many different sizes as possible. 

When you purchase a pair of Lodger shoes, we include a pair of shoe trees cut from the same last that your shoes are made on.  They’ll fit your pair, and your pair only.  No other length, width, or shape will do.  And because we think they’re so important in keeping your shoes fresh, they’re included in the price. 

The trees that we have developed over the last year or so are beautiful, functional pieces of craftsmanship.  Here are a couple images poached from the upcoming website. 

But we’re not content sitting still, so are working on a few additional options.  The first is a new hinge that is completely hidden so that the trees are more streamlined.      

Our factory has never worked with a hinge like this before, so we’re in the testing phase at the moment.  Since this hinge has never been used in this way before, there is only one way to find out if it is an improvement.  Try it.   

The other new tree is a version in obeechi wood.  This has been the wood of choice for many of the bespoke makers over the years because it is so light.  We’re considering it for a traveling shoe tree, as a lighter option than our standard (more rugged) beech trees.

Since the wood is so soft and porous, the hinges need to be more robust to avoid being pulled apart with repeated use.  I’d like to find a more elegant hinge solution.  And any suggestions would be appreciated.