Definition

1. Noun:

   • A device inserted into a shoe: A shoetree is a rigid object, typically made of wood or plastic, shaped like a foot. It is placed inside a shoe when the shoe is not being worn to help it maintain its original shape, prevent creasing, and absorb moisture.

2. Verb:

   • To stretch a shoe using this device: To shoetree means to insert a shoetree into a shoe, thereby stretching it slightly and preserving its form.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • After polishing his leather shoes, he inserted a shoetree into each one.*
  • Cedar shoetrees are popular because they help control odor.*

• Verb:

  • Always shoetree your good shoes when you take them off.*
  • The cobbler advised him to shoetree the new boots to break them in gently.*

Advanced Usage

• "To keep a shoe on a shoetree": To store a shoe with the device permanently inserted.
  • For long-term storage, keep your dress shoes on a shoetree.

Variants and Related Words

• Shoe tree (noun): An alternative spelling of the noun form, often written as two words.
• Tree (noun, in this context): A common shortened, informal term for a shoetree.
  • Don't forget to put the trees back in your shoes.

Synonyms

• Shoe stretcher (noun): While a stretcher is often a tool for widening shoes, it is sometimes used synonymously with shoetree.
• Last (noun): A foot-shaped form used by shoemakers, which is similar in function but not identical to a consumer shoetree.

Related Phrases

• "To tree a shoe" (verb phrase): An informal phrasal verb meaning to insert a shoetree.
  • Make sure you tree your shoes after every wear.

Noun

1. a wooden or metal device that is inserted into a shoe to preserve its shape when it is not being worn

Verb

1. stretch (a shoe) on a shoetree