FAQ

Help & Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical guidance on shoe tree sizing, materials, cleaning methods, and keeping pairs looking fresh.

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Real Practical Advice

No guesswork. Tested tips for sneakers, leather dress shoes, and boots.

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UK Warehouse Dispatch

Orders confirmed before 3:00 PM ship same day via Royal Mail Tracked.

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Direct UK Support

Need specific sizing or product help? Message us anytime via WhatsApp or email.

■ Shoe Trees & Shapers

How do I pick the right size shoe tree bracket? +

Our premium cedar shoe trees use heavy-duty, spring-loaded mechanisms designed for multi-directional stretch. We stock precise brackets ranging all the way from UK 4 to UK 14 to ensure an accurate fit for your rotation.

Select the bracket that matches your standard shoe size:

Small / Medium Ranges Large / Extra Large Ranges
UK 4 – 4.5 UK 9
UK 5 UK 9.5 – 10
UK 5.5 – 6 UK 10.5 – 11
UK 6.5 UK 11.5 – 12
UK 7 – 7.5 UK 12.5 – 13
UK 8 – 8.5 UK 13.5 – 14

Pro Tip: The tree should slide in with gentle resistance. It should feel snug and keep the toe box firm without aggressively stretching the heel collar outwards.

When should I use cedar shoe trees versus plastic shapers? +

Both serve distinct, useful purposes depending on where you are using them:

  • Cedar Shoe Trees: Best for home use right after taking shoes off. The natural, untreated cedar draws out perspiration and moisture from the lining, naturally neutralises odours, and smooths out creases while the leather is drying.
  • Matte Adjustable Shapers: Best for travel, gym bags, and displaying pairs in drop-front boxes. They are incredibly lightweight, so they keep toe boxes supported in luggage without weighing down your bag.
Can I put cedar trees in sneakers and knit shoes? +

Yes, absolutely. Cedar trees work brilliantly in leather sneakers (like Air Force 1s, Jordans, and Dunks) to stop the toe box from caving in or creasing upwards. For soft knit shoes (like Yeezy 350s or Flyknits), just make sure you select the exact right size bracket so the internal spring doesn't over-stretch the woven yarn.

When is the best time to put shoe trees into footwear? +

Put them in right after you take your shoes off. The leather and internal linings are still warm and slightly damp from wear. That is when the materials are most pliable, allowing the trees to pull creases taut and wick moisture as the shoe cools down. Leave them in for at least 24 hours.

■ Cleaning, Brushes & Wipes

Which brush should I use on leather, suede, and midsoles? +

Using the wrong bristle stiffness is the quickest way to scratch up a nice pair. Follow this rule of thumb:

  • Soft Premium Horse / Hog Hair Brushes: For smooth calfskin, delicate leathers, suede, nubuck, and soft knits. It sweeps away dust safely and buffs waxes to a shine without scratching surfaces.
  • Medium Polypropylene Brushes: For tough canvas, rubber midsoles, and deeper sole grooves.
  • Hard Stiffness Brushes: Strictly for bottom outsoles and tread patterns to clear out dirt and gravel. Never use stiff bristles on leather or mesh.
How do I clean suede and nubuck without ruining the nap? +

Rule 1: Don't soak suede in water. Water causes colour bleeding and hardens the soft nap.

  1. Dry Brush First: Use a double-sided suede brush in one direction to lift off loose surface dirt.
  2. Spot Erase: For stubborn stains or dark scuffs, use our Trainer Eraser Sponges or a dedicated suede rubber. Rub back and forth gently, then brush away the residue.
  3. Revive: Once clean, brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes to reset the soft texture of the suede.
When should I use sneaker erasers / wipes versus a full wash? +

Trainer erasers and quick wipes are your best defence for daily maintenance. Giving rubber midsoles and smooth leather uppers a quick wipe right when you come home stops dirt and pavement grit from setting in permanently, meaning you can put off a full wet-wash for much longer.

■ Laces, Insoles & Repairs

What lace length do I need for my trainers or shoes? +

Count the number of eyelet pairs on one side of your shoe. As a general guide for our flat, oval, and round rope laces:

Eyelet Pairs Recommended Length Common Examples
4 – 5 Eyelets 100 cm – 120 cm Low-top dress shoes, Stan Smiths, Vans Era
6 – 7 Eyelets 130 cm – 140 cm Jordan 1 Low, Dunk Low, Air Force 1, New Balance 990
8+ Eyelets 150 cm – 170 cm Jordan 1 High, Dunk High, Timberland boots, SB Dunks (if tying a big bow)

Tip: If you prefer the untied, loose-hanging streetwear style, drop down one size bracket (e.g. choose 120 cm instead of 140 cm).

How do I trim replacement insoles accurately? +

Never trim blindly using the printed guide lines on the bottom. Instead:

  1. Take the original factory insole out of your shoe.
  2. Place the original insole flat on top of your new cushioned insole, aligning the heels completely.
  3. Use a pen to trace around the excess toe area.
  4. Trim slowly with sharp scissors along the line, cutting only from the toe area backwards. Never cut the heel.
How do I fix a sole that is starting to peel or separate? +

Sole separation happens when factory glue dries out or flexes in the rain. To fix it properly using an adhesive like 151 Sneaker Fix:

  1. Prep the Surface: Clean both separated surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and old crumbly adhesive.
  2. Apply Adhesive: Apply a thin, even coat of the waterproof repair glue to both the sole and upper.
  3. Press & Clamp: Let it tack slightly, press firmly together, and wrap the shoe tightly with masking tape or rubber bands for 24 to 48 hours to ensure a full bond before wearing.

■ Ordering, Shipping & Returns

What is your same-day shipping cutoff? +

All UK orders placed before 3:00 PM GMT Monday to Saturday leave our UK warehouse the same day. As soon as Royal Mail scans your parcel, you'll receive an email with your tracked link.

How do I return an item or swap for a different size? +

We provide a 30-day window for returns and exchanges. Simply log into your Customer Account using your order email, pick the item you want to swap or return, and generate your return request. We never charge restocking or admin fees.

Need advice on a specific pair?

Drop our team a message on WhatsApp or email and we will help you get sorted.