The well-known cedar wood from Virginia actually comes from the Virginian juniper (Juniperus virginiana L.). Its wood has a cedar-like odor, which is why the trade name Virginian cedar or red cedar has become common. Its natural content of essential oils and its ability to absorb moisture make the untreated wood the ideal material for shoe lasts and shoe trees, which are also very practical when traveling due to their low weight. However, the spicy scent of the wood is not to everyone's taste. Our shoe lasts and shoe trees are made in Bad Berleburg.

Shoes belong on shoe trees or shoe lasts after wearing. These not only keep the shoes in shape, but also absorb the moisture that has formed inside the shoe during wear. You can only do the latter if they are made of unvarnished wood. While it is indisputable that shoe trees or shoe lasts belong in every pair of shoes, there are two opinions about when to use them: While some say to put the shoetree or last in the shoe while it is still warm, others advise letting it air out first. If the shoe has become wet, it should in any case first be stuffed with newspaper. Only when it is reasonably dry, the shoe trees come in.

Hardly any other item in our daily lives is subjected to as much internal and external stress as the shoe with which we tread the pavement every day. It's amazing that a shoe can last as long as a well-made one naturally does. The only prerequisite: regular care, which can be perceived as a chore or a respectful ritual.