SHOE TREE
Caring for your shoes from the inside
Lasts are used as part of the shoe manufacturing process. These are modelled on the human foot and give the shoe its shape and stability. In everyday use, shoe trees should be used to take on this role.
A shoe tree cares for your shoes from the inside. When combined with the cleaning and care of the outside of the shoe, using a shoe tree regularly will round off an effective care routine for your shoes.
The purpose of a shoe tree is to retain the shape of a shoe. When choosing a shoe tree, make sure that you opt for the correct fit (i.e. according to shoe size and width), in order to maximise its effectiveness in retaining the original shape. Using an incorrect shoe tree can actually cause damage to a shoe.
A shoe tree should be inserted into the shoe straight after being worn so that the shoe is still warm and retains any moisture from the feet. As a result, any creases or folds in the shoe can be avoided or smoothed at the very least. Shoe trees are especially important after rainy and cold days.
Shoe trees made from wood are best equipped for this as they absorb any moisture and release it back into the environment. This is why the more affordable shoe trees made of plastic are not recommended, as they are not able to wick away any moisture. On the contrary, they can even lock in moisture from the forefoot area and therefore counteract the actual purpose of using a shoe tree. Cedar wood and other soft woods are particularly good materials for shoe trees and hardwood and tropical woods less so, although they may look high-quality, as they can only absorb a small amount of moisture. It is also important that the surface of the shoe tree is not polished or sealed, but rather the wood, and therefore its pores, are exposed. This is the only way to ensure moisture wicking capability of the shoes.
Here at Sioux, we recommend using shoe trees in order to maintain our high quality shoes for years to come.
OUR PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOU
Taking breaks from wearing your shoes
Taking breaks from wearing your leather shoes makes a significant impact in terms of increasing their lifespan. Those who regularly take a break from wearing their shoes benefit from a high standard of shoe hygiene as well as being able to preserve the optimal fit of their shoes for as long as possible.
Taking your shoes on and off properly
You may well believe that you already learned how to take your shoes on and off as a toddler. That is true of course, but we are concerned with doing this in a way that best preserves your high-quality leather shoes.
Cleaning your shoes correctly
Shoe cleaning is an art in itself and a task that fewer and fewer people are unfortunately taking the time to do. This is a shame because shoes are at their best when they are cleaned and maintained well. Not only this, but we also believe that it puts people in good stead and gives off a neat and orderly overall impression to not only take pride in their outer clothing, but also keep their footwear well-maintained. “Smart up top, casual on the bottom” is not a motto that we recommend following for your style inspiration, even with laid-back fashion trends that are popular nowadays.
Shoe care products
The impeccable condition that your shoes arrive in will show signs of wear and tear over time. It is worthwhile using the correct care product for your shoes in order to counteract this.
Shoe brush
A shoe brush is an essential tool for every type of shoe care. It is important to use the correct shoe brush for the respective outer material of the shoe and to preserve the leather rather than unintentionally cause additional wear. Thoroughly caring for your shoes always starts with brushing the shoes and ends with the final polishing.
Shoe polish
Just like our skin, leather also needs regular care in order to stay soft, durable and crease-free. The same goes for our shoes. Those who regularly take the time to polish their shoes provide them with suppleness and elasticity whilst protecting them from moisture.
Suede Care
Our suede leather is our most fashionable and luxurious leather. Impregnation spray is often the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the topic of shoe care, and rightly so, however impregnation is only half of the story. Find out the reasons why here.
Impregnating your shoes correctly
Impregnating your shoes – arguably the most well-known way of caring for your own shoes. Find out here exactly how the impregnation process works, what factors are important to consider with this treatment and the shoes which benefit most from this process.
Shoe construction techniques
Why are there so many different shoe models? The construction technique used by Sioux depends on what the shoe will be worn for and what the wearer requires from it. Because, ultimately, the shoe must have a perfect fit.
Things you should consider when buying shoes
The following 10 tips will give you a practical guide and help you with your next shoe purchase. Besides the right shoe size and width, an optimal fit, skilful workmanship and the use of high-quality materials for the upper, lining and outsole are also important factors when it comes to quality and selection. We want you to stay feeling comfortable in your shoes for as long as possible.
Crepe sole
Learn more about what is undoubtedly the most natural form of comfort - everything about this Sioux speciality can be found here.
Labelling of materials
A question frequently asked by our customers is: “How can I be sure that the material used is really genuine leather?"
The history of footwear
More than 40,000 years ago, people developed a need to protect their feet against adverse external conditions. It took several centuries, however, until the fashionable and comfortable footwear that we are familiar with today became available.
Sioux hallgus protect
The combination of high-quality leather and our innovative Sioux-Tex climate membrane will give your feet that “feel-good” feeling: whilst moisture and vapour are quickly wicked away from the shoes, water from the outside has no chance of getting in, meaning your feet are always warm and dry.
Sioux natural move system
The combination of high-quality leather and our innovative Sioux-Tex climate membrane will give your feet that “feel-good” feeling: whilst moisture and vapour are quickly wicked away from the shoes, water from the outside has no chance of getting in, meaning your feet are always warm and dry.
SiouxTex
The combination of high-quality leather and our innovative Sioux-Tex climate membrane will give your feet that “feel-good” feeling: whilst moisture and vapour are quickly wicked away from the shoes, water from the outside has no chance of getting in, meaning your feet are always warm and dry.
Shoe lining
Consumers often only pay attention to whether they like a shoe and whether it fits well. What is inside the shoe should also be a decisive factor: the shoe lining is often underestimated when buying shoes, despite being a key factor when it comes to comfort and health. Below we will explain the various types of shoe lining, their uses and the importance of shoe lining when it comes to your well-being.
Shoe soles
Whether they are a lightweight and flexible, feature unique air-cushioning or have a timeless and elegant leather sole: it's the perfect join of the shoe upper and sole which is the finishing touch to each and every shoe.
Shoe size and fit
As the foot performs a rolling motion when walking, it bears your weight in various areas and thus changes shape in doing so. The hallmark of a perfect-fitting shoe is that the toes and the foot itself have enough space within the shoe throughout this rolling motion and that the heel experiences sufficient grip. When a shoe fits, the heel does not slip out of the back of the shoe, and the shoe sits so perfectly in the midfoot area that the foot is supported – and is unable to slip forwards – hence the shoe pinching.
Shoe leather
Choosing the leather is very easy when it comes to Sioux shoes: we only settle for the best.
Shoemaking
There are lots of steps involved in making a shoe. From developing the model in the first instance, to the stamping, sewing and putting the finishing touches to the shoe at the very end.
Grashopper
In the 1960s, the natural form moccasin was a revolution. Today, the cult shoe is more topical than ever as a pioneer in modern casual wear.