I have little experience with shoe trees as this pair and another purchased at the same time, the original shoe tree brand, were the first I have ever purchased. At the same price, this brand was the better value as the original shoe tree pair had a split in the wood upon receipt and were much rougher. This pair had only one spot that had a small burr in the wood that was easily sanded out. I am getting another pair of these as I bought two but have three shoes needing them. The original shoe tree pair will still do the job but I expect they will not last as long based on my initial comparisons.