I purchased these stretchers because my son is in the military and his dress shoes are too tight in certain spots.  I read reviews of many of the stretchers and they broke right away.  My son had never used stretchers so I was concerned he would over tighten them and cause them to fail.  However, he used these and he is delighted with them.  He says they are sturdy.  They come in a pair/2 to a shipment.  I highly recommend them.