These are fantastic!  Hardwood and metal, sturdy construction from what I can tell so far.  I've only used them twice now, but after having my son, my left foot didn't seem to fit into my old shoes quite as easily as it did before my pregnancy.  I know that the arches can be broken down during this time, and I'm afraid that's what happened... but with this shoe stretcher, it only took 1 hour to create just a little "toe box" room, and my shoes are more comfortable than they were originally... so comfortable, I could actually wear them all day!  Very pleased with my purchase so far!