Woodlore Professional-Style Cedar Shoe Valet

Woodlore is owned by Allen Edmonds (AE) and typically AE has high quality products. It was AE's reputation that caused me to purchase this cedar shoe valet. However, from the moment that I lifted the Amazon shipping box containing the item, I felt disappointed because a quality shoe valet should have felt heavier. Therein lies my principal grievance with this shoe valet, its quality is surprisingly on par with that of a cost-effective import. Yes, the cedar aroma is quite fragrant without being overwhelming and the foot rest is a good size and very sturdy. However, the valet is assembled via small staples that are readily visible. If you look closely (zoom) at the Amazon image, you will see the small staples (I am at fault for not zooming in and observing the visible staples prior to placing my order). The four feet at the bottom are small, thin, rubber pieces that are stapled to the wood. I lifted the valet using both hands on the bottom and the bottom piece of wood creaked and flexed ... I sincerely doubt that the bottom wood is 5/8 inch thick like the side walls. I understand that cedar wood naturally has knots, creases, and does not always have the refined finished of worked woods. However, the removable lid for this shoe valet had poor alignment and a long split where the wood had separated.I am no stranger to shoe valets, I happen to have a very nice solid wood valet by Kiwi. Comparing my Kiwi shoe valet with this one from Woodlore left me no option but to return the Woodlore and spend the extra money for a George shoe valet. If this will be your first shoe valet, if you are only concerned about having a place to store your shoe cleaners/conditioners/polishes, or this price point is your personal preference, then this valet may be satisfactory for your needs. However, if you already have experience with a quality shoe valet then I cannot recommend this particular shoe valet because you will be disappointed.

I am a Former Marine, Cabin builder, and now my son and I are now in the CAP. I deal with cedar everyday and when I read the negative reviews I knew what cedar does and most softwoods for that matter and they have cracks at times. Knowing wood I took my chances and glad I did this is good quality cedar and I am very happy with my purchase.

I really wanted to like this.Pros:The wood itself was nice quality.Cons:1) the top piece that is supposed to slide open was too tight and does not slide back and forth2) the box/stand is tiny. It would not possiblly stay in place if you were actually trying to shine your shoes.It would be great if they made a bigger stand that you could put your shoe into and hold to shine your shoesThey need to inspect the quality of the sliding top before shipping.

First, the cedar is nice and I could smell it immediately when taking it out of the box. It looks pretty and the rubber feet on the bottom are nice.I have 2 complaints:1) The slide is very, very tight as has been mentioned by other reviewers. An extra 1/16" on the groove might have made all the difference.2) There is a small trim piece at the end that is held on by 3 brads. That piece came off the first time I tried to open the top. I used a couple of bigger finishing nails to hold it more securely but because it's so narrow, the piece cracked. I got it too work but it's a very poor design.

I received this very needed item for my birthday. I've been shining my own shoes since my military days and actually enjoy doing it. I previously would place all of my shoe cleaning products in an old shoe box, but the boxes never lasted long.I did some research and decided to purchase a Woodlore Shoe Valet because of their reputation and nice looks. The box itself is made of cedar which I find to be a very attractive selection of wood. It also has a strong pine fragrance which adds to its positive features.The only qualm I have is that I think it should be larger. I was actually able to fit more items into my old shoe box, but I'm still very satisfied with this gift overall.

This package arrived in a box within a box condition. It was packaged in a Woodlore box in a larger cardboard box without any packing material to keep it from bouncing around. I was so fearful that the shoe valet would be cracked or broken. However, much to my surprise, it was in perfect shape!The shoe rest was packaged inside the box with two heavy-duty screws and an allen wrench. It was very easy to open, even without the shoe rest. I attached to shoe rest and it makes it even easier to open. There was room inside for all my shining and cleaning materials and it gives the closet a nice cedar smell.

Other reviews indicated a crap shoot with this item. I got lucky. No problems opening, very attractive cedar and wood work. No missing parts. Latch works fine. Only thing I dislike is the slide top is cut 1/8" or so too narrow. Consequently, when sliding the top back on, it aligns too far left or right leaving a larger gap to the other side. I'm too picky about things in general not being straight, level, and equal on both sides. Guessing top was cut more narrow to address customr complaints of not being able to slide top off.

I can barely get my supplies inside. (Four small cans, one 7 oz can of Sno-Seal, five polishing cloths, two applicators, two medium brushes, and one bottle of leather preservative). Other reviewers talked about the tight fitting lid. Well this one is extremely sloppy. I had to glue the lip of the lid back together before I used it the first time. Tiny brads hold the thing together, no jointery at all. The holes in the lid and the shoe step did not line up. But the worst thing is the size. Just way too small.Spend more and get a real box.