Shoe stretchers

[Whence]

I have bought two pairs of £10ish shoe stretchers and both have broken within a year. I do find them useful. Any recommendations? Or should I see them as disposable?

Were they plastic? I bet if you got some old or even antique wooden ones they'd last.

Wooden foot shapes with plastic turning parts.

They seem to replace all things that should be metal with plastic these days, even a lot of the "metal" is inferior. I'd go for the antique ones if I were you, they have some on Ebay, I know pricey but it'll pay you in the long run.

*quality well made stuff from years ago, you can't beat it.

Obviously I mean metal turning parts!

What's breaking then? Is the wood splitting or is it crap metal.

The wood and metal parting company. The widening part won't reset. I thought I had over extended the first pair so was really careful with the second.

Oh right, what do you think of an antique pair then?