Shoe Horn

A: Shoe horns got their name because they originally were from animal horns or bone. People chose these materials for their strength and unique beauty.

A: If you use your shoe horn correctly, they won’t stretch your shoes. Never press horizontally down on the heel counter to wrench your foot out of the shoe, which will likely produce creases and damage the heel. Only use them in a vertical position.

A: You might notice that shoe horns come in different sizes. We provide them in various sizes, from small and medium shoe horns to those with long handles ranging from 4 to 16 inches long. As well as allowing you to put your shoes on while standing up, the longer shoe horns are for helping you put on boots.

A: Shoe horns are not necessary. However, if you care about your shoes and want them to last for a substantial time, a shoe horn will help you put them on without damaging them. Certain types of shoes, like leather dress shoes, come with a reinforced heel called the counter. The counter is often made with plastic or hardened leather to give the shoe structure. If you step on this, you can damage it, which can be expensive or impossible to fix and replace. A shoe horn will help you preserve your shoe’s shape and heel structure.

A: If you are primarily using your shoehorn at home, the length may be less of a consideration. If you have a weak grip or have problems gripping, you will be better off with a longer shoehorn. The longer length will provide you with greater leverage which can compensate for the weaker grip.

A: Metal shoehorns are more durable and less flexible than plastic shoehorns.