Shoehorns

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    Learn More About Shoehorns

    A shoehorn is a spoon-shaped tool that helps the back of your shoe slide over your heel as you put it on, allowing your foot to slip in without stretching and damaging the back of your shoe. No wonder shoehorns have been used since the Middle Ages: They not only make getting your shoes on easier but also protect your footwear.


    A shoehorn is especially useful for dress shoes and other stiff styles that can be tricky to get on. If you’ve ever tried using your index finger instead of a shoehorn, you know how painful that can be. Save your finger and your shoes with a shoehorn.

    Shoehorns couldn’t be easier to use. Here are the simple steps to putting on shoes with a shoehorn:


    1. Loosen your shoelaces as much as possible to give your foot lots of room.
    2. If you have a small shoehorn, grab a seat. You can use a long-handled shoehorn while standing.
    3. Place your shoehorn on the heel of your shoe with the curved portion inside the shoe and facing up. (Imagine that you’re using your shoehorn to let water run down into the shoe.)
    4. Insert your foot into your shoe, letting your heel slide along the surface of the shoehorn.
    5. Pull up on the shoehorn to free up space as your foot goes in.
    6. Voila! Your shoes are on, safe and snug. Now strut your stuff.

    Here are a few types of shoehorns you can find on Etsy:


    • Long shoehorns: Make putting your shoes on as easy as possible with a long shoehorn. No need to sit or bend way over—these shoehorns are convenient and especially handy for anyone with mobility issues.
    • Metal shoehorns: Metal is highly durable, meaning a metal shoehorn may outlast other materials. Find the color and finish that suits your style, or opt for engraved patterns that offer an elevated look.
    • Wooden shoehorns: If you prefer a wood aesthetic, this material also has high durability. A nice warm wood can take a shoehorn and turn it into a decorative piece to be proud of even when it’s not in use. There are also many hand carved options from the Etsy vendors that make a decor statement while resting in your entryway.
    • Custom shoehorns: Find the perfect shoehorn, personalized just for you. From material to color to design, there are all sorts of shoehorn customizations to choose from. An engraved shoehorn also makes a thoughtful gift.