Shoehorn Guide
A shoehorn is one of the simplest ways to make a good pair of shoes last. Here is what it does, how to use one, and how to pick the right one.
Why use a shoehorn?
Every time you force your foot into a shoe, your heel pushes down on the back of it. Over time that stiff back section, called the heel counter, creases and collapses, and the shoe loses its shape and its grip on your foot. A shoehorn gives your heel a smooth surface to slide down, so the back of the shoe stays upright. It also saves you from untying and retying snug shoes, and it makes shoes easier to put on if bending is difficult.
How to use one
- Loosen the laces or straps if the shoe has them.
- Hold the shoehorn against the inside back of the shoe, with the curve cupping your heel.
- Point your toes into the shoe and slide your heel down along the shoehorn.
- Once your heel is seated, pull the shoehorn straight up and out.
Metal or leather?
Metal shoehorns are the everyday workhorse. Our 8-inch steel Pro Fitter shoehorns are thin enough to slip out easily and sturdy enough to last for years. They come in several finishes, and you can add a leather hanging lace, a pouch or a gift box.
Leather-wrapped shoehorns have the same steel core with a leather covering. Our 7.5-inch model is wrapped in genuine football leather and comes with a hanger lace, which makes it a natural gift for a football fan.
What to look for
- Smooth edges. Rough or sharp edges can cut shoe linings and socks, and they are uncomfortable in the hand.
- A durable finish. A shoehorn gets handled every day, so the finish should hold up.
- Somewhere to keep it. A hanging lace keeps it on a hook by the door; a pouch protects it in a bag or suitcase.
- A real "MADE IN USA" stamp. Many listings mention the USA without the product being made here. The stamp on the shoehorn itself is the proof.
Caring for your shoehorn
There is very little to do. Wipe it with a soft cloth now and then, and keep it dry.
Questions? Contact us and we'll be glad to help.