What is this great innovation benefiting our daily lives?
The Internet Is Baffled by This Strange Object—It’s a Shoe Horn!
A shoe horn may seem odd today, but it’s a handy tool with a long history. Dating back to the 15th century, early shoe horns were made from horn, bone, or wood to help people slide their feet into shoes without damaging the heel.
Over time, materials evolved—metal during the industrial age, and later, plastic made them cheaper and more common. Some even became luxury items, crafted from silver with ornate designs.
Shoe horns come in different sizes: short versions for travel, and long-handled ones ideal for those with limited mobility. Beyond practicality, vintage shoe horns are now collector’s items, valued for their craftsmanship and design.
What Is A Shoe Horn and Why You Should Use One
Shoe horns are a very underrated tool in the realm of shoe care. They are much more than something you get at the customer service desk at your favourite store.
We’re going to dive into why you should be using a shoe horn and why it is an asset to have.
First, let’s discuss a little bit about what a shoe horn is.
What Is A Shoe Horn?
Shoe horns come by a few different names. They’re sometimes referred to as shoe horn, shoehorn, or shoe spoon depending on who you ask.
They consist of a handle to grip and a then elongate into a thin flat portion. This flat portion is meant to help glide your foot into a snug fitting shoe with ease.
They also come in different lengths. Shorter handed ones are convenient for travel or keeping at the office. Their size is better suited for storage in a bag or purse.
A long handled shoe horn allows you to put on your footwear with less bending. Thus the extra long shoe horn is great to keep in the closet or near your entrance. A long shoe horn is a preference for users who have difficulty bending over.
Shoe horns were originally made from natural animal horn. Animal horn was selected for its strength and beauty. Admirable product features.
Shoe horns are now made out of all types of materials. You will see shoe horns made out of plastic and wood. A metal shoe horn is another popular choice since it is such a strong and flexible material. All types of metals can be seen, from brass to aluminum.
How Is A Shoe Horn Part Of Shoe Care? Why Should I Use One?
A shoe horn makes putting your shoes on much easier. Of course.
It also provides some protection to both you and your shoe.
A shoe horn provides a smooth surface to glide your foot into your shoe. This becomes even more apparent if you aren’t wearing a sock.
Secondly, leather dress shoes usually have a heel counter. That means that the heel of your shoe has a firm structured portion built into it. In order to give the heel shape, it is inserted into the shoe when it is being made. Sometimes it is plastic or hardened leather.
It isn’t connected to the inner sole or the welt of the shoe, it is normally self sustaining.
Given how it is placed, it can be damaged if stepped on. In other words if are having to stomp your foot into your shoe you are likely damaging the heel counter. This heel counter cannot easily be repaired. Once damaged there is no going back.
You’d be forced to shell out some big repair costs of opening up the entire shoe. Sometimes this is impossible. Sometimes it might involve shipping your shoe back to the original manufacturer. Best if avoided all together.
If you’re still reading, hopefully you’re convinced on the merits of using a shoe horn.