The shoehorn is a misunderstood and underappreciated accessory to the footwear world. It has fallen out of favor in recent years, but it can be a very useful tool when you need to get your shoes on quickly or if they are difficult to put on because of their shape or tightness. The shoehorn should never be used as an alternative to laces.
The Brief History of the Shoe Horn
As whittling was a common skill among farmers in the Middle Ages, original shoehorns were likely carved from bone or horn. It is not clear if the items were intended to be used for family convenience or sold on the market. Shoes were not common in the Middle Ages. People wore barefoot or had to wear clogs, rough shoes, or boots made from wood.
Shoe horns were more common for wealthy people who could afford bespoke shoes. Well-crafted shoe horns may have been a result of the demand for tight shoes among the Elizabethans.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, neatly fitting shoes (shoe corsets) were the norm. The well-turned shoehorn was a must-have accessory for Dandy and Lady of the time. Shoe horns could be made from silver, tortoiseshell, or brass as well as ivory and wood. The number of materials available to make shoe horns grew as the world became more familiar. A sturdy shoehorn was an essential tool for any settler who wanted to take advantage of the new colonies.
Button hooks were necessary for the fashion of button boots. These were handles that could be used to fasten ornate footwear. Buttonhooks and shoehorns were often purchased in pairs. Many Victorian shoehorns were equipped with slogans or advertising messages that could be used as promotional gimmicks. The popularity of buttonhooks was not lost until the First World War, but they were almost extinct by the start of the Second World War.
Shoe Horns That Make It Easy To Step Into Your Favorite Shoes
Your height and agility will determine the length of your shoe horn. A shorter shoe horn is better if you intend to sit while putting on your shoes. They are also easier to transport and store. A longer shoehorn will be more useful if you are standing and don’t need to bend. While shorter shoe horns are possible to reach as little as 3.5 inches, longer styles can reach over 30 inches.
Remember that the shoehorn’s material is important. The strongest designs are made of metal and wood. Although plastic options are not as strong as metal, they are lighter and more affordable.
Here is a list of a variety of shoehorns that can be used to preserve your favorite pair. This includes both classic styles as well as novelty options in bright colors and printed prints that can make putting on shoes a little more enjoyable.
Velette Metal Shoe Horn Set. These steel shoehorns have 16.5 inches of length and grippy handles. You can keep one in your bedroom or entryway and have two of them.
Cosmos Plastic Shoe Horns Six-Pack. Six plastic shoe horns are a super economical option. Each pack contains six shoehorns. Each shoehorn measures 6.3 inches in length and has a hole at its end for easy hanging. These are made from plastic but customers have noted that they can handle tight-laced shoes.
Shacke Shoe Horn. This shoehorn, which is made from high-tech, durable plastic, measures 24 inches. The handle is slightly tilted and grippy to allow for easy putting on boots or shoes. You can also choose from seven different colors.
Shoe Horn ProGuide Set. This option set also includes a shoehorn measuring 6 inches and a longer version measuring 12 inches. They are made from durable metal and printed in pink with flowers and butterflies.
TungSam Long Handle Shoe Horn. This shoehorn is a wooden design and measures 15 inches in length. It also comes with a tie at one end for easy hanging. It is ergonomically designed with smooth edges to prevent cutting.
Simple Shine Shoe Horn Set. This set includes one shoehorn made from stainless steel. It has a wide mouth end for easy use and holes for hanging. One 12-inch shoe horn is included and two shorter, 7.5-inch ones.
Today, shoe horns are an integral part of our society and play an important role in how we go about our daily activities. Of course, if you do own a shoe horn, you don’t need to wear it on your belt, but you should use it. It could make a huge difference in how you can use the foot to better your day.
