How to Use a Shoe Horn: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: To use a shoe horn, loosen your laces, place the curved end inside the back of the shoe against the heel, then slide your heel down along the horn until your foot drops into place. Pull the horn out, tighten your laces and you’re done. Never step down on the back of the shoe.

 

A shoe horn is one of the smallest and cheapest shoe accessories, and one of the most useful. Used properly, it helps you put shoes on without crushing the back of the heel, without bending over and without tugging at the lining. This guide explains what a shoe horn does, how to use both short and long-handled versions, which type to choose and the mistakes to avoid.

What is a shoe horn used for?

A shoe horn is a smooth, curved tool that guides your heel into the shoe. It acts as a slide between your heel and the back of the shoe, so your foot glides in rather than pushing the heel area down or forcing the fabric to bunch.

You can use one with almost any closed shoe: dress shoes, loafers, sneakers, boots, work shoes and heels. They’re especially handy with new shoes that have a firm back, and with stiffer leather that hasn’t broken in yet.

Why use a shoe horn? 5 benefits

•      Protects the heel counter. The heel counter is the firm cup at the back of the shoe that holds your heel in place. Repeatedly stepping on it can flatten it, which may lead to heel slip, uneven wear and rubbing.

•      Helps shoes keep their shape. Dress shoes and leather boots keep a cleaner look when the back isn’t constantly pressed down.

•      Reduces wear on the lining. Sliding in with a horn means less friction on the inside of the shoe.

•      Makes stiff, new shoes easier to get on. Great during the break-in period. See our guide to How to Break In New Leather Boots for more.

•      Means less bending. A long-handled shoe horn lets you put shoes on while standing or sitting, which many people find easier on the back, hips and knees.

How to use a shoe horn: step by step

These steps work for a standard short shoe horn:

1.     Loosen the laces. Open the shoe as wide as you can by loosening the laces (or opening the buckle, strap or zip) and pulling the tongue forward. Forcing a foot into a tight opening is the main reason heels get crushed.

2.     Position the horn. Place the curved end inside the back of the shoe, with the curve against the heel counter and the handle pointing up and out. Hold the handle steady against the back of your heel.

3.     Slide your foot in. Put your toes in first, then bring your heel down so it rests against the horn’s smooth surface.

4.     Press down and glide. Apply gentle downward pressure. Your heel should slide along the horn and drop into the heel pocket. If it catches, lift slightly and try again. Don’t force it.

5.     Remove the horn. Pull it straight up and back, keeping the shoe steady with your foot.

6.     Tighten and check the fit. Re-lace, wiggle your toes and make sure your heel feels secure.

How to use a long-handled shoe horn

A Long Handled Shoe Horn does the same job as a standard one, but its extra length means you don’t have to bend down. It’s popular with anyone who finds bending uncomfortable, including people with back, hip or knee stiffness. If you have a medical condition affecting mobility, ask your healthcare provider about the best aids for you.

1.     Get stable. Sit on a chair or stand next to a wall or sturdy support.

2.     Set up the shoe. Place the shoe on the floor in front of your foot, with the laces already loosened and the tongue pulled forward.

3.     Place the horn. Hold the handle and set the curved end inside the back of the shoe, against the heel counter.

4.     Guide your foot in. Slide your toes into the shoe, then lower your heel down the horn until it drops in.

5.     Slide the horn out. Pull it straight back, then finish tightening your laces. To skip the bending altogether, try no-tie laces such as our All Season Stretch Lace.

Which type of shoe horn should you choose?

Type	Best for	Pros	Things to consider
Short / compact	Travel, gym bags, office drawers	Light, portable, easy to keep in a bag or at the door	You still need to bend slightly to use it
Long-handled	Home use, anyone who wants to avoid bending	Lets you put shoes on standing or sitting	Takes more space; choose a length that reaches the floor comfortably
Plastic	Everyday use	Light, flexible and affordable	Cheap, brittle versions can crack and develop rough edges
Metal	Long-term use, dress shoes	Strong, slim and very smooth	Make sure edges are rounded and polished
Wood or horn	Traditional look	Classic style	Often thicker, so it can be tight in snug shoes

 

Whichever you choose, look for a smooth, rounded edge with no cracks, and a width and curve that fit comfortably inside the heel of your shoes.

Using a shoe horn with different types of shoes

•      Dress shoes and loafers: Always use a horn. Leather heel counters hold their shape better when they’re not trampled, and conditioning with the Leather Kit keeps the leather supple.

•      Boots: Loosen the laces fully and open the shaft. Stiff boots benefit most from a horn, especially a long one.

•      Sneakers: Many people just stomp in. A horn prevents the back from collapsing. Elastic laces such as All Season Stretch Lace make the opening easier to keep wide.

•      Heels and flats: Use a short horn so the delicate back of the shoe isn’t pinched or pulled.

Common shoe horn mistakes

•      Not loosening the laces first. The horn can’t help if the opening is too tight.

•      Stepping on the back anyway. Using the horn and then still pushing the heel down defeats the purpose.

•      Putting the curve the wrong way. The curved, smooth side should sit against your heel, inside the shoe.

•      Using a damaged horn. A cracked or rough edge can snag linings and socks.

•      Yanking it out. Pull the horn out smoothly so it doesn’t drag the lining.

Heel still slipping after you put your shoes on?

A shoe horn helps you get shoes on, but it can’t fix a poor fit. If your heel still lifts or rubs, try these:

•      Add foam heel cushions. The Shoe Comfort Kit includes foam heel cushions, ball-of-foot gel and sole grip pads.

•      Try a supportive insole from our insoles range, or heel grips from Shoe Inserts & Heel Cushions.

•      Re-lace with a heel-lock lacing method, or swap worn laces for fresh ones from our Shoe Laces collection.

•      If the shoes are new and stiff, give them time. See How to Break In New Leather Boots.

Caring for your shoe horn and your shoes

•      Wipe the horn clean with a damp cloth when it picks up dirt. Keep one by the door and a compact one in your travel bag (see How to Pack Shoes for Travel).

•      Keep the inside of your shoes fresh with Shoe Freshener or Odour Zorbs.

•      Clean and condition shoes regularly: the Leather Kit for leather, the Suede Shoe Cleaner Kit for suede, and the Sneaker Cleaning Kit for sneakers.

•      Protect from rain and salt with a water repellent spray.

Frequently asked questions

What is a shoe horn used for?

A shoe horn helps your heel slide smoothly into a shoe so you don’t crush the back of it or strain the lining. It also makes putting on shoes easier, especially stiff or snug pairs.

Which way does a shoe horn go?

Place the curved end inside the back of the shoe, with the smooth, curved side facing your heel and the handle pointing upward. Your heel slides down along it into the shoe.

Do shoe horns really protect your shoes?

Yes. They reduce the habit of stepping on the heel counter, which is a common cause of collapsed heels. Over time, this helps shoes keep their shape and last longer.

Can you use a shoe horn on boots and sneakers?

Yes. A shoe horn works with almost any closed shoe, including boots, sneakers, loafers, dress shoes and heels. For tall or stiff boots, a long-handled version is often easiest.

What length of shoe horn is best?

A short horn is best for travel and bags. For home, a long-handled horn is more comfortable if you want to avoid bending. Choose a length that lets you reach the floor without stretching.

Is a shoe horn only for older adults?

No. Anyone who wants to protect their shoes, put on stiff footwear or avoid bending can benefit. Many people with dress shoes and boots use one every day.

The bottom line

A shoe horn takes seconds to use and makes a real difference to how long your shoes keep their shape. Loosen the laces, slide your heel in along the horn and never stomp on the back.

Add a Long Handled Shoe Horn to your routine, and pair it with the right cleaning and conditioning: explore our Leather Care, Suede Care and Sneaker Care collections. Free shipping on orders over $45 in Canada.