What does a shoehorn do?
A shoehorn creates a smooth surface between the heel and the back of the shoe.
This helps the heel slide into position without repeatedly folding or crushing the heel counter.
Who might find a shoehorn useful?
- people who find bending difficult;
- people with reduced hip or back movement;
- people who struggle to guide the heel into a shoe;
- anyone trying to protect the back of the shoe from repeated folding;
- people using footwear with a relatively firm heel counter.
What is the difference between a short and long shoehorn?
A short shoehorn is compact and easy to store but normally requires the user to reach the foot.
A long-handled shoehorn can reduce the amount of bending needed and may be easier for someone with restricted mobility.
How should a shoehorn be used?
- Open or loosen the shoe fully.
- Place the front of the foot into the shoe.
- Position the shoehorn between the heel and the back of the shoe.
- Slide the heel down the shoehorn into the shoe.
- Remove the shoehorn once the heel is fully seated.
- Fasten the shoe securely.
Should you force the foot down the shoehorn?
No. The shoehorn should guide the heel rather than force a foot into footwear that is too tight.
If significant force is required, loosen the fastening further or reassess the shoe fit.
Can a shoehorn damage footwear?
Used correctly, a shoehorn can help protect the heel counter.
Damage is more likely if a rigid shoehorn is twisted aggressively or used to force the foot into an undersized shoe.
Can a shoehorn help with orthopaedic footwear?
Yes, where the shoe design allows it. It can help guide the heel into wide-fit, therapeutic or orthopaedic footwear without repeatedly collapsing the rear of the shoe.
With AFOs or SMOs, make sure the orthosis is correctly positioned and that the shoe opens sufficiently before using a shoehorn.
Is a long shoehorn always better?
Not necessarily. A long handle reduces bending but can require more control at a distance.
A short model may be easier where reach is not a problem and more precise positioning is preferred.
What if the shoe is still difficult to put on?
The issue may be the shoe opening, fastening, width, depth, swelling or the use of an orthosis rather than the lack of a shoehorn.
A more accessible footwear design may be needed.
Important: Do not use a shoehorn to force swollen, painful or vulnerable feet into footwear that is clearly too tight.
When might other dressing aids help?
Where bending or hand function is significantly limited, other dressing aids may also be useful.
An occupational therapist can advise on practical strategies where dressing difficulties affect independence.
