The Best Shoe Horns

Measuring 23 inches in length, this long handle shoe horn can be separated into 2 parts—one measuring 10 inches and the other 13 inches. Plus, it comes with an integrated sock remover, and a large oval handle for a secure grip and convenient storage when not in use. Unfortunately, some reviewers have complained that this shoe horn can separate into 2 parts during use.

Q & A About Shoe Horns

Get the answers to all your shoe horn questions here

• What is the Point of a Shoe Horn?

  Also called a shoe spoon, shoe schlipp, or a shoespooner, a shoe horn consists of a handle and a spoon-style head that is inserted into the back of the shoes to help you slide your heels more easily into your footwear. They are particularly useful when it comes to new and snug-fitting shoes.

• Do I Need a Shoe Horn?

  While shoe horns can be a useful tool for everybody, they can be a real game changer for the elderly, and people with limited mobility or dexterity. In addition, shoe horns can also extend the life of your footwear, as they stop the backs of the shoes from scrunching.

• Are Plastic or Metal Shoe Horns Better?

  Most shoe horns are either made from plastic or metal. Both materials have their own specific strengths and weak points. Generally, plastic shoe horns are more affordable and lightweight than metal shoe horns. They can also be more flexible, which can be a good thing depending on the type of footwear you are trying to put on. On the downside, plastic shoe horns tend to be less sturdy and durable than metal shoe horns.

• What Should I Consider When Buying a Shoe Horn?

  Aside from material, there are a few things you should keep in mind when buying a shoe horn. Since shoe horns usually range between 7.5 and 30 inches, the first thing to consider is length. While longer shoe horns are ideal for putting your shoes on standing up, shorter shoe horns are highly portable and great for use on the go. Some shoe horns also come in a variety of colors to match your home decor.

Other Dressing Aids

Limited dexterity and range of movement can make dressing extra tricky. Luckily, there are various tools that can make the dressing process easier. Here are just a few.

• Dressing Sticks

  One of the most popular dressing aids out there, dressing sticks provide extra reach and can be used to position garments. Dressing sticks usually feature 2 types of hook ends: a push and hook to put on and take off clothing and socks, and a C-shaped hook to pull up zippers and undo shoelaces.

• Sock Aids

  The simple action of putting on and taking off socks can be tricky for those with mobility and dexterity issues. A sock aid usually consists of a tube attached to 1 or 2 handles. To use it, place your sock over the tube, insert your foot, and pull the sock onto your foot by pulling on the handles.

• Button Hooks

  Ideal for people with arthritis, tremors, and other dexterity issues, button hooks can make fastening buttons a breeze. Simply slide the wire hook through the button loop, place it around the button, and pull it through the buttonhole. Most button hooks come with non-slip handles.

• Elastic Laces

  Tying regular shoe laces can be challenging for seniors who have trouble bending or suffer from limited dexterity. Luckily, elastic shoe laces can help by turning your pair of lace-up shoes into slip-ons. The process is as easy as threading the elastic laces through the shoe loops, adjusting them to your desired length, and securing them in place.

• Reacher Grabber

  Reacher grabbers extend a person’s reach, allowing them to both dress themselves and pick up objects and clothes from the floor. Usually outfitted with ergonomic handles, some reacher grabbers even come with small magnetic tips to make picking up objects even easier.

Weighing All the Factors

After a side-by-side review, we believe that Vive’s extended reach shoe horn is the best shoe horn available today. Combining an easy-grip handle, a wide mouth, and smooth edges, it is guaranteed to serve you for years to come. Standing just behind are Shacke’s extra long handled shoe horn and Velette’s metal shoe horn, both with their own sets of unique features.