A shoehorn is a simple but extremely useful accessory, often underestimated in everyday routines. Using one helps preserve the integrity of a shoe over time and makes putting on footwear easier, avoiding unnecessary effort and awkward movements.
A quality shoe strikes a careful balance between shape, support and comfort — putting it on incorrectly compromises its structure and alters those very characteristics. A shoehorn helps the foot slide smoothly into the shoe, prevents deformation and reduces wear over time.
A shoehorn is also a practical choice for improving posture while putting on shoes, reducing the need to bend over excessively: a true accessory that combines convenience, functionality and genuine care for your footwear.
- What gets damaged without a shoehorn
- Hot to use a shoehorn
- Types and materials
- Short vs long shoehorn
- Collectibles
Which parts of the shoe get damaged when you don't use a shoehorn?
Putting on shoes without a shoehorn may seem harmless, but over time it can cause significant damage to the shoe's structure. Forcing your foot in creates unnatural pressure and bending on certain areas, compromising their shape, resilience and appearance. It is a small precaution that can make a big difference.
The areas most prone to wear and deformation are primarily the rear and structural components, which are designed to maintain stability and comfort during use. The parts of the shoe most easily damaged include:
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The heel counter
This is the area most affected when a shoehorn is not used. Crushing it with your foot in order to get in causes it to fold and lose rigidity, undermining support and stability. -
The inner lining
Continuous friction from forcing the foot in can wear down the interior lining, leading to abrasion, tearing or loss of comfort. -
The top edge of the heel
This area can become misshapen or frayed over time, making the shoe less comfortable and visibly worn. -
The upper
Forcing the foot in can also create abnormal tension across the upper part of the shoe, leading to unwanted creasing and loss of the original shape. -
The rear stitching
The seams around the heel area can loosen or break under continuous stress, reducing the shoe's overall lifespan.
Once these key areas are damaged, the shoe's comfort is compromised — it will no longer provide the optimal fit it once did.
How to use a shoehorn correctly
Using a shoehorn correctly is a simple gesture, but it does require a little care to get the most out of it in terms of comfort and shoe longevity. People often use one hastily or incorrectly, which partly defeats its purpose. Adopting the right technique, on the other hand, makes putting on shoes easier and eliminates unnecessary effort.
Think of a shoehorn as a guide that escorts your foot into the shoe, reducing friction and preventing the heel from being crushed or deformed. A quality, handcrafted shoe deserves to be treated with care — not with the same casualness one might use with gym trainers or unremarkable mass-produced loafers. This is why precision and a gentle touch matter.
Here are the correct steps to follow:
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Position the shoehorn correctly
Insert the curved part of the shoehorn into the back of the shoe, resting it against the heel. It should sit flush with the structure without bending or shifting. -
Hold the shoehorn steady
Grip the handle firmly, keeping it stable as you insert your foot, to prevent it from slipping or moving. -
Align your foot with the shoe
Bring your foot straight to the opening of the shoe, avoiding angles that could cause friction or creasing. -
Slide your foot in with a gradual movement
Insert your foot slowly, letting it glide along the shoehorn without pushing forcefully. The movement should be smooth and controlled. -
Remove the shoehorn gently
Once your foot is fully inside, pull the shoehorn out without jerking, so as not to disturb the position of the heel. -
Check the fit
Make sure the heel is properly seated and that the shoe shows no creases or deformation — a sign that the shoe has been put on correctly.
By following these simple steps, using a shoehorn becomes an effective and natural habit — one that works perfectly, especially when the shoe has been chosen in the right size to begin with.
Choosing the right shoehorn: materials and formats
The market offers several types of shoehorn, suited to every need and personal style. No material is inherently "wrong," but some are better suited to frequent use and a quality wardrobe.
Metal, wood or plastic: real differences
Choosing a shoehorn may seem like a minor decision, but the material it is made from significantly affects its durability, practicality and comfort in use. Metal, wood and plastic are the most common options. Understanding the differences helps you make a more informed choice that suits your habits.
METAL SHOEHORNS
Metal models are among the most resistant and long-lasting. They are often chosen for frequent or professional use.
Advantages:
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High resistance to impact and deformation
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Smooth surface that helps the foot slide in easily
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Ideal for rigid or formal shoes
Disadvantages:
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Can feel cold to the touch
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Sometimes heavier than other materials
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Less convenient to carry
WOODEN SHOEHORNS
A wooden shoehorn is appreciated for its natural, elegant appearance, often associated with artisan-quality products.
Advantages:
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A refined, traditional aesthetic
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Good structural solidity
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Pleasant feel to the touch
Disadvantages:
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Can wear or splinter over time
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Requires more careful maintenance
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Generally less flexible than other materials
PLASTIC SHOEHORNS
Plastic shoehorns are the most widely available, especially for everyday use and their practicality.
Advantages:
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Lightweight and easy to carry
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Affordable and widely accessible
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Available in various shapes and sizes
Disadvantages:
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Less durable than metal or wood
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Can bend or break easily
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Less "solid" feel during use
Short or long shoehorn: which do you actually need?
The choice between a short and a long shoehorn depends primarily on your daily habits, the type of footwear you wear and the level of comfort you want when putting your shoes on. Although both perform the same basic function — helping your foot into the shoe without damaging it — they differ in practical ways that can significantly affect the experience.
A short shoehorn is the most compact and common model. Its small size makes it easy to store and carry, making it ideal for travellers or anyone who needs a practical solution away from home. However, it requires bending down to use, which can be uncomfortable for some people or in certain situations.
A long shoehorn, on the other hand, is designed for maximum comfort. It allows you to put your shoes on while standing upright or with minimal effort, with no need to bend down. This makes it particularly suitable for people with limited mobility, elderly users or simply anyone who wants a more ergonomic and efficient experience.
There is no universally better choice: the right model is the one that best fits your daily needs. Those who prioritise practicality and portability may prefer a short shoehorn, while those seeking comfort and ease of use will find the long model to be the more effective solution.
Collector's and one-of-a-kind shoehorns
For lovers of fine footwear and the accessories that accompany it, there are "special" shoehorn models designed for those who want to stand out, to achieve a perfect match with their personal style, or to add a distinctive touch of personality.
These are collector's pieces — unique items that go beyond mere practicality. They stand out for their refined designs, precious materials and details that transform them into objects of character as much as function.
Alongside more common versions, you will find shoehorns crafted from rare woods, hand-worked metals or unusual combinations that unite strength and aesthetics. Some feature polished finishes or decorative engravings — such as one's own initials — while others showcase natural surfaces and unique textures that enhance their character.
The shapes can also be surprisingly original. Not all shoehorns follow the classic curved line: some are designed with profiles inspired by objects, animals or artistic motifs, making them genuine design pieces. In these cases, function remains important, but it is complemented by a strong aesthetic identity that makes them distinctive and recognisable.
The handle is another element that contributes to their uniqueness. In more distinctive models, it can take on unusual or ergonomic forms, sometimes enriched with decorative details, inlays or hand-finished craftsmanship. The handle is no longer merely a functional support — it becomes an integral part of the object's identity.
These pieces represent a perfect meeting point between utility and aesthetic sensibility, demonstrating how even an everyday accessory can become an expression of style and originality.
The shoehorn and Moreschi shoes: care and respect for artisan quality
Moreschi shoes are the result of meticulous artisan craftsmanship, where every detail — from the choice of leathers to the stitching — is conceived to guarantee comfort, elegance and lasting quality. For this very reason, they deserve to be treated with the same care that went into making them.
Using a shoehorn every time you put on your Moreschi shoes is more than just a good habit: it is an act of respect towards a quality shoe. Preserving the heel counter, protecting the inner lining and maintaining the original shape means extending their lifespan — and continuing to enjoy, over time, that perfect fit that only a truly well-made shoe can provide.