Long shoe horn: put shoes on without bending down
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- Long-handled metal shoe horn. Best for: Hip or knee surgery recovery and daily use from a chair. See options on Amazon
- Extra-long shoe horn for standing use. Best for: People who prefer to put shoes on standing, with a wall or counter for support. See options on Amazon
- Spring-neck shoe horn. Best for: Stiff shoes or boots that need some flex as the heel slides in. See options on Amazon
- Elastic no-tie shoelaces. Best for: Lace-up shoes you want to slip on with a shoehorn. See options on Amazon
Who benefits from a long shoe horn
- After hip or knee surgery. OrthoInfo recommends a long-handled shoehorn, long-handled sponge and reacher to limit bending after hip replacement. Precautions there often include not bending at the waist beyond 90 degrees and not crossing your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
- Back pain or stiffness. The long handle lets you stay upright instead of bending over to work a heel into a shoe.
- Balance concerns. You can put shoes on while seated rather than leaning down on one foot.
- Anyone tired of crushed heel counters. A shoehorn keeps the back of the shoe from folding under your heel.
How to choose
| Feature | Options | What fits whom |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Short (hand-held), medium for seated use, long for standing | Seated users want enough length to reach the heel without leaning forward; standing users need a longer shaft |
| Blade material | Metal, plastic, wood | Metal is thin and slick; Drive Medical describes its metal shoehorn as one that won't snag socks or stockings |
| Flex | Rigid or spring-loaded neck | A spring neck follows the foot; a rigid one gives more control |
| Handle | Straight, curved or with a hanging loop | Larger, curved grips suit weak or arthritic hands |
| Combination tool | Shoehorn on one end, dressing stick hook on the other | Saves carrying two tools; see our dressing aids guide |
Measure in practice: sit in the chair you dress in, hold the handle at a comfortable height, and check the blade reaches the floor behind your heel without bending forward.
How to use one safely
- Sit in a firm chair. The UMass Memorial dressing guide has you sit down, put your foot into the shoe, then use the shoehorn to pull the shoe on.
- Slide the blade into the back of the shoe, curved side against the heel counter.
- Point your toes in and press down gently so the heel slides along the blade.
- Lift the horn out once the heel is seated.
After hip surgery, avoid turning the foot far inward or outward as you work, in line with OrthoInfo's precautions. A reacher can also help pull a shoe toward you, as UMass Memorial notes.
Make shoes easier in the first place
A shoehorn works best with shoes that do not need tying. UMass Memorial suggests slip-on shoes or elastic or Velcro laces so you do not have to bend to tie them. Shoes with a firm, closed heel give the blade something to guide the heel into. If you also wear compression stockings, a compression sock aid covers the step before shoes.
What to look for when you buy
Long-handled metal shoe horn
Best for: Hip or knee surgery recovery and daily use from a chair
Drive Medical describes its metal shoehorn as preventing bending or stooping and not snagging socks or stockings, and OrthoInfo lists a long-handled shoehorn for limiting bending after hip replacement.
Watch out: Metal blades are rigid; check the edge is smooth and rolled.
See options on AmazonExtra-long shoe horn for standing use
Best for: People who prefer to put shoes on standing, with a wall or counter for support
A longer shaft lets the blade reach the heel while you stay upright instead of leaning down on one foot.
Watch out: Standing on one foot is a balance risk. Sit down if you have hip precautions or poor balance.
See options on AmazonSpring-neck shoe horn
Best for: Stiff shoes or boots that need some flex as the heel slides in
A flexible neck lets the blade follow the foot so the shoe does not lever off the horn.
Watch out: Less control than a rigid horn for some users.
See options on AmazonElastic no-tie shoelaces
Best for: Lace-up shoes you want to slip on with a shoehorn
UMass Memorial suggests elastic or Velcro laces so you do not need to bend to tie shoes.
Watch out: Set the tension once while seated; too tight and the shoe is hard to slip on.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How long should a long shoe horn be?
- Long enough to reach your heel without bending forward in the way you will use it. Try it seated in your usual chair; standing use needs a longer shaft.
- Do I need a long shoe horn after hip replacement?
- AAOS OrthoInfo lists a long-handled shoehorn among the tools that help you avoid bending past your precautions after hip replacement.
- Is a metal or plastic shoe horn better?
- Metal blades are thin and smooth, and Drive Medical says its metal shoehorn won't snag socks or stockings; plastic is lighter. What matters most is a smooth edge and a length that fits you.
- Can I use a long shoe horn standing up?
- Yes, if your balance is good and you have something to hold. With hip precautions or balance problems, sit down to put shoes on.
- Can a long shoe horn help with back pain?
- It lets you stay upright instead of bending to work your heel into a shoe. Sit in a firm chair and let the horn guide the heel in.
- Should I use elastic laces with a long shoe horn?
- They pair well. UMass Memorial suggests elastic or Velcro laces or slip-on shoes so you do not have to bend to tie them.
Sources
- Activities After Hip Replacement (orthoinfo.org), AAOS OrthoInfo
- Getting your home ready: knee or hip surgery (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- After Hip Surgery: Getting Dressed (ummhealth.org), UMass Memorial Health
- Personal Care Products Comparison Chart (drivemedical.com), Drive Medical (maker)