How to Use a Shoe Horn (And Why You Should)

What is the heel counter and why does it matter?

The heel counter is the stiff material, often plastic, leather board, or a molded composite, that wraps around the back of your shoe to hold your heel in place. It gives the shoe its structure and keeps your foot from sliding sideways or slipping out. The heel counter also helps maintain the shoe's shape over time, and it plays a role in the overall fit and support of the shoe, especially for shoes with a snug heel like lace-up boots and dress shoes.

When you jam your foot into a shoe without any help, your heel pushes directly against the back of the shoe. Over time, that repeated pressure can collapse or soften the heel counter, making the shoe loose, uncomfortable, and harder to keep on your foot. The heel counter can also crease or deform, which changes how the shoe fits and how it looks. A shoe horn keeps your heel from crushing the counter, so the back of the shoe keeps its shape and does its job.

For a deeper look at how the heel counter affects fit and support, see our guide on heel counter stiffness and how to fix heel slip.

Why you need a shoe horn

A shoe horn is a simple curved tool that lets you slip your foot into a shoe without bending or pressing the heel counter. The curved surface of the horn guides your heel down into the shoe, so the back of the shoe does not bear the force of your foot entering. This keeps the heel counter from getting crushed, which is especially important for shoes that fit snugly around the heel.

Shoes with a structured heel, like leather shoes, boots, and many sneakers, benefit from a shoe horn. Shoes with a soft or flexible back, like some loafers and mules, may not need one, but they still benefit from the gentler entry. Using a shoe horn also helps you avoid crushing the collar of the shoe, which can make the shoe easier to put on and extend its life.

For more on how shoes are built, see our articles on heel-cup depth and shoe counter material.

How to use a shoe horn properly

Start by loosening the laces enough so that the opening of the shoe is wide and easy to slide into. Place the shoe horn inside the shoe so that the curved part sits against the inside of the heel, with the concave side facing your heel. The bottom of the horn should touch the insole of the shoe.

Sit down and bring the shoe up to your foot. Slide your toes into the shoe first, then press your heel against the shoe horn. Push your foot down and forward, letting the horn guide your heel past the back of the shoe. As your heel slides in, keep the horn in place, and it will naturally move up and out of the way. Once your foot is fully in, pull the horn out.

For tall boots, use a long-handled shoe horn that lets you guide your foot in without bending too much. For low-cut shoes, a short horn works fine. The key is to keep the horn between your heel and the shoe's heel counter for the entire motion, so the counter never gets pressed directly.

If the shoe is still hard to get into, check that the laces are loose enough. For shoes with a gusseted tongue or a high ankle collar, you may need to open the laces more. You can also use a shoe horn together with a shoe tree after wearing, to help maintain the shape of the shoe, as we describe in our shoe tree guide.

When you should use a shoe horn

Use a shoe horn any time you put on a shoe that has a structured heel, especially when the shoe fits snugly around your ankle. This includes most lace-up shoes, boots, and any shoe that you have to wiggle into. If the shoe has a heel counter that feels stiff, a shoe horn is a good idea.

It is also helpful if you have limited flexibility, such as when you cannot bend over easily. A long-handled shoe horn lets you put on your shoes without bending, which is easier on your back and knees. For anyone who wants to keep their shoes looking and fitting like new, making a shoe horn part of your daily routine is a simple habit.

Some shoes are easy to slip on and do not need a shoe horn. Slip-on shoes with a stretchy collar, like many slip-on shoes, do not have a stiff heel counter. For those, a shoe horn is optional. But for shoes that you need to push into, the horn is the right tool.

Choosing a shoe horn

Shoe horns come in different lengths and materials. A short horn, about hand-length, is good for shoes with a low cut, like loafers and many dress shoes. It fits in a pocket or a drawer. A long horn, sometimes as long as your arm, is better for boots and for people who have trouble bending. The long handle lets you guide your foot in while standing or with minimal bending.

Materials matter for durability and feel. Plastic horns are common, inexpensive, and smooth. Metal horns, often steel or brass, are stronger and can be quite thin, which makes them good for tight shoes. Wooden horns are another option; they are smooth and can be comfortable to hold, but they may be thicker than metal. The right choice depends on the shoes you have and how often you use a horn.

The shape of the horn is what guides your heel, so looking for a curved shape that fits the back of your shoe matters more than the material or the length. If you have a pair of boots with a high shaft, a long horn is very useful. For more on boot fit, see our guide on ankle boot fit.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is using a shoe horn only after you have already started forcing your foot in. The horn should be in place before your heel touches the shoe. Another mistake is holding the horn at the wrong angle, which makes it harder to slide your foot in. Keep the horn pressed against the inside of the heel counter, not angled away from it.

Do not leave the shoe horn inside the shoe after you put the shoe on. That can stretch the shoe and damage the horn. Also, avoid using a shoe horn as a tool to pry the shoe open, since that can bend the counter. The horn is for guiding your heel, not for expanding the shoe.

If your shoe still feels tight even with a shoe horn, the shoe may be too small, or it may need to be stretched. See our guide on shoe stretching for width and how much toe room you need.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need a shoe horn for every pair of shoes?

Only for shoes with a structured heel counter, which includes most boots, lace-up shoes, and dress shoes. For slip-on shoes with a soft, stretchy collar, a shoe horn is optional.

Can a shoe horn damage my shoes?

No, when used correctly. A shoe horn is designed to be smooth and curved to avoid damaging the shoe. The risk of damage comes from using it as a pry bar or leaving it inside the shoe.

What is the difference between a short and long shoe horn?

A short horn is easier to carry and works for low-cut shoes. A long horn lets you put on tall boots without bending over, which protects your back and makes the motion easier.

Will a shoe horn help prevent heel slippage?

A shoe horn helps get your heel fully into the shoe, so the shoe sits correctly from the start. For persistent slipping, you may need additional solutions, such as heel grips. See our guide on fixing heel slip.