A shoe horn helps you slip a shoe on without crushing the heel counter, so the shoe keeps its shape. At Langer & Messmer it comes in handmade real horn or sturdy plastic, in short and long lengths.
Shoe horns in horn and plastic
A shoe horn is a smooth surface that guides your heel cleanly into the shoe. At Langer & Messmer the range runs from a handmade real-horn model to a light plastic shoe horn, short for travelling or long for putting shoes on while standing.
Why a shoe horn protects your shoes
When you push your foot in without help, you fold the heel counter, the stiff back of the shoe, inwards. Over time it breaks or loses its shape, and the shoe no longer holds the heel properly. A shoe horn guides the heel in over a smooth surface without bending the counter. So the shoe goes on more easily and lasts longer.
Real horn or plastic
The real-horn shoe horn is handmade, each piece unique with its natural grain and a handle of camel bone. It comes in 18 cm for travel and 31 cm for putting shoes on while standing. The plastic shoe horn is light, sturdy and good value, ideal for daily use by the door or in your bag. Both protect the heel counter and suit every kind of shoe.
Short or long?
A long shoe horn of around 31 cm lets you put shoes on standing without bending down, which is welcome with boots and when bending is difficult. A short shoe horn of around 18 cm fits in a pocket or a shoe bag and is the one to take travelling.
Around the shoe
To keep a shoe in shape after wear, put a cedar shoe tree inside; for travel, a shoe bag protects the pair. You will find the measurements and materials on the product pages: the real-horn shoe horn, the plastic shoe horn and the shoe horn in black.
Frequently asked questions
What is a shoe horn used for?
A shoe horn guides the heel cleanly into the shoe without folding the heel counter. That makes shoes easier to put on and protects them from breaking or losing shape, so they stay in good form for longer.
How long should a shoe horn be?
For putting shoes on while standing, a long shoe horn of around 31 cm is comfortable because you do not have to bend down. A short one of around 18 cm is handy for travel. Langer & Messmer offers both lengths.
Horn or plastic shoe horn?
Real horn is handmade, each piece unique with its natural grain, a piece with character. Plastic is light, sturdy and good value. Both protect the heel counter equally well.
What can you use instead of a shoe horn?
At a pinch some people use the handle of a spoon or similar, but these are narrow and can scratch the leather. A shoe horn has a wide, smooth surface that guides the heel in gently.