A shoehorn or some other called it a shoespooner, shoe spoon, shoe Schlipp, shoe tongue is a tool with a short handle that flares into a longer spoon-like head meant to be held against the inside back of a snug-fitting shoe so that a person can slide the heel easily along its basin to the inner sole. There are a variety of lengths and strengths of the handle from shoehorn. Long-handled shoe horns are necessary for longer boots, while shoehorns with sturdy handles are useful for putting on boots or heavy iron shoes.
Shoehorns appear to have originated in the late Middle Ages or Renaissance; in English, a “Schoying Horne” is mentioned in the 15th century, though the French word chausse-pied is only found during the last half of the 16th century. Elizabeth I of England bought 18 shoe horns from her shoemaker Garrett Johnson between 1563 and 1566, then in 1567 ordered four more in steel from the blacksmith’s Gilbert Polson and Richard Jeffrey, and then needed no more until 1586. Presumably, these were used by many people in her household.
When selecting a shoehorn, regardless of whether it is made from metal, wood, or actual horn from the animal, ensure that it has a smooth surface and does not break under strain. When inserted into the shoe, the shoehorn forms a sort of guide rail that covers and stiffens the heel cup while the foot slide in.
Long figure headed wooden shoehorns 21 ½”
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