Shoes on, without the struggle.
A long-handled shoe horn lets you slip your shoes on without bending down — a small thing that makes a real difference if you have a bad back, arthritis, limited flexibility, or are recovering from hip or knee surgery. The extended handle reaches your heel from a standing or seated position, so you can put your shoes on easily and independently. Our shoe horns start at just £5, qualify for VAT relief, and come with free UK delivery on orders over £15.
How to choose a shoe horn
- Handle length — a long handle (typically around 24 inches / 60cm) lets you reach your feet without bending; choose a longer horn if you cannot stoop at all.
- Material — lightweight plastic horns are inexpensive and easy to handle; metal horns are more durable and flex less.
- Grip and hanging hole — a comfortable handle and a hole to hang it up keep it easy to use and within reach.
- Shoe-and-sock helpers — some tools combine a shoe horn with a reacher to help pull shoes on and ease socks off too.
How to use a long-handled shoe horn
Sit or stand comfortably. Slip your foot loosely into the shoe, then slide the curved end of the horn down inside the back of the shoe against your heel. Press your heel down along the horn until your foot slides fully in, then remove the horn. The smooth curve guides your heel in without crushing the back of the shoe.
Our shoe horns
- Long Handled Plastic Shoe Horn — a lightweight, long-reach horn to put shoes on without bending.
- Shoe Helper Reacher Grabber — a combined tool that helps you put shoes on and slip socks off.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a shoe horn be? For dressing without bending, a handle of around 24 inches (60cm) suits most people. If you are tall or cannot bend at all, choose the longest horn available.
Are shoe horns useful after a hip replacement? Yes — a long-handled shoe horn is one of the most useful recovery aids while you cannot bend to your feet, alongside a sock aid and a reacher.
Can I buy a shoe horn VAT-free? Yes — if you are disabled or have a long-term illness you can usually buy VAT-free by completing the short declaration at checkout.
Shoe horns are part of our wider dressing aids and daily living aids ranges. Not sure which is right? Call our friendly UK team on 01531 635678 or email shop@helping-hand.com — we have been helping people stay independent since 1965.
