Purchasing the best shoe horns for seniors is not an easy choice, until you become familiar with the fact that they are not all created equal. Some shoe horns fit in a travel bag and some are long, so that you can’t bend at all.
Technically, both do the same thing, you slip your foot in, and the shoe slips on easier. However, it depends on a couple of factors how often you will use it, the type of shoes you wear and how much bending you can do comfortably.
Here’s the full breakdown of long handled vs standard shoe horns to help you figure out what actually fits your needs.
Standard Shoe Horns Pros and Best Use Cases
The standard shoe horn is the traditional choice and is available to most people in the shoe drawer.
They are generally about 15–20cm long, easy to fit in a bag, store by the front door or take with you when travelling, making them a good everyday option for people who can comfortably bend and/or reach their feet without any difficulty.
Best shoe horns are also the cheaper choice and the basic design is suitable for most shoes. The only problem is that they still need a little bending or lifting up of the foot; not ideal for anyone who suffers from back pain, hip or knee problems, balance problems, or lack of flexibility.
Best For:
- Travel
- Everyday use
- Active adults
- People with good mobility
Long-Handled Shoe Horns Pros and Best Use Cases
Standard shoe horns just don’t work for bending, which is where long handled shoe horns come in handy. They are approximately 42cm to a maximum of 58cm long, long enough to fit on without bending or straining to fit on with your shoes on straight up.
They are particularly beneficial for people who have limited mobility and for people who are recovering from surgery, as well as for people with arthritis and back pain, especially seniors.
Long handled shoe horns will also be more comfortable to wear while pregnant, as a comfortable bend is often difficult to come by.
Many long handled designs, like our 17-42cm Metal Shoe Horn Set, come with a comfort-grip handle and leather strap for extra durability and a secure hold. For those who need maximum reach, our 23-inch (58cm) Extra Long Shoe Horn is the perfect choice.
Best For:
- Seniors
- Limited mobility
- Recovery after surgery
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Pregnancy
- Boots and stiff shoes
Standard vs Long Handled Shoe Horn At a Glance
Here’s how the two compare side by side:
| Feature | Standard Shoe Horn | Long Handled Shoe Horn |
| Length | ~15-20cm | 42cm-58cm |
| Bending required | Yes | No |
| Best for | Travel, everyday use, active adults | Seniors, limited mobility, back/hip/knee pain, pregnancy |
| Portability | High | Low-medium |
| Material options | Plastic, metal | Metal with leather/comfort-grip handle |
| Typical price | Low price shoe horn | Slightly higher |
Which Shoe Horn Should You Get?
Choosing the right and best shoe horn really comes down to comfort and mobility, not just preference.
Choose a Standard Shoe Horn If:
If you’re active, travel a lot, or don’t mind bending down, a standard shoe horn does the job fine. They’re light, low price shoe horns that are easy to shove in a bag.
Choose a Long Handled Shoe Horn If:
But if bending is an issue for you due to back pain, hip or knee problems, a long handled shoe horn is a better choice for you.
Looking for the best shoe horn for seniors? A long-handled shoe horn is one of the best gifts you can get them; cheap, but something they’ll use every day. And if you often wear boots or stiff dress shoes, it’s much easier to put them on with a long-handled shoe horn as compared to a standard one.
Where to Buy a Shoe Horn in the UK?
Looking for a reliable place to buy the best shoe horns in the UK or online? Our full range covers both standard and long handled options, in various lengths and materials, at fair prices and UK-wide delivery.
Browse our complete shoe horn collection to compare styles, sizes, and prices – including regular price drops on selected shoe horns or explore our wider range of clothing & footwear accessories for more everyday essentials.
Whether you need a compact shoe horn for travel or a long handled one for comfort and ease, you’ll find it at Tyga.
Your Questions Answered
What type of shoe horn is best?
It depends on your needs and mobility. If you can bend down fine and just want something small and cheap, standard is the way to go. But if you’ve got limited mobility, back or joint pain, or you just prefer standing up straight while putting shoes on, a long handled shoe horn is the better call.
What is the best length for a shoe horn?
It depends on how you plan to use it. For everyday, on-the-go use, 15-20cm is usually enough. For standing use without bending, a longer 42cm-58cm shoe horn is more comfortable and practical. Makes a real difference with boots and stiff shoes.
What are the different types of long-handled shoe horns?
Long handled shoe horns typically vary by length (usually 42cm to 58cm), material (metal or plastic), and handle design. A lot of the better ones come with a comfort-grip handle or leather strap so it’s actually secure to hold, like our 17–42cm Metal Shoe Horn Set and 23-inch (58cm) Extra Long Shoe Horn.
Are shoe horns good for the elderly?
Yes, especially long handled shoe horns. They remove the need to bend down or balance on one foot, which makes wearing shoes safer and more comfortable for elderly users or anyone with limited mobility.