Best Long-Handled Shoehorns for Seniors
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A long-handled shoehorn can make it much easier for seniors to put on shoes without bending all the way down. This can be helpful for older adults with arthritis, hip pain, knee pain, back pain, balance problems, limited mobility, or recovery after surgery.
The best long-handled shoehorns for seniors are sturdy, easy to grip, long enough to reduce bending, and smooth enough to help the foot slide into the shoe comfortably. Some are fixed-length metal shoehorns, while others are adjustable, foldable, or part of a dressing aid kit.
Long-handled shoehorns also work well with other dressing tools. You may also want to see our guides to best sock aids for seniors, best dressing aids for seniors, best button hooks and zipper pulls for seniors, and best reacher grabber tools for seniors.
Quick Picks: Best Long-Handled Shoehorns for Seniors
| Product | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vive Extra Long Handled Shoehorn | Best overall | 31.5-inch metal shoehorn |
| Fanwer Extendable Shoehorn | Best compact adjustable option | 16- to 31-inch extendable shoehorn |
| TriPro Telescopic Shoehorn | Best telescoping option | 15- to 37-inch telescoping shoehorn |
| Fanwer Premium Long Handled Shoe Lifter | Best high-review adjustable option | 16- to 31-inch adjustable shoehorn |
| Phantawell Long Handled Shoehorn and Dressing Stick | Best multi-use dressing aid | Shoehorn, dressing stick, sock remover |
| Vive Long Shoehorn with Handle | Best shorter handled option | 23-inch handled shoehorn |
Best Overall: Vive Extra Long Handled Shoehorn
The Vive Extra Long Handled Shoehorn is a strong overall choice for many seniors because it is extra long, made from metal, and designed to help users put on shoes while reducing the need to bend.
At 31.5 inches, this type of shoehorn may be helpful for seniors who have back pain, hip stiffness, knee pain, or trouble reaching their feet. The extra length can make it easier to put on shoes from a seated or standing position.
This is a good everyday option for seniors who want a sturdy shoehorn that can stay near the bed, closet, or front door.
Best for: Most seniors who want a sturdy extra-long shoehorn.
Why seniors may like it:
- Extra-long design helps reduce bending
- Metal construction feels sturdy
- Useful for seated or standing use
- Good for daily shoe routines
- Helpful for seniors with back, hip, or knee stiffness
Potential downside: A long metal shoehorn may be harder to travel with than a shorter or collapsible model.
Best Compact Adjustable Option: Fanwer Extendable Shoehorn
The Fanwer Extendable Shoehorn is a good option for seniors who want a shoehorn that can be adjusted instead of staying one long fixed length.
This can be useful for seniors who do not want a full-size shoehorn sitting out all the time. A compact adjustable shoehorn can be easier to store near a chair, in a closet, or in a travel bag.
It may be a good choice for seniors who want a simple helper for putting on shoes without bending as much.
Best for: Seniors who want a compact extendable shoehorn.
Why seniors may like it:
- Extends from 16 inches to 31 inches
- Can be stored more easily
- Helpful for travel
- Reduces bending during dressing
- Useful for seniors with limited mobility
Potential downside: Some seniors may prefer a fixed shoehorn because there is no adjustment mechanism to manage.
Best Telescoping Option: TriPro Telescopic Shoehorn
The TriPro Telescopic Shoehorn is a good choice for seniors who want an adjustable shoehorn that can extend when needed and become shorter for storage or travel.
An adjustable shoehorn can be helpful if more than one person in the home will use it, or if the senior wants to use it from both a chair and a standing position.
This type of shoehorn may also be easier to store in a drawer, travel bag, or closet than a fixed extra-long shoehorn.
Best for: Seniors who want a longer telescoping shoehorn.
Why seniors may like it:
- Adjusts from about 15 inches to 37 inches
- Good for seated or standing use
- Can reduce bending
- Easier to store than a fixed long shoehorn
- Helpful for travel
Potential downside: Adjustable shoehorns may not feel as solid as one-piece metal shoehorns.
Best High-Review Adjustable Option: Fanwer Premium Long Handled Shoe Lifter
The Fanwer Premium Long Handled Shoe Lifter is another adjustable shoehorn option for seniors who want a collapsible design. It extends from 16 inches to 31 inches, which can help seniors put on shoes while sitting or standing.
This can be a good choice for seniors who want something lightweight, affordable, and easier to store than a one-piece extra-long shoehorn.
Best for: Seniors who want an affordable adjustable shoehorn.
Why seniors may like it:
- Adjustable 16- to 31-inch design
- Easy to store
- Useful for travel
- Can reduce bending
- Good for regular daily use
Potential downside: The adjustable design may not be as sturdy as a solid metal shoehorn.
Best Multi-Use Dressing Aid: Phantawell Long Handled Shoehorn and Dressing Stick
The Phantawell Long Handled Shoehorn and Dressing Stick is a good option for seniors who want more than just a shoehorn. This type of tool can help with shoes, socks, shirts, pants, and other dressing tasks.
A multi-use dressing aid may be helpful for seniors who have trouble bending, reaching, pulling clothing into place, or removing socks.
This can be a good choice for someone who wants one tool that helps with several parts of the dressing routine.
Best for: Seniors who want a shoehorn plus dressing aid features.
Why seniors may like it:
- Works as a long-handled shoehorn
- Can help with dressing tasks
- May help remove socks
- Useful for seniors with limited reach
- Good companion to sock aids and dressing tools
Potential downside: A multi-use tool may take more practice than a simple shoehorn.
Best Shorter Handled Option: Vive Long Shoehorn with Handle
The Vive Long Shoehorn with Handle is a good choice for seniors who want a long shoehorn but do not need an extra-long 31-inch option.
A shorter long-handled shoehorn may be easier to control for some seniors, especially if they sit on a chair, bed, or bench while putting on shoes.
This can be a good option for seniors who want help getting shoes on but do not want a very long tool.
Best for: Seniors who want a medium-length shoehorn with a handle.
Why seniors may like it:
- 23-inch length
- May be easier to control
- Helpful for seated dressing
- Reduces bending
- Good for keeping near a bed or chair
Potential downside: It may not be long enough for seniors who want to put on shoes while standing fully upright.
What Is a Long-Handled Shoehorn?
A long-handled shoehorn is a dressing tool that helps guide the heel into a shoe without needing to bend down as far. The curved end slides between the heel and the back of the shoe, helping the foot slip in more easily.
For seniors, this can make a simple daily task easier and safer, especially when bending, balancing, or reaching the feet is difficult.
Who Should Consider a Long-Handled Shoehorn?
A long-handled shoehorn may be helpful for seniors who have:
- Back pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Arthritis
- Balance problems
- Limited mobility
- Trouble bending forward
- Trouble reaching their feet
- Recovery after hip, knee, or back surgery
- Difficulty putting shoes on independently
If socks are also difficult, see our guide to best sock aids for seniors.
How to Choose the Best Long-Handled Shoehorn for Seniors
Choose the Right Length
Extra-long shoehorns are helpful for seniors who want to reduce bending as much as possible. Shorter long-handled models may be easier to control while sitting.
Look for a Comfortable Handle
A good handle can make the shoehorn easier to hold, especially for seniors with arthritis, weak grip, or hand stiffness.
Consider Metal vs. Plastic
Metal shoehorns are usually sturdier. Plastic shoehorns may be lighter, but they can bend or break more easily depending on the design.
Think About Storage
A fixed long shoehorn is simple and sturdy, but it takes up more space. An adjustable or folding shoehorn can be easier to store or travel with.
Decide Whether You Need a Dressing Aid
Some long-handled shoehorns also work as dressing sticks or sock removers. This can be helpful for seniors who have trouble with more than just shoes.
Safety Tips for Using a Long-Handled Shoehorn
- Sit down if balance is a concern.
- Do not stand on one foot if you feel unsteady.
- Use shoes that fit properly and are not too tight.
- Do not force the heel into the shoe if it causes pain.
- Keep the shoehorn near the place where you usually put on shoes.
- Make sure the floor is clear of clutter before standing up.
For seniors who need help picking up shoes or clothing from the floor, a reacher grabber tool may also be helpful.
Long-Handled Shoehorn vs. Sock Aid
A long-handled shoehorn helps put shoes on without bending down.
A sock aid helps put socks on without bending down.
Many seniors benefit from having both. A sock aid helps with the first step, and a long-handled shoehorn helps finish the dressing routine. You can compare sock helpers in our guide to best sock aids for seniors.
Best Overall Pick
For most seniors, the Vive Extra Long Handled Shoehorn is the best place to start because it is sturdy, extra long, and simple to use.
If you want something easier to store or travel with, the TriPro Telescopic Shoehorn, Fanwer Extendable Shoehorn, or Fanwer Premium Long Handled Shoe Lifter may be a better fit.
Related Senior Dressing and Daily Living Guides
- Best Sock Aids for Seniors
- Best Dressing Aids for Seniors
- Best Button Hooks and Zipper Pulls for Seniors
- Best Reacher Grabber Tools for Seniors
- Best Bed Assist Handles for Seniors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best long-handled shoehorn for seniors?
The best long-handled shoehorn for most seniors is one that is long enough to reduce bending, sturdy enough for daily use, and easy to grip. The Vive Extra Long Handled Shoehorn is a good overall choice.
Are metal shoehorns better than plastic shoehorns?
Metal shoehorns are usually stronger and more durable. Plastic shoehorns may be lighter, but they may bend or break more easily depending on the design.
How long should a shoehorn be for seniors?
Many seniors prefer a shoehorn around 24 to 32 inches long. Extra-long options can reduce bending more, while shorter long-handled models may be easier to control while sitting.
Can a long-handled shoehorn help after hip surgery?
A long-handled shoehorn may be helpful after hip surgery because it can reduce bending. However, seniors should always follow their doctor’s or therapist’s recovery instructions.
Should seniors use a shoehorn while sitting or standing?
If balance is a concern, sitting is usually safer. Seniors who feel steady may use a shoehorn while standing, but they should avoid standing on one foot if they feel unbalanced.
Can a long-handled shoehorn be used with boots?
Some long-handled shoehorns can help with boots, but it depends on the boot shape and heel opening. A sturdy metal shoehorn may work better than a thin plastic one.
Final Thoughts
The best long-handled shoehorns for seniors can make putting on shoes easier, safer, and less frustrating. For older adults with arthritis, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, or limited mobility, a shoehorn can reduce bending and help support more independence during dressing.
For most seniors, a sturdy extra-long shoehorn is a good first choice. Seniors who travel or have limited storage space may prefer an adjustable or collapsible model. Seniors who need help with more than shoes may benefit from a multi-use dressing aid.
Before buying, think about the senior’s balance, grip strength, shoe type, storage space, and whether they also need a sock aid or other dressing tool.