But the truth? It was something far more ordinary — and far more useful. It was a shoe horn. Simple. Humble. Overlooked. Yet essential for centuries.
The shoe horn is a perfect example of how everyday tools often have extraordinary stories behind them.
A Tool Older Than Most People Realize
Shoe horns may look modern, but their origins stretch back to the 15th century, long before modern footwear, mass production, or even the concept of “comfort shoes.” Back then, shoes were sturdier, stiffer, and far more difficult to slip into. People didn’t have soft, flexible heels that bent easily. Instead, the backs of shoes were rigid — and fragile.
To solve this problem, artisans created the first shoe horns.
