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How to Put Shoes On Without Bending Over
A practical guide to putting shoes on without bending — why long-handled shoehorns work, who benefits most, and what to look for when choosing one.
Why Bending to Put Shoes On Is a Problem
For most people, putting on shoes without bending is simply more convenient — no stopping to crouch, no fumbling with laces while standing up, no sitting down to get your shoes on. For others, it’s a genuine physical necessity. Chronic back pain, hip replacements, knee injuries, pregnancy in the later stages, and conditions that limit flexibility all make bending forward a painful or impossible movement.
The good news is that there’s a straightforward fix that’s been around for centuries, just rarely acknowledged: a long-handled shoehorn.
How a Long-Handled Shoehorn Works
A shoehorn guides the heel into the shoe without the need to bend the shoe’s heel counter or force the foot in with your hands. The curved blade acts as a ramp for the heel, preventing the shoe from collapsing inward while your foot slides into place.
Short shoehorns (the standard pocket-sized ones) still require you to bend significantly — they just reduce the force needed. A long-handled shoehorn, typically 50–70cm in length, lets you stand upright and guide your foot in without leaning forward at all.
Who Benefits From a Long Shoehorn
People with back conditions
Bending forward loads the lumbar spine. People recovering from disc injuries or managing ongoing lower back pain often find that the daily act of putting shoes on is one of the most consistently painful movements of the day. A long shoehorn eliminates the need for this bend entirely.
Post-surgery recovery
After hip or knee replacements, patients are typically given strict precautions about hip flexion angles and weight-bearing positions. A long shoehorn allows shoes to be put on while seated upright, keeping the joint within safe movement ranges during recovery.
Older adults
Balance and flexibility both decline with age. Bending forward to reach the foot presents a fall risk, particularly in hallways or on hard floors. A long shoehorn reduces how far forward the body needs to lean.
Anyone who values convenience
Putting shoes on when heading out the door, at airport security, or in any situation where speed matters — a long shoehorn simply makes the process faster and less disruptive.
What to Look for in a Shoehorn
The key factors are handle length, material, and blade width. A handle of at least 45cm allows most adults to use it without bending. Stainless steel is more durable than plastic and doesn’t flex under pressure. A broader blade works better for wider shoes; a narrower blade is more precise for fitted styles.
The Glyde Retractable Stainless Steel Shoehorn addresses the one remaining inconvenience with long shoehorns — they’re awkward to carry or store. The Glyde retracts to a compact size for travel or keeping in a bag, and extends to full length when needed. The stainless steel blade is the right material for durability without adding significant weight.
Other Techniques for Putting Shoes On Without Bending
Sit down
The simplest adaptation is to always sit when putting shoes on. A low bench or chair near the front door means you never have to balance on one leg or bend forward. This works well combined with a shoehorn — use the shoehorn from a seated position with the foot flat on the floor.
Slip-on shoes and elastic laces
Shoes without laces, or shoes fitted with elastic or magnetic no-tie laces that don’t require retying, reduce the bending even further. Once the shoe is shaped to your foot, you can slide it on (with a shoehorn) without touching the fastenings.
Heel loops
Some shoes include a small loop at the heel that you can hook a finger through to guide the shoe on. Not all shoes have these, but it’s worth looking for when choosing footwear if bending is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What length shoehorn do I need to use standing up?
Most adults need a shoehorn handle of at least 45cm (roughly 18 inches) to use it comfortably while standing without bending the back. A 60–70cm handle allows more upright posture.
Can you use a shoehorn with any type of shoe?
Yes. Shoehorns work with dress shoes, trainers, boots (for the initial heel entry), and loafers. They’re less useful for very flexible slip-ons that have no heel counter to guide.
Is a retractable shoehorn as sturdy as a fixed one?
A well-made retractable shoehorn in stainless steel, like the Glyde, is as sturdy as a fixed one when extended. The mechanism locks the handle in the extended position, so it doesn’t flex or collapse under normal use.