Kirby Allison's Hanger Project has a couple of new product arrivals this week, among them the 10" shoe horn in the photo. Named Mortimer for no obvious reason and made from buffalo horn without harming any buffalos, it's priced at $15.
This matters as quality shoes conform tightly to a man's foot and a shoe horn is a necessity if they are to be donned without crushing the heel counter, permanently damaging an asset that should otherwise last for decades. The time to acquire a supply is when a man is beginning to build his shoe wardrobe, for he needs a horn everywhere he is likely to be putting his shoes on (including his automobile, because in my experience romantic interludes do not routinely occur in locations stocked with shoe horns). Gym, luggage, dressing room, and office are the more obvious places to stash them.
Now shoe horns come in all kinds of materials, from wood to steel to plastic, but they are called horns. That's because horn is the top of the shoe horn pyramid, being a natural material that looks good and doesn't leave splinters in the foot. The other materials may cost less, and in fact certain plastic ones printed with advertising slogans may even be free. But you, dear reader, are better than that.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Maintenance: Shoe Horns
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10 comments:
I love the dry wit in this post Will. That's a great tip about keeping horns in various locations. As a user of a horn (hand crafted polished stainless steel), I'm surprised it never occurred to me to keep more than one.
I keep them everywhere. Office desk drawer so I can kick off my shoes after lunch and relax. As well as every other place you can think of. Picked up a Berluti shoe horn in London made oout of leather. It is my favorite.
Great post, Will. I have a few horns laying around the house and the office, but perhaps I should start gifting them to the people for whom I often remove my shoes..
My first shoe horn was a gift from my mother about 54 years ago. It was horn, and sadly broke during use a couple of years ago. Perhaps finally dried out like its owner. They certainly are indispensable, particularly for properly fitting loafers and oxfords that just can’t be put on right without one.
Arthritis has made the shorter varieties no longer viable. My current go-to horn is at least 12 inches. While I like nice things, I can also take pleasure in simple functionality and frugality. It’s solid cream colored plastic, made in Japan, very well formed for it purpose and cost $1.79 when purchased at a delightful throwback 1950’s style department store that still exists in northern Vermont.
To Tim,
Colonel Littleton has a cane variety that is about 2 feet long. It is attractive easy to use by everyone and a luxury to have. I encountered it at Duffey's in Atlanta. Then I remebered where I first saw it.
If anyone else wants to check it out go to www.colonellittleton.com They have some really good hand crafted items: leather, wood, cases, totes, travel bags, campaign gear, and mementos. Not the cheapest source but an excellent place to pick up many hand crafted things.
Here is the link Tim: http://www.colonellittleton.com/?p=products&f=prod&cat=91&id=ss1.
Enjoy,
S. Otto
The Four Seasons provides two foot shoe horns in their rooms. At least, the one in Las Vegas does. After using it, I had to go out and get a couple for the house. What a joy they are to use. Now, if anyone is reading this who works at the Ritz-Carlton here in San Francisco, you would be best to provide them, as well. You have to keep up.
Hey, Guys. Glad you like this shoe horn. Like Will, I am a closet shoe fanatic. I love my shoes. I have tons of them. And, like Will said, shoe horns are SO IMPORTANT to keeping shoes looking nice. I cannot even get most pairs on without a shoe horn. I have them everywhere--one in every piece of luggage (especially carry-on), my briefcase, and one at every place I might be putting my shoes on (on my coffee table, near my closet, in my bedroom, etc.).
There are three things that really struck me when I saw our first prototype of this horn: (1) the large bottom cusp wraps around your ENTIRE heal; (2) the material is thin enough that it doesn't disrupt the fit; and (3) the balance of the shoe horn makes it feel so nice in your hand.
I love these shoe horns, and I'm sure you all will, too. Please offer your feedback if you get a chance to use any.
Cheers,
Kirby
Kirby Allison's Hanger Project
Will, you could have written, "in the car, for those romantic barefoot strolls on the beach" and remained the absolute gentleman. :)
I have a folding one that I keep in my briefcase for use when going through security lines or flying overnight. It has gotten flagged in the x-rays, and I have to explain it. But it came with some pair of shoes long gone and I keep it in my bag so I have a horn always nearby.
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