Taking their name from the horns of animals, shoe horns—also spelled "shoehorns"—originated in the 15th century, a time when shoes were luxury goods custom made to fit tightly around a customer's foot. This made shoes difficult to get on. The scoop shape found on the inside of horns was thus well suited to guiding a well-heeled heel into the expensive footwear of the day. Today, antique and vintage shoe horns are widely collected. Because...Continue Reading