Each year 2.8 million people are treated for injuries relating to falling, according to the CDC. 300,000 people age 65 and older are hospitalized for fractures regarding the hip every year. As people get older, they begin to fall and injure themselves more often. The CDC, also, reports that 95% of hip fractures are caused by something as simple as a fall. After an injury which is detrimental to your health (as in a hip fracture or injuries relating to the joints), you need all the help you can get when trying to get your shoes on.

With a long-handled shoehorn that's between 18 and 30 inches, you can minimize the risk of injuring yourself further while putting your footwear on. Shoes can be put on from a standing position while barely moving your joints, and this can help to minimize any injuries you have or minimize any movement, altogether.

The effects of long-handled shoehorns and how they are connected to the hip range of motion has been significantly studied. A study published in 2008 by The University of Toledo studied 38 patients that were mobility impaired in the age range of 21 - 47. In the study, they determined that the longer the shoehorn, the less amount of hip flexion was used, and this meant that the least amount of movement was used to put footwear on. The 18-inch shoehorn showed a slight amount of hip flexion and rotation. The 24- and- the- 30-inch shoehorns showed little-to-none hip flexion and rotation, whatsoever. This proved that the longer the shoehorn, the better it is for the joints and hips.

The long-handled shoehorns are ideal for the elderly, as it reduces the amount of movement needed to put footwear on; that is, the longer, the better. People suffering from Arthritis or who have just had Arthroscopy would greatly benefit from a longer shoehorn.

A strong, durable shoehorn is invaluable. You have the pressure of your foot onto the shoehorn, and you don't want it to break or bend in any way while you're trying to get your shoes on.

Materials to look out for:

Materials to avoid:

The material of the shoehorn is an important feature. If you need the shoehorn to be lightweight (so, that it's ideal for traveling or tucking away for storage), it needs to be smooth enough that it gets feet into footwear, as easily as possible.

While this type of gadget is extremely simple in its design, yet still providing a huge number of people with a tool they use daily, making their light extremely easier, there are a few advanced options you can look for in your next shoe horn, making it even more practical, versatile, or just a much prettier object you can show off.

One of the best things you can look for in your next purchase is a storage solution. There is a number of people who will want to keep their horn in the hallway where they get dressed, so a design with a simple hole that allows hanging it up can be a great feature. Not only will it prevent you from losing and having to look for the thing when you’re in a hurry to get out the door, but it can also show it off, in case you opted for a fancy design.

Alternatively, you can go with comfort features, including nylon, rope and leather handles that make the whole putting on experience much easier on your hands. While metal in the horn itself is a great choice thanks to its durability and rigidity, it may cut into your hands, which is why a bit of padding can’t hurt. Again, if done correctly, this can provide for some beautiful designs, giving you a product that’s not only highly practical but also looks fancy.

Last but not least, you may want to opt for a whole set, ideally with a pouch that will allow you to store and carry your shoehorn with you. These types of products are ideal for travelers, but can also make a great gif for a lover of quality leather loafers.

A shoe horn is not a product you often purchase, which is why even a slightly larger cost should usually be OK. However, when shopping, whether in a brick and mortar store or online, you should pay attention to the quality of the make, as you do not want the horn to bend or break mid-use. Not only will this make it harder for you to finish getting ready, but it can also lead to injury which you want to avoid at all costs.

We've already written about the materials you should look out for, but another thing you might need to consider is user reviews. Are there any issues that keep getting reported? If yes, then it may be better to move on from that particular product and look into something more worth the investment. After all, a good tool should last a lifetime, and may even be passed on from generation to generation. Why waste time with subpar products?

If you're looking for more than just a simple aid to help you put your shoes on, you may want to consider the design of your shoehorn, and whether it can be customized.

Since the invention of this prop, it was made with a number of luxurious materials including ivory, shell silver and bone, and many families showed off theirs with pride, often engraving or embellishing it with writing or family crests. If you're purchasing as a gift, you may want to consider getting a model that can be engraved or customized, for a more personalized feel.

Not only will it increase the sentimental value of the item, but it will also make it more beautiful and likely to be shown off. Do note, however, that some models already have engraved logos or lettering, which will make them unsuitable for this type of customization.