The Internet Is Baffled by This Strange Object—It’s a Shoe Horn! A shoe horn may seem odd today, but it’s a handy tool with a long history. Dating back to the 15th century, early shoe horns were made from horn, bone, or wood to help people slide their feet into shoes without damaging the heel. Over time, materials evolved—metal during the industrial age, and later, plastic made them cheaper and more common.

Some even became luxury items, crafted from silver with ornate designs. Shoe horns come in different sizes: short versions for travel, and long-handled ones ideal for those with limited mobility.

Beyond practicality, vintage shoe horns are now collector’s items, valued for their craftsmanship and design.