Forum: lifehacks.stackexchange.com
Tags: <substitute-tool><shoes>
Title: What can replace a shoehorn?
Question: The title says it all... I need something to use instead of a shoehorn.  I tried a spoon but this does not work well.

Answers:
sents: text: Inspired by this post, I tried using some cardboard from a box of pasta.
text: It worked pretty well.
text: I don't think it will last forever, but there is plenty more cardboard produced through normal purchases.
text: Fold the box flat by open the ends.
text: Mold the box into a curved shape similar to that of a shoehorn. Insert into shoe, and your foot should slide in to the shoe.
text: I think a box of macaroni might work best based on the width; something around 3-4 inches is ideal.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/2431/Minnow
score: 10
sents: text: In general most items which are reasonable flat and narrow can be used as replacements for a shoehorn.
text: Items like rulers, a suitable stick, large wooden spoons, or similar items.
text: If you are in a real pinch, you could use other kitchen utensils, like pie cutter, sausage tongs.
text: Anything long and flat could do.
text: On an alternative approach, you could try using your belt.
text: It is not as sturdy, but usually they are easily found and accessible.
text: Just insert the belt end into the shoe, and use as normal.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/4490/holroy
score: 6
sents: text: After you finish your yogurt (or pint of ice cream), cut the plastic container vertically into a medium-wide strip and trim off the bottom.
text: Bend the strip lengthwise to fit into the heel of the shoe.
text: A dollar-bill sized strip of polypropylene (PP) will lay flat on a closet shelf patiently waiting for your next application.
text: It will fit into your hip pocket, wallet, or bag.
text: It works wet or dry, and can be used for other things that a bobby pin can't.
text: It's one of a few great MacGyvers* to have with you.
text: *MacGyver is a different kind of hero: he doesn't use weapons, he's afraid of heights, and he's an expert at making complicated machines out of ordinary things quickly.
text: http://www.tv.com/shows/macgyver/
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/4698/Stan
score: 3
sents: text: I use about 6-8 Business Cards -- right size and shoes slide on.
text: Generally have that many in my wallet...
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/20043/dean
score: 3
sents: text: A plastic bag can be used.
text: Just fold it lengthwise till it's about the inside width of the heel, place it in position while holding one end and slide foot into shoe.
text: It's easy and it does work.
text: Cheers.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/23776/Farmer Brown
score: 2
sents: text: I use a piece of letter paper, fold it in half a couple times to the shape of a shoe horn and it works very well.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/17164/paul
score: 1
sents: text: I would cut a plastic bottle of the correct size / shape
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/15377/paparazzo
score: 1
sents: text: B"HHey, I'm new here and have been using a Credit Card as a shoe-horn for years.
text: I just came online to see where I can share the info... and did a search - and this thread came up.
text: A credit card works like a GEM as a shoe horn.
text: Just make sure to position in on the inside corner of your shoe/foot.
text: In lieu of a CC - for not-so-tight shoes - use a regular business card.
text: Best, - Chayim
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/23743/Chayim B. Alevsky
score: 1
sents: text: I have resorted to pens for this often in the past and found they worked about as well as fingers, minus the pain.
text: Try carrying a pen or having some pens by your door.
text: You can also try two pens, or add a finger next to the pen if needed.
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/25212/Tsokei Fascinth
score: 0
sents: text: I can’t believe no one has mentioned using a toilet paper roll.
text: After you finish that next roll of toilet paper, don’t throw away the cardboard roll,;..
text: Just slice it in half and now you have two shoe horns!!
text: Brilliant
answer_details: author: lifehacks.stackexchange.com/users/26043/user26043
score: 0

Summary of the answers:
There are a whole range of items that you can use instead of a shoehorn. Cardboard, such as from food packaging or old toilet rolls are a good choice. Similarly, you could consider using business cards or a credit card. Other options include cutting up a plastic bottle or yoghurt pot, using folded up letter paper or using a plastic bag.
The options are to use cardboard from a pasta box, any flat narrow object such as a ruler or your belt, a strip of plastic cut from a yoghurt container or bottle, a stack of business cards, a plastic bag, a folded sheet of paper, a business card or a toilet roll cut in half.