A shoehorse or shoehorn is a tool with a short or long handle that flares into a longer spoon-like head meant to be held against the inside back of a snug-fitting shoe so that a person can slide the heel easily along its basin to the inner sole. Shoehorns have the same basic shape, but the length or strength of the handle varies. Long handled shoehorns are necessary for longer boots, while shoehorns with sturdy handles are useful for putting on boots or heavy iron shoes. They are sometimes used by people who, because of less flexible joints, wish to reduce straining or bending.