Get on the Horn

Like a proper raincoat or a comb, it's entirely possible you don't own a shoe horn. After all, some things just seem old fashioned and superfluous. But in actuality, a shoe horn is a small luxury that's anything but unnecessary. After shoe trees and a good polish, using a shoe horn is one of the best ways of preserving your shoes.  Stomping a heel onto the back of your shoes crushes the counter (the vertical portion of the shoe wrapping around the back of the foot) and thus, shortens the lifespan of your footwear. Alden's elegantly masculine version is crafted from bone,  with a simple leather strap—making it not just a useful tool, but a handsome piece for your closet as well. Once only available with the purchase of a pair of Aldens, they're now available at finer shoe shops and well-stocked men's boutiques.

$40, at Blackbird