I just had a hip replacement - I had had most of the rehab gear because I had been quite limited before the surgery.  A long shoe horn was recommended, and there had been times it would have come in handy getting on winter boots).  Well, I wear open-back shoes, so I haven't used it for shoes -

BUT there are other uses:  Get socks off.  Loop the hanging end into both long and short pants to get them on one leg at a time - this works better than the "grabbers" as you have more control over getting the lower opening where you want it.

The material it is made of is smooth and just supple enough.  Length is good.  Good purchase.