Before zippers, Velcro, or elastic shoes, getting dressed often required clever tools — one of which was the button hook and shoe fastener. This tool was widely used in the late 1800s through the early 20th century.
What It Is
A button hook designed to fasten shoes, boots, gloves, and other garments with small, hard-to-grasp buttons.
The tool typically features:
A metal hook that slides through buttonholes, catches the button, and pulls it through.
A grip (often red plastic, Bakelite, or wood) to hold and control the tool comfortably.
