Is it Time for New Shoes?

Ever had that “go-to” pair of shoes? There are so many reasons to keep them: “They go with everything. They are my only pair of work shoes. I spent a lot on them.” But at some point, you’ve got to ask yourself, “Is it time for new shoes?”

From a podiatry standpoint, the reason to buy new shoes is because old shoes can pose problems for your feet. They become less supportive and stable, they tread on the bottom of the shoes can wear out, and bacterial growth can rot the shoes. It can cause foot odor, affect the way you walk, cause muscle tissue strain, and/or give you pain from your feet, up to your lower back.

What are signs that you should get rid of your old shoes?

• Rot, rips, tears, or flapping soles. While some shoes are repairable, some get to the point of beyond repair. This is the time to either frame them or throw them away.
• Worn out outer sole. Look at the bottom of the shoe. Are they very scuffed? Are they supposed to have tread to keep you from slipping or to help you grip rough terrain? If that tread is gone or if the sole is worn to the point of showing the inner sole, it’s time to get new shoes.
• Worn down inner sole. The inner sole should have cushion. If there is no cushioning left when you press into the shoe, the supportive feature is gone. If the inner lining is wearing down and disintegrating, it’s time to get a new insole or orthotic insert. If the inner sole does not have padding, you lose out on impact absorption to prevent foot, ankle, leg, and back pain from walking or running.
• Collapsed midsole or arch. The shoe should not be able to fully fold in half or completely twist along the mid part. This means the midsole is worn out and will not support your feel properly. Arches should have padding, especially if you are flatfooted or have other arch related problems. If the padding is reduced, you’ll lose the supportive feature in the arch.

Do you have pain and soreness after walking in your old shoes? It could mean that you need more supportive shoes as your feet are probably working harder to make up for the lack of support in the shoes. Orthotic inserts can help for a while, but eventually, shoes have an expiration date, especially if you tend to wear them often. Some people can develop foot problems from wearing non-supportive shoes. If you have questions or concerns regarding your footwear, make an appointment today at Alamitos-Seal Beach Podiatry Group. One of our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Douglas H. Richie, Dr. Jeremy L. Cook, Dr. Faye E. Izadi are ready to assess your foot care needs and get you in the right shoes or inserts to keep your feet happy and healthy. We are happy to assist you at either of our Seal Beach, CA and Los Alamitos, CA offices in Orange County.