Say Goodbye to Worn Out Shoes
As we get ready to say farewell to 2021, we at Goldsmith Podiatry have a suggestion for our Manhattan patients. Say goodbye to old shoes as well. Shoes have a lifespan (usually 300-500 miles), and wearing shoes past their prime can result in foot pain and injuries. Take an inventory of your shoe wardrobe and use the guidelines below to decide which shoes you need to replace.
You can’t remember when you bought them. Sometimes shoes may look fine outside, but the interior components have deteriorated. If you have a pair of shoes that you find extremely comfortable and have had them for a while, we’re not saying you should automatically toss them but consider the other signs below to know if they are still functioning optimally. As you purchase new shoes, consider keeping a list in your closet that records shoes with the date of purchase.
There are obvious signs of wear. Shoes that have holes in the uppers or the soles have to go. Damaged footwear not only exposes your feet to the elements it can become a tripping hazard as well. Ditto for shoes whose heel counters have stretched to the point that your feet easily slip out the back of the shoe.
The tread is severely worn. Turn your shoes over and look at the tread or sole. Is it difficult to even see any pattern that was there? Whether it’s an athletic shoe or a dress shoe, do you notice more wear on one part of the shoe than another? Uneven wear can lead to foot pain. It may also be a sign of a biomechanical problem with your feet. It’s a good idea to discuss with our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff. Bring the shoes with uneven wear to your next appointment.
The insole cushioning no longer seems very cushiony. Does it seem as if you can feel every pebble on your path when walking in a particular pair of shoes? Over time the padding in the insoles and heel cups of your shoes can get compacted, which decreases the amount of support a shoe provides and can lead to heel pain and other issues.
Your feet hurt when you wear them. It is a significant indicator of shoe demise, mainly if it’s a pair that has been comfortable in the past. When wearing your athletic footwear, you should also be alert to new aches and pains after exercise. Never ignore foot pain. If changing shoes doesn’t make a difference, make an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002.