When is a pair of shoes worn out? When should I replace them?
Sometimes it can be obvious when a shoe is dead, such as when the upper physically detaches from the sole. Most of the time the warning signs are much more subtle. Depending on one’s level of physical activity, and the quality of the shoe, this may mean replacement every 2-3 months, 6 months, or longer. If a shoe is worn out, then it is worn out. If it is not suitable for athletic use it is not suitable for daily wear. If it is not suitable for athletic or daily use it is not suitable for mucking around in the yard, garden, or mud. When a shoe is worn out throw it away.
Signs a pair of shoes are worn out:
• If they are no longer as comfortable as they once were.
• If you have new unexplained aches or pain in your feet.
• If there are persistent injuries. When shoes are worn out, they no longer provide as much support or cushioning.
• If you start getting blisters or hot spots with the shoes and previously you did not.
• If the outsole is worn down to the level of the midsole.
• If the midsole is packed out. When the foam is packed out it is compressed and no longer rebounds, expands, or cushions. This is observed when there is an indentation, a depression, in the midsole under the ball of the foot, or when the foam beneath the heel is compressed on one side or the other.
• If the heel counter is significantly tilted to one side or the there. The heel counter grabs the heels and helps couple the foot to the support in the shoe. When the heel counter is tilted inward it no longer protects the foot against pronation and eversion. When the heel counter is tilted the opposite direction, outward, it no longer protects the foot again supination and inversion.
• If the forefoot portion of the upper is falling off or overlapping either the inner or outer sides of the midsole
• Place the shoes on a flat even surface. If they tilt to one side or wobble, they are demonstrating uneven wear. This asymmetric wear tilts your feet out of alignment. This may also be adversely affecting one’s balance.
• If the shoe is no longer providing the benefit or function it was originally purchased to perform.
• If the foam inside the heel counter is worn through and rough edges are rubbing on the back of your heel.
In closing, let me emphasize, if a shoe is worn out, then it is worn out. If it is not suitable for athletic use it is not suitable for daily wear. If it is not suitable for athletic or daily use it is not suitable for mucking around in the yard, garden, or mud. When a shoe is worn out throw it away.
