Shoes are an important part of our everyday attire. They provide support and protection for our feet as we go about our daily activities. However, shoes do wear out over time and need to be replaced. But when is the right time to throw away an old pair of shoes and get a new pair? Here are some signs that indicate your shoes should be discarded and replaced.
Shoes are visibly worn out
The most obvious sign that it’s time to toss your shoes is when they look extremely worn out. Shoes that are visibly falling apart, with holes, tears or cracks in the soles, uppers or linings mean they can no longer provide the proper support and protection for your feet. Things to look out for include:
- Holes or tears in the upper material or lining that allow your socks or bare feet to show through
- Cracks across the sole or along the sides
- Losing soles that are peeling away from the upper
- Cleats or studs that are worn down significantly
- Rips along seams or fabric tears at stress points
If you can see your feet through the shoes when you’re wearing them, or if sections of the sole have peeled off completely, it’s definitely time to get rid of them. Hanging onto shoes that are falling apart puts you at risk of injury.
Soles are excessively worn down
Take a close look at the tread or bottoms of your shoes. When the soles become extremely thin and smooth from wear, they lose their ability to provide traction, shock absorption and support. Signs that the soles are worn out include:
- Less than 1/4 inch of sole thickness remaining
- No visible tread pattern left
- You can feel the ground easily through the soles
- Slippery, bald areas on bottom of soles
- Soles flex easily
Different types of shoes will show wear in different areas based on how your foot strikes the ground. For example, the heel is often the first part to wear down on athletic shoes. Sandals might wear down more evenly across the entire sole. Look for excessive wear in spots that normally don’t touch the ground, as that’s an indication of uneven support.
Pronounced creasing and wrinkling
With frequent use, the upper material of shoes will start to crease and wrinkle around the toe box, sides and wherever your foot bends. This is normal and expected. However, deep creases and wrinkles can mean the shoe is losing its structure and ability to provide stability and support. Things to look out for include:
- Upper sinking in or becoming misshapen
- Creases and wrinkles cracking or deteriorating the material
- Toe box collapsing and crunching when you walk
- Creases across vamp or quarters digging into your feet
Synthetic leather and mesh-type uppers are more prone to creasing than real leather. But any excessively folded or wrinkled areas likely mean the shoe has broken down and should be replaced. The collapsing toe box is also a sign the shoe is no longer offering adequate structural support.
Insoles are compressed or paper thin
Take out the shoe insoles and examine the cushioning. Insoles lose shock absorption and conform to your foot over time. Signs that insoles are worn out include:
- Less than 1/4 inch thickness remaining
- No cushioning or rebound when pressed down
- Compressed areas matching your foot’s contours
- Cracks or crumbling foam particles
- Dark stained areas from sweat
You can continue wearing shoes with flattened insoles. But this alters your gait and transfers pressure to other areas of the foot. Replacing worn out insoles restores cushioning and support. Aftermarket insoles also help extend the life of shoes.
Uncomfortable fit and feel
If your shoes are starting to feel uncomfortable when you wear them, it could be a sign of excessive wear and tear. Discomfort when wearing shoes can indicate:
- Lack of cushioning and shock absorption
- Poor support leading to foot fatigue
- Rubbing or blisters from loss of a secure fit
- Foot pain like arch or heel soreness
Even if there are no visible signs of damage, shoes that just don’t feel right anymore should be replaced. Don’t wait until discomfort turns into a full-blown injury before getting new shoes.
They smell disgusting
Shoes worn regularly without socks, like sneakers or flats, will build up foot odor and bacteria over time. No matter how much you clean or deodorize them, some shoes just seem to retain an unpleasant stench. Things that contribute to persistent stink include:
- Hidden spots where dirt and moisture accumulate
- Insoles or inserts holding onto odor
- Excessive sweat with frequent wear
- Bacteria growing in fabric or synthetic materials
At a certain point, it’s best to just get rid of smelly shoes and replace them with fresh ones. And next time, try to alternate pairs so they have time to fully dry out between wears.
Athletic shoes are causing injury
Athletic shoes are subject to plenty of abuse. The constant pounding they take while running or during sports leads to more rapid breakdown. Replace athletic shoes about every 300-500 miles for running shoes, sooner if you notice issues. Signs that athletic shoes need replacing include:
- Shin splints, heel pain, knee or back issues
- Feet turning inward or improper foot motion
- Lack of support leading to soreness or fatigue
- Frequent tripping or instability
Continuing to use worn out athletic shoes can increase your risk of strains, stress fractures and other injuries. Even if they still look ok, it’s best to replace them once they are no longer providing adequate motion control and impact absorption.
They’re cheap or poor quality shoes
Shoes made from low-grade materials will break down more quickly than well-made leather or synthetic shoes. Signs of poor construction include:
- Glued or bonded soles instead of stitched
- Thin, flimsy upper materials
- Minimal interior reinforcement
- Weak stitching or seams
- Lack of breathability and moisture wicking
Cheap shoes often start deteriorating after just a few months. Consider purchasing better quality shoes that will last longer if you find yourself frequently having to replace flimsy pairs. Or designate those shoes for limited wear.
They’re hand-me-downs or thrift store shoes
Used shoes that still have plenty of wear left in them can be great to pick up from thrift stores or family members. However, it can be tricky gauging how much life they have left. Signs used shoes should be discarded include:
- Visible holes, tears, cracking or excessive creasing
- Thin, compressed soles
- Collapsing toe box or misshapen upper
- Strong odor that doesn’t come out
- Athletic shoes with more than 300-500 miles of use
Try on used shoes and walk around before purchasing to check for noticeable wear and comfort issues. Also consider how much previous use they likely have when deciding if it’s worth the investment.
They don’t fit properly
Shoes that don’t fit quite right from the start can cause discomfort, rub painfully and even lead to injuries like blisters or bunions. Signs of poor fit include:
- Slipping up and down at heel
- Turning ankle inward or outward
- Cramped, pinched toes
- Upper digging into instep or sides of feet
- Toes hitting end of shoe when walking
Buying a new pair is worthwhile if your current shoes never felt like the right size or shape for your feet. Don’t try to make shoes work if they are clearly the wrong size or too narrow/wide for your feet.
You’re bored with them
Some people just like having a vast shoe wardrobe and constantly adding to it. There’s no rule that says you can’t get rid of shoes just because you feel like getting a new pair. Reasons to donate old shoes when bored include:
- Wanting a fresh new look for the season
- Needing different shoes for new activities or sports
- Discovering new styles, brands, or trends
- Special occasion coming up like a wedding or reunion
As long as the shoes are still in good condition, go ahead and Marie Kondo them guilt-free. Someone else can benefit from them, even if you’re done wearing that pair. You’ll gain closet space for new favorites.
Conclusion
Shoes don’t last forever. Signs like excessively worn tread, holes in the upper, lack of support, and foot discomfort all indicate it’s time to retire a pair. Constantly monitoring shoe wear helps you replace them at the right time before problems develop. Shoes are an investment worth making for foot health and comfort. So don’t jeopardize either one by holding onto shoes past their prime.