How Often Should You Buy Shoes?

Though some societies allow their citizens to go barefoot, most expect their people to wear shoes. Consequently, the majority of us will find ourselves shopping for footwear from time to time. How often we shop for shoes can depend on the individual. Some folks love shoes and fill their closets full, while others wear their shoes to the point where they practically fall on their feet. But if you wear worn shoes too long, they can harm your feet by causing calluses, blisters, fungi, or corns. Your soles may go flat without proper arch support. So how often should you buy new shoes?

1. Buy new athletic footwear every season.

As a general rule, most athletes prefer to get new shoes each year. This is because the old ones can get run down, lose support, and fail to protect feet properly. Frequent walkers or joggers who run daily should replace their shoes every three to six months, even if the shoe looks to be in good condition, as their structure can soften and fail to mold to the foot as originally intended by the manufacturer.

2. Buy new dress shoes when the old ones start looking bad.

If your church or dress shoes start getting a worn, faded, stained, or wrinkled appearance, it’s probably time for a new pair. You may be able to remove scuffs or a dingy look with polish or conditioner, but scratches or other types of blemishes may turn out to be permanent, and you don’t want to dress in your best only to have people notice your bedraggled shoes.

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3. Buy new work shoes when they start getting run down.

A worn heel, fallen arch support, or torn lining may be indicators that you need new shoes. Any of these things can cause the shoe to wear differently than before, and you may end up with sore feet or ankles. In fact, ill-fitting shoes can lead to knee and back problems. So when you notice that your shoes feel differently, even if it’s not an unpleasant sensation at first, it may be time for a change.

4. Buy new slippers when the old ones get frayed or lose their effectiveness.

House slippers often have a bottom grip that helps the walker avoid slipping on a wooden floor. Once the tread starts to wear out, you are in danger of slipping and falling. Frayed slippers, perhaps chewed by a pet or unraveling from a loose thread, may pose another type of tripping risk. Check your slippers periodically to be sure they continue to offer save usage in the house.

5. You may be able to avoid buying new shoes by having the old ones repaired.

A torn sole can be replaced, as can a worn heel. Zippers, laces, and Velcro straps likewise can be fixed by an expert shoe repair person. Insoles will make the inside of your shoe wearable again. Dying the leather part of the shoe can result in footwear that looks brand new. However, costs for such repairs can be higher than a new pair of shoes, so get a price estimate first.

New shoe purchases should be planned as part of a clothing budget each year. Don’t buy on impulse; instead, decide ahead of time what your new purchase criteria will be and stick with them.

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