Recently Hollywood and the fashion industry has been abuzz with word of the latest fashion crime to appear on celebrities feet; the shower sandal. Made famous by the now infamous Adidas sandals that made their way into most people’s closets as a way to protect feet from locker-room floors over a decade ago, these nostalgic sandals are now making a big comeback in what’s being termed the ‘ugly-pretty’ market. Recently, high fashion shoe wear designers such as Celine and Chloe have revealed versions costing triple digits for the now infamous loungewear, which making its way into numerous celeb Instagrams and even a few red carpets (both with and without socks as well).
While it is our hope that this fad doesn’t make its way anywhere near the Annapolis and Crofton areas of Maryland, this does provide an excellent reminder of when old shoes (and even old styles such as shower sandals) should probably be thrown away and replaced. Old and worn shoes may aid to the development of overuse injuries, particularly those like stress fractures or tendinitis. These can be very painful conditions and may significantly set back your mobility and summer exercise routines, however, they are easily prevented by regular and proactive replacement of your shoe gear.
Many of my patients ask me how they should know when it is time to replace their summer running shoes. For active runners, the golden rule I tell all my patients at Crofton Podiatry is to replace your shoes around every 500 miles or earlier if you begin feeling pain in your feet, ankles, or knees with wear. For non-strictly running activities such as CrossFit, replacing your athletic shoes at least every 12 months should be adequate depending on how hard you train.
If you’re unsure about the age or use of your shoes, the easiest way to determine their remaining longevity is by looking at the sole of each shoe. Shoes that are near the end of their life will show significant wear in the tread, perhaps even to the point where the bottom of the shoe is no longer flat. If you see any of these signs, or are still unsure on how the wear on your shoes may be affecting your health, it is important you see a knowledgeable shoe specialist to evaluate if your shoes are best for you and your health.
By Brad Toll.