Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Time to Get New Shoes?

You may not realize it, but shoes have a lifespan. Depending on what they are used for and how often they are used, shoes may need to be replaced as often as every 3 to 4 months!

Why is it important to get new shoes?

Maybe it’s because you love to shop for and collect footwear, or maybe you’re an avid runner. Regardless of why you get new shoes, there is a good foot health reason for getting new shoes. Yes, there IS an actual excuse to go shoe shopping!

When you first purchase shoes, the material is usually rigid, there is plenty of cushioning on the insole, and the outer rubber sole provides a lot of traction. Over time, however, the materials can become softer and worn down. The insoles no longer support you the way they once did, and you might feel more impact with every step you take.

Worn down shoes can begin to cause you problems if you do not replace them (or at least remedy them with orthotic inserts). When shoes lose their supportive features, your feet have to strain to stabilize you as you walk or run. The repetitive and long-term strain on your feet or ankles can lead to painful issues such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Furthermore, if you keep wearing your favorite pair of shoes until they are falling apart, you could also be risking bacterial or fungal growth in the material, which can lead to foot odor or skin disease.

When should I get new shoes?

Look for some of these signs for the right time to replace shoes:

  • If shoes no longer feel snug on your feet, no matter how tightly you tie the shoelaces, they are probably losing structural support.
  • If you can no longer feel cushion in the inner soles, you need to get new shoes or add orthotic inserts.
  • If the tread on your shoes (especially hiking shoes) is reduced, and you seem to slip on dirt trails, you should get new shoes to prevent injury.
  • If the shoes no longer support your arches, allowing them to fall flat when you walk, it’s time to replace them.
  • If your heels slip around in your shoes, the heel cups are too worn down.

Remember to buy shoes that are comfortable and supportive when you try them on in the store. You shouldn’t rely on them to “break in” and get more comfortable later, as some materials do not allow for it.

Having trouble finding shoes that support your foot needs? Make an appointment by calling our office at (410) 721-4505 to consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. He can assess your feet and, if necessary, help you with custom orthotics. Come see our friendly podiatric team at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

Contact Us

Our Locations

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed