How To Tell If Your Shoes Are Worn Out

How many times have we wondered if our shoe has worn out or if it has a few more runs remaining? We have all been in a dilemma if our shoe has genuinely worn out or not. Well, wearing and using a worn out shoe could cause a lot of damage and even injury. So the question is, how and when do you decide that your shoe has worn out and is time for it to be replaced? Here are a few tips:

Always remember that compressed midsoles are a clear indication that your shoes have worn out and it is time to buy new shoes. Most running shoes wear out near the midsoles because of the pressure points in the shoe, so you are either going to be putting too much pressure on your heel or on your toes. This could easily lead to an injury.

It is normally suggested that you use your shoe for about 300 – 350 miles before you change them. Beyond this, you are bound to be risking an injury. The easiest way to know you have crossed the mileage is when you start feeling sore in your foot after an hour or so of using them. Make it a point to check the inside of the shoe for wrinkles too, it’s an easy give away to know if its time you changed your shoes.

You can also measure the amount the shoe has worked by looking at the heel of the shoe. If you are looking at a formal shoe, the bottom sole is bound to be soiled and eroded over use because of friction. This will give you a clear indication about the wear and tear of the shoe and when you need to replace it. You can place it on a flat surface and look at it from the back. If it is overused, you would be able to see the shoe tilting towards one side.

If you are looking at running shoes, an easy way to understand its wear and tear is the stitching on the shoe. The more you use the shoe the looser the stitching becomes, when you find it too loose, realise that it is time you went shoe shopping!

If you use a shoe to work about 3 to four times a week, as a general thumb rule, it should be worn out in about a year. Keep this as your benchmark so that you do not continue using a worn out shoe. Using a worn out shoe could easily cause you an injury via a slip or a fall. Always ensure the soles of your shoe are rugged enough to give you good enough grip for a brisk walk.