Yes, Your Shoes DO Have a Shelf Life!

No one is saying you need a practical reason to update your shoe wardrobe. After all, everyone is allowed a change, especially as spring rolls around, and donning a fresh pair of shoes can lift the spirits like nothing else! But just in case you do need some extra incentive to purchase some new footwear, read on!

Work horses

Our feet and shoes are our body’s work horses. They carry our weight, assist with balance, protect our skin and toes, and cushion our bones from jolts and jars. Our feet can only do this if our footwear is up to the task. Sadly, this is often not the case, because shoes age. What’s more, if they’re quality shoes, we may not even be aware they need replacing until we take a closer look.

Test time

If you’re experiencing problems with your feet, be sure to make an appointment with a chiropodist or podiatrist (it will be money well spent). But if you want to conduct a simple footwear test at home, start by checking the tread of your shoes. Is there still enough to provide grip, or are soles well-worn down? Press your thumb against the inner soles. If the shoes are designed for comfort rather than fashion, is there still some bounce-back in the cushioning? Is the sole lifting in any areas – if it is, that’s a tripping hazard! Inspect your shoes for cracks, wrinkles, tears, loose threads, and staining.

Changing feet, changing shoes

Even when footwear hasn’t worn out, there are other (very) important reasons why you may need to update. As we grow older, mobility can become as issue. Where, once, we could easily reach down to tie a lace or pull on a strap, we may now need to consider an easier way to fasten our footwear, or a completely different style – perhaps one which allows us to slip more easily into the shoe. If we don’t make the change, the temptation is to forget the fit, and trample down the heel – a recipe for falls. Balance can decline as we age, and a shoe that once made us feel confident may now be a worry when it comes to steps and stairs, and treading on uneven surfaces. The shape of our feet can also change in our senior years. Shoes that once fitted well, may now be too loose or tight, and not offer the support they once did.

Looking good!

While safety comes first, we need to give ourselves permission to update our footwear wardrobe, for the simple reason that fashion is one of life’s pleasures! So take a look at your shoe shelf, and say ‘sayonara’ to footwear you haven’t worn in (quite possibly) decades! New season footwear has never been more exciting. And if you’re into the continental look, the French have it!

Classic loafers are always loveable, and with darling details such as top-stitching, tassels, and texture, styles are so individual! Casuals, whether they’re sandals or sneakers, add a touch of flair to everyday outings, and if you’re heading to a function, pumps (flats or slingbacks) can provide comfort while also dressing up an existing outfit. Although we love to emulate the French when it comes to fashion, we do have to consider our Kiwi climate, so if you’re updating your footwear, don’t forget those essential ankle boots. While we may be hoping for sunshine, come spring, the days of rain have a way of continuing, whatever the season!

Use the last of the cooler months to take stock of your footwear, and enjoy replacing a few pairs with what the new season has on offer!