As the year draws to a close, there are many customs worldwide for saying goodbye to the old before ushering in the new. In Japan, the ringing of 108 bells dispels evil desires in people and cleanse the old year of sins. In Denmark, friends and neighbors throw plates at each other’s doors, symbolizing leaving behind all ill will. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we think our Middlesex County patients should consider an end-of-year ritual to benefit their feet: cleaning out the shoe closet.

Here are some questions to ask to help decide which footwear to keep and which to toss:

Have shoes surpassed their expected lifespan? Stretched out heel counters, flattened arch supports, holes or rips in the toe box, worn soles—these are all signs it’s time to replace a pair of shoes. Continuing to wear shoes with these types of issues can seriously harm your feet. Arch and heel pain, for example, commonly develop if arch support is lacking. It’s easy to trip and sustain a sprain or fracture if shoes are too loose on the feet.

Is the style harmful to your feet? Okay, they may look amazing, but those high, spiky heels with pointy toes pose a significant threat to your podiatric health. These types of shoes force feet forward and squeeze toes together. It can speed the development of bunions, hammertoes, and other toe deformities. It also increases your risk for ingrown toenails. It’s best to look for stylish substitutes with lower heels and wider toe boxes. If you absolutely can’t part with them, at least resolve only to wear them for short periods of time.

Are fitness shoes and sneakers designed for your current activities? If you bought tennis shoes a few years ago but have switched to running as your regular exercise it’s not okay to use the same shoes. Today, athletic footwear is sport-specific in its design, with features that protect your feet during movements associated with the sport. Exercise shoes also have a life span. In general walking and running shoes, should be replaced every 300-500 miles, regardless of their physical appearance, because interior components break down.

Do these shoes hurt your feet? At the end of the day, regardless of style or age, if shoes hurt your feet you shouldn’t wear them! If you need footwear recommendations for styles to accommodate a chronic or new foot problem, contact our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas,  at our Cromwell office (860-632-5499) to arrange a consultation.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416