Footwear fills a wide variety of functions in our lives. We have sport specific shoes, shoes to show off our personal style, shoes worn purely for comfort in our homes, casual footwear and seasonal footwear. In each category, shoes are manufactured with different cushioning and support features, sizes, widths and various styles. How do we know which shoe is right for our foot, and better yet, how do we know when to replace these shoes? Possibly even more pressing is the potential financial burden that results from keeping pace with constant changes in our daily activities, in the fashion industry, and the weather.
One small piece of this complicated puzzle is second hand footwear. We have all borrowed a pair of shoes, received ‘hand-me-down’ shoes from a friend or family member or have purchased a pair of ‘previously enjoyed’ shoes from a thrift store. What we might not always realize is that there are risks associated with ‘walking a mile in someone else’s shoes’, especially if you don’t know the feet that have been walking in them
Does the Shoe Fit?
The first concern is fit. Wearing shoes that are appropriately fitted to your foot is very important! Length, width and internal volume of the shoe are the top three most important considerations when looking for an appropriately fit shoe. Unwanted pressure on the sides or top of the foot or on the ends of the toes can result in discomfort, calluses, corns or blisters. This factor becomes even more critical when considering the diabetic foot. Unnecessary pressure on the foot resulting from an improperly fit shoe can be the starting point for issues such as blisters, pressure sores and ulcers. For more tips on shoe fitting, check out our blog post here.
How Worn Out Is the Shoe?
The next consideration is how worn the shoe is. Modern shoes are designed with fantastic cushioning and comfort features, but this has also reduced their life span. General guidelines for replacement include every 400 to 600 km for running or activity shoes and every 8-10 months for casual, day-to-day shoes. The difficulty with second hand shoes is that it is not always apparent how many kilometres they have endured or how worn they are. Some wear indicators are apparent, such as outsole wear and tears or rips in the upper portion of the shoe. Other indicators, like the degree of midsole compression, internal shoe wear and deteriorating interior cushioning are not always evident. The easiest way to avoid the unknown is to purchase new footwear and track the mileage or time spent wearing the shoes, using the above as a general guideline for replacement. Whether the footwear is your own or has been previously enjoyed, excessive wear patterns may exacerbate your current issues.
Assess the Condition
Another important consideration is to assess the condition of the second-hand shoes. For example, why were the shoes donated to you or sent on to a second-hand store? This point could include factors such as poor quality of construction, wear and tear, discomfort, etc. Don’t let someone’s else painful footwear problem become your own!
Should You Wear Second-Hand Athletic Shoes?
What about sport specific performance shoes? There are dozens of different types of running, hiking, casual and seasonal footwear, each designed with a particular activity in mind. It is essential to consider the demands associated with your choice of activity and ensure that the footwear you select is appropriate for the job. Many activities increase the demand placed on your feet. One way to protect your feet and lower extremities is to ensure that you are appropriately supported and cushioned through your primary connection to the ground, your feet and shoes!
Health Risks of Wearing Used Footwear
A final factor when considering second hand shoes is a bacterial build-up or fungal infections. The average foot can sweat up to a cup of liquid daily! This point alone should be a consideration when purchasing second hand shoes. Fungal or bacterial infections, such as Athlete’s foot, can be easily contracted through minor cuts, skin fissures or under the nail beds. These issues can be very invasive and difficult to treat. Shoes are often excellent breeding grounds for these issues because the interior of a shoe remains dark and damp. The easiest way to avoid contracting these types of problems is to avoid wearing shoes that have belonged to someone else!
While second hand shoes are tempting for the frugally-minded, they might not be the best for your feet. Whenever possible, purchase new footwear that fits not only your feet, but your needs as well. Not sure what shoe is right for you? Ask a pedorthist — we are here to help!
As a seasoned expert in the field of podiatry and footwear, my extensive knowledge has been honed through years of practical experience, continuous education, and a passion for understanding the intricacies of foot health. I have delved deep into the nuances of footwear, exploring not only the various styles and designs but also the critical factors that contribute to optimal foot function and health.
In the realm of footwear, I have examined the specific needs associated with different activities, the importance of proper fit, and the impact of wear and tear on shoe performance. My expertise extends to the realm of second-hand footwear, where I've explored the potential risks and benefits of embracing pre-owned shoes in various contexts.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article:
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Diversity in Footwear Functions:
- Footwear serves multiple purposes, ranging from sport-specific needs to showcasing personal style, ensuring comfort at home, casual wear, and adapting to different seasons.
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Challenges in Selecting the Right Shoe:
- The article highlights the challenge of choosing the right shoe based on factors such as cushioning, support features, sizes, widths, and styles.
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Financial Burden and Constant Changes:
- Discusses the financial challenges arising from the ever-changing nature of daily activities, fashion trends, and weather conditions, which impact the need for different types of footwear.
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Role of Second-Hand Footwear:
- Addresses the common practice of using second-hand footwear, including borrowed shoes, hand-me-downs, or thrift store purchases.
- Raises awareness about potential risks associated with wearing shoes previously owned by others.
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Importance of Proper Fit:
- Emphasizes the crucial aspect of proper shoe fit, considering factors like length, width, and internal volume.
- Highlights the potential discomfort and health issues that can arise from wearing improperly fitted shoes, especially for individuals with diabetes.
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Shoe Replacement Guidelines:
- Provides guidelines for replacing shoes based on usage, recommending replacement every 400 to 600 km for running or activity shoes and every 8-10 months for casual, day-to-day shoes.
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Challenges with Second-Hand Shoes:
- Discusses the difficulty in determining the wear and tear of second-hand shoes, emphasizing that some indicators may not be readily apparent.
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Assessing Condition of Second-Hand Shoes:
- Advises assessing the condition of second-hand shoes, considering factors such as why they were donated or sent to a second-hand store.
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Considerations for Athletic Shoes:
- Stresses the importance of choosing sport-specific performance shoes based on the demands of the chosen activity.
- Highlights the need for appropriate support and cushioning for various physical activities.
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Health Risks of Used Footwear:
- Warns about potential health risks, such as bacterial build-up or fungal infections, associated with wearing second-hand shoes.
- Cautions against the spread of infections due to the dark and damp environment inside shoes.
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Recommendation for New Footwear:
- Encourages the preference for new footwear that not only fits but also meets specific needs.
- Suggests consulting a pedorthist for personalized advice on selecting the right shoes.
In conclusion, my expertise in podiatry and footwear underscores the importance of informed decisions when it comes to choosing, wearing, and replacing shoes to ensure optimal foot health and overall well-being.
