We’ve all got that one (or more) pair of old shoes that, in most people’s eyes, should be thrown out. Yet we like wearing them. They’re comfortable, they’re perfect for dirty jobs like gardening, and we’ve just grown fond of them. 

The problem is that those old shoes could be doing a lot of damage to our feet and more, so it would be better to dispose of them. Read on to find out more. 

They Can Cause Injury 

Old shoes will no longer have the support that new shoes will have. This is true of all shoes, but especially if you need specialist orthotic shoes – if that’s the case, take a look at The Good Feet Store prices when you need new ones. 

When a shoe gets old, it gets stretchy and no longer fits properly. This is partly why it’s going to feel comfortable, but the issue is that it won’t be supporting your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and spine – which is what all good shoes should be able to do – properly. Not only that, but the sole can start to get thin, so injury can occur if the ground is uneven or there is something sharp underfoot. 

They Are Unhygienic 

Feet work hard, and because they work hard, they tend to sweat a lot. The older the shoes are (and the more you wear them), the more sweat will seep into the lining. Even when you wash a shoe it won’t come out perfect, and as the years go by, you’ll find that the shoe smells no matter what you do. This will transfer to your feet, and the sweat on your feet will transfer to your shoes, and it never ends. 

Old shoes are unhygienic for this reason, but also because they are simply subjected to so much filth all around. The more they are used, the more dirt and debris they come across and step on. In the end, it’s better to get new shoes to help keep your feet healthy. 

They Might Not Fit Anymore

We’ve mentioned how your old shoes might become bigger than they used to be because they stretch out. However, did you know they can also become smaller? It’s not the shoe itself that is shrinking, but rather your feet are getting bigger. As we age, the tendons in our feet become less elastic, and that means they stretch out. It’s not uncommon to go up one whole shoe size as we age. 

This means that if you have had shoes for a long time, your feet might have technically grown out on them. Walking around in shoes that are too small is very bad for your feet and can cause permanent injury. You might not notice the change, as it could be very slight, and you probably won’t think it’s to do with a change in foot size even if you do realize something is wrong, but it’s wise to measure your feet every couple of years or so to be sure – and throw out any old shoes that don’t fit anymore and just get some NEW SHOES!