How long do you keep your shoes for?

[SpeedofaSloth]

DH thinks that some of mine are so old that the sole unit is probably breaking down. I have several pairs of boots with good leather uppers but they aren't really as comfy as they used to be. I sort of assumed the problem was with me not the boots, but now I am wondering. How long do you keep your boots for?
(Mine are between 5 and 12 years old.)

I tend to keep until they break! But usually things like zippers break first, not soles. I’ve probably still got some that are ten years old?

I have mine resoled as and when needed. I

I have mine resoled too, but DH thinks that the construction of the shoe itself degrades too. So you could have a new outer sole and good uppers, but the bit in the middle has gone.

If your shoes are ok and you like wearing them, why does your DH’s opinion matter?

Because my feet hurt and I am trying to work out why.

I keep mine until they fall apart, but they move from frequent wear to occasional to painting/mud stomping as they wear out.

Take a look at the soles of your boots and see if they have worn down on one side due to the way you walk. Mine always do. Then they sit under the bed waiting to be resoled for the rest of their lives.

Until they fall to bits! The upper on mine seem to disintegrate- around the toes and heels. Once they start getting holes I can put my finger through it’s time for a new pair

Has anyone else had it happen that the soles have just crumbled? A few years ago was embarrassed when out& about I was leaving a trail of what looked like foam crumbs behind me. The sole had just disintegrated. It happened with about four pairs all around the same time, they were all Clark’s shoes & boots.
Other than that I keep mine for years till they look beyond shabby, especially if they are comfy.

Until they wear out, but I only have one pair of each type . Ie one pair plimsoles, one pair trainers, one pair sandals, knee boot, ankle boot, ballerina pump, flip flops, walking boot, wellies.

My wellies are the oldest abt ten years old.

On average a pair of any of above last me three years plus.

Have you tried replacing the footbeds with a good quality insole?

If you have worn a pair of boots for 12 winters (where from? Newer Clarks are cheaply made in the Far East for example) then yes, the sole padding and any linings will be knackered.

I've just ditched a pair after 4 winters as the sole had gone completely flat and my foot was sliding about in them.

Darklane

I had a couple of pairs of Ecco shoes with black soles which crumbled away. Pity, as it was a style I liked and was very comfortable. I bought another pair and the same thing happened.

Disintegration is due to PU soles breaking down.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5KsBtLRQQH4m2kPvN1w5fYd/clark-shoe

This happens a lot with brands like Ecco and Hotter.

Thank you hammeringinmyhead

It sounds as though it happens when shoes are stored for long periods but mine were worn regularly.

Anyway, I haven't bought any more and they don't make the style I like now anyway.

till they break or really don't look nice anymore. But I try to buy decent quality shoes so they last. my doc marten boots e.g. are 6 years old and still look good. I only just replaced my birkies after 8 years...

I keep mine until they wear out! Expensive shoes/boots get resoled/heeled as necessary.

I’ve thrown out two pairs this year. One pair was 10 years old, I loved them but the suede was beyond saving. Another we’re only about 6 years old, patent leather, fantastic shoes, really unusual style that always got compliments but they got a split 😔 - both pairs were M&S so probably no more than £30.

I have boots that are 20 years old, reheeled and soled a couple of times but still look great - but cost around £200 at the time so I expect them to last a long while yet!

I keep them until they fall apart. I buy expensive boots (Timberland, Panama Jack) and wear them to death.

I keep mine for as long as they look and feel good, I had some patent red kitten heels from Topshop of all places, I must've had them about 8 years before I got rid of them, and only then because I was moving abroad and just couldn't keep them.
Most of my footwear is Clarks, they last forever, I obviously re heel and sole them as they need it. I'm going to sound terribly snobby but I don't buy cheap shoes, I buy most of my Clarks in the sales. My favourite ever pairs of shoes were a Monsoon leather pair of ballet pumps, they went at the heel where the shoes rubbed on the car foot pedal and some Faith suede ankle boots which did the same. They lasted a good few years though.