Do you get attached to your shoes? I know I do… and like most of my other trusted loved-to-death hiking gear, it can be hard to let go of things that accompanied me on so many wild and wonderful adventures. My favorite hiking boots and shoes inevitably become dependable, faithful friends. After all, they have literally supported me on all my incredible journeys! And just when they get comfortably broken in, and formed to the exact shape of your foot, low and behold, it’s time to replace them.
However, I run into many walkers, hikers, and backpackers sporting exceptionally worn-out footwear. You might think you’re being thrifty or economical, but did you know you could be damaging your body? If you’re an avid walker, it is imperative that you wear shoes and boots that provide the support that your bones, soft tissues, and joints need to keep you properly aligned, especially while carrying a backpack.
Besides the basic understanding of how many miles I have on a pair of shoes, my first indicator that it is time for new ones is the occasional “tweak” I begin to feel in one or both of my knees. The pain gets more persistent the longer I walk until, eventually, it is there all the time. The good news is that the remedy is simple. I replace my shoes… and it COMPLETLY goes away.
I recently began to get this telltale mild to sharp, on and off, pain in one of my knees, (and my go-to remedy of tightening my shoelaces didn’t work). That’s when I knew, even though I only had about 450 miles on them, that it was time for new ones. Unfortunately, these days, the mileage on most synthetic shoes and boots might be only 400 to 500 miles, which feels like nothing to a daily walker. But it always pays high dividends to take good care of your feet. Invest in your Self-Care. You are worth it! And your ankles, knees, hips, and back will thank you!
xoxCollin
