These are my daily walkers, BMX riders, rainy day shoes, and mechanic work shoes. Left shoe not pictured, but I'm sure you get the idea..
Yes I do have a few much nicer pairs of shoes for nice or important occasions, but I'd rather fully wear out one pair of shoes at a time.
So, what's your worn out shoes looking like?

86 Comments
NotASharkInAManSuit@lemmy.world · 43 pts · 207d
I wear them until I know when I’ve stepped in liquid.
seathru@quokk.au · 26 pts · 208d
I can replace insoles, I can mend the uppers, but once the soles start letting water in, then it's time for retirement.
Guess that's a skill I should learn.
Protip: E6000 craft adhesive works magic.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 207d
E6000?
You son of a bitch, you reminded me of my old project, my custom modded game controller!
I did lots of mods back in 2003, but the plastic is getting brittle these days ☹️
E6000 was used to secure my modded parts.
I really should at least try to fix the remaining parts and give it another game drive, even if it requires some duct tape..
Oaksey@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
Shoe Goo
Jerb322@lemmy.world · 13 pts · 207d
Till a toe pokes out.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
Well that toe done sailed..
At least I'm prepped with more new shoes.
owenfromcanada@lemmy.ca · 13 pts · 208d
If I can't see the floor through them, I'll keep wearing them.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 207d
Oh, so early?
mittyta@lemmy.world · 12 pts · 207d
My winter boots is during its 7th winter now. The last one.
Leather is still good, but upper part has not decent look. But the worst part is it not warm enough anymore for russian winter.
Laces was changed, heel counter was patched, sole was glued.
Madzielle@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 4 pts · 207d
Ooo ooo I love good work boots!
I bought these in 2015 for work. I left that job in 2020, and I wore these like three times since. Pulled them out this winter for my son to wear as the fit him right now, (he's growing and blowing through shoes).
How bloody happy I am that after ten years, they are still holding up! You can see some of the leather is wearing, but they're soaked on the outside in these photos, bone dry in the inside.
Fuck inflation though, I paid $120 for these back then, the same boots, I looked them up, today, are $230. Wild. No way I can buy these kind ever again, I'm so happy they have lived so long my son is now getting life out of them! Will definitely be getting these repaired when the time comes!
listless@lemmy.cringecollective.io · 12 pts · 207d
Until they leak in the rain. If my feet get wet walking across wet pavement, either through the sole, because the sole and upper are separating or a hole in the side, I retire them.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 207d
Oh man, that's when they just start getting comfortable..
dejected_warp_core@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 207d
Where it gets really crazy is where you have a few pairs that you rotate through for "daily wear". A whole decade can slip by before you go "how long have I had these?"
I don't care a whole lot about fashion so "until they stop working correctly" is about the best answer I can give.
AA5B@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 207d
Even crazier when you started working from home at least part time since pandemic, so the shoes you’d normally wear to work get little use.
I got divorced about five years ago and still have a closet full of shoes I apparently needed but they’re all unworn so I might have a lifetime supply
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Upvote for extra shoes 👍
Hypnotoad_@sh.itjust.works · 10 pts · 207d
Until they break, then they're yard shoes
No shoe thrown away
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
Yard shoes?
I actually like that term, makes sense 👍
I call these my junker shoes, for general everyday use, as I hardly give a shit anymore, as I have other nicer shoes for more formal occasions.
Hypnotoad_@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 206d
Yeah my yard shoes are there to cut grass and turn green lol
deafboy@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 207d
I wear them until they reach zero on the comfort scale:
over_clox@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 207d
Is this scale measured in years, months, or hours?
OldManBOMBIN@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 206d
Technically, if it's measured in one, it's also measured in the others.
rbos@lemmy.ca · 9 pts · 207d
I wear leather boots, ankle high. The shoe store fixes em when the bottom wears out. Had em 11 years and they're still fairly pristine. Just gotta oil em every winter. Probably should do that more often.
It was $600 and $50 or so every couple years. Figure I've gotten it amortized down.
Comrade_Squid@lemmy.ml · 8 pts · 207d
Had for two years, use mink oil, leather has however degraded.
Also worth mentioning, these are soon to be replaced. Not worth resoling as got for £60
over_clox@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
Shit homie, don't throw those away!
I'd just as soon finish wearing them out myself if they're around US size 10½ to 11½ or so..
neomachino@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 206d
Dibs if they're US 9-10
not_that_guy05@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 208d
Usually until I have a hole in the bottom or they start to stink that even washing them doesn't help.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 208d
Wait, you wash your shoes?
I only do that when I stepped into a doggy landmine..
Edit: How do wash shoes without damaging them?
not_that_guy05@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 208d
Yeah I do once a while which also gives them a week of rest before I go on with them. You just don't dry them in the dryer, you air dry them.
HeyJoe@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 208d
Yeah ill do this only when I start noticing a smell that shouldn't be there after only wearing them for a few hours. I know its time.
Pwalabwa@quokk.au · 3 pts · 208d
If I have a laundry of work clothes, I put the shoes in a pillowcase, then in the middle of the clothes. Alternatively, you can try freezing them. It works pretty well to get rid of smells.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
Awesome advice 👍
No dice for me though, washers just destroy my shoes like 5x faster than my own footwear and BMX riding.
Foot/shoe smell means nothing to me, I don't smell my feet or shoes.
Look at the wear on my right shoe. I'm definitely due for new shoes, but these are my 'dirty job' shoes..
dingus@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
I guess I don't have delicate shoes. I just throw them in the washing machine.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
Not referring to the shoes I posted, but I've never found a pair of shoes that can be safely (or legally) thrown in a washing machine.
We don't have our own washing or drying machines here at the apartment, we have to use laundromats elsewhere. You throw shoes or boots in there, you'll get charged with sabotage... ☹️
dingus@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
Ahh damn that sucks. It makes it super easy for tennis shoes/sneakers.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Meh, nobody in their right mind would give me any sort of shoe warranty once they realize I ride brakeless BMX flatland..
This isn't exactly the clip I was looking for, but what the fuck you expect a flatland rider to do with both wrists sprained?...
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UrdesWZsHLI
dingus@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
I'm pretty sure I would eat shit if I tried to learn any BMX stuff. Hope you enjoy it even though you mangled yourself lol.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Advice: Don't try BMX stunts at home, unless you got balls of crazy.
For me, in a strange way, it helps me understand complex mathematics. The less I think of how I'm riding, the more I understand what I'm actually doing.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
https://youtube.com/watch?v=DdHGMZe5nFo
As long as I stick to flatland, I'm good. If I fail, I just either walk or roll out of it. It's like an 80% fail, 20% land the tricks for me.
The real trick is to practice without hurting yourself...
CompactFlax@discuss.tchncs.de · 8 pts · 208d
Way before they reach that state.
I go barefoot whenever it’s feasible, so if I’m wearing shoes, they better do shoe things. They last a long time because I don’t wear them, which helps from a financial side .
Madzielle@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 8 pts · 207d
Those look good to me. I wear the shit out of my shoes.
Fresh clean shoes are lame. I like looking down at my feet and seeing all the life and work I've worn into my shoes. I've a pair of boots for snow, a pair of sneakers, and one pair of sandlas. That's it- if you invited me to something fancy, well, I won't be invited anywhere fancy I assure you. I'm 38 and never even been to a single wedding. Ha.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
I'd have to upgrade to flip flops for a wedding LMFAO!
👍
mousefad@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 7 pts · 207d
Why is that picture of an almost new slipper? No duct tape ?!
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
LMFAO! The big toe area is totally busted out...
HeyJoe@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 208d
People think I am nuts, but I only have 1 pair of sneakers and I try to make them last at least 2 years, if not 3, before getting a new pair. I know its time if they are failing apart or I start to realize my feet hurt and its most likely due to the worn out shoes that have no more comfort or cushion.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 208d
Fair play, but coming from a fellow knucklehead...
Keep a couple of extra backup pairs of shoes brand new in the closet. Same with pants and shirts.
I definitely have nicer clothing put up for later, but when I know I don't need nicer clothing, I'd rather use my junker shoes and clothes whenever I gotta do dirty jobs like mechanic work.
HeyJoe@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Well I do have sandals, boots, and a pair of dress shoes as well. I normally keep my old pair as a backup, they are perfect for cutting the grass and not getting my new shoes green.
disregardable@lemmy.zip · 7 pts · 208d
When they start getting wet when it rains. Currently my favorite pair wears out in less than a year.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 208d
You just reminded me that I actually have a pair of firefighter waterproof boots. Hope I never actually need to use them, but I have them..
actionjbone@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 207d
I stopped wearing disposable shoes several years ago. So when they start to where out, I bring them to my cobbler to get repaired.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Cool cool 👍
Any particular advice on shoes you might have?
I'm a BMX flatland rider, but I've found that Van's skateboard shoes are bullshit and I wear those out within like 3 days.
Advice welcome..?
theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 207d
That is because Vans are trash, they aren't skateboard shoes they are fashion shoes that are marketed as skateboard shoes.
If you buy some proper shoes designed for skating they should last a bit better. I presume if you are riding brakeless then you mostly have issues with the soles, like I do braking when skating.
I have had good luck with Osiris, Es and Globe in the last few years but at the end of the day applying such aggressive friction you are always gonna burn through shoes fast than you would by just walking.
My average is around a year before I start braking with skin.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
Vans? I dunno what brand these are, but they're definitely not Vans.
The last pair of Vans I ever got was like 15 years ago, and I literally destroyed those in 3 days.
Never again, no more Vans for me. Whatever brand these are, they've lasted me more than a couple years, so I can't complain much for only $17...
BurgerBaron@piefed.social · 5 pts · 207d
I buy Ecco brand, they last for eternity. These are 15 years old but I stopped wearing them every day 4 years ago and got new Ecco shoes with a modern styling....4 years ago so not anymore :) I keep the old ones around for painting the house or whatever.
I think the leather orthopedics have fused with the shoe and have shrunk drastically, so if I try to remove them it'll kill the patient.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 207d
Cat for scale? Awesome! 👍
https://lemmy.world/post/41882891
BurgerBaron@piefed.social · 3 pts · 207d
You have the warmest lights in the land cast upon your newer foot things, it looks like a photo from the long ago which is a compliment.
Wiat who was approaching overweight is ̶s̶t̶a̶r̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶d̶e̶a̶t̶h̶ not adjusting well to smaller portions and his food plate is hidden behind him. I guess it's true what they say: Big shoes, big pussy.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
My feet are definitely not starving to death, I feed them pussy every day!
SleeplessCityLights@programming.dev · 5 pts · 207d
One of two things, which ever happens first. The tread wears and a part goes all the way to the sole or the tread wears and I fall down on the hill by work when it is raining or snowing.
njm1314@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 207d
Usually until they physically fall apart or there are holes in the soles
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
I got holes in the toes, does that count?
criticon@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 207d
I walk a lot and I use them until they are no longer comfortable to walk
I have flat feet and I usually wear down the soles in an angle and I start walking "funny", creating more issues.
SaneMartigan@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 207d
Work boots - Redback - until they split at the bridge and water gets in - ~4 years.
Runners - Asics Trail Running shoes - until the foam in the sole has worn down. 1500km (8km/day dog walking).
Crocks - Until they're fucked. Had them two years now.
Birkenstocks - Until they're fucked. Had them six years now. Self replacing the sole was a waste of time for me. I'll but another pair sometime but I only wear them a few months of the year.
RM Williams dress boots - Had them twenty years but rarely wear them. I got them in thrift. They're my suit shoes.
Sludgeyy@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 207d
These are the EVA birkenstock sandals
They ended up ripping through and not really usable anymore because the whole front flops.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 206d
Beautiful! 👍
AceFuzzLord@lemmy.zip · 3 pts · 205d
As long as I can is how long I wear mine out. At least until they start to become a real problem, like starting to really fall apart. If possible, that is. I just enjoy wearing my shoes to the max to ensure I get the most out of them.
OldManBOMBIN@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 206d
Here's the one on my right foot right now.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 206d
Holy shit dude, you'd be doing those shoes a favor by walking through a reasonably clean ditch or deep puddle LOL!
OldManBOMBIN@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 206d
If I did that, the hole in the side would let my sock get all wet, lmao
Lots of paint, joint compound, and caulk made these shoes look this good XD
bstix@feddit.dk · 3 pts · 207d
That looks like the Emerica G6 Wino slip-ons.
I wore those out in about a year just from walking. The bottom isn't very good, which is a shame, because they're otherwise very comfortable and durable.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
I dunno exactly what brand they are, but for me the bottom is about the best part, everything above that is falling apart LOL!
Still comfortable though, so fuckit..
Habahnow@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 208d
Not this much, at least not daily. I have some old pairs that i use for doing things that I don't want my nicer shoes to do.
Etterra@discuss.online · 2 pts · 206d
My fiance, like her dad, uses old shoes for when we go to her family's farm and they have a bonfire. For kicking burning stuff back into the fire. Unlike her dad, she's 5-ft tall. I'm 5'10" and I use a fucking shovel like a sane person for that job. Keeps me from melting my shoes and lowers my risk of dying horribly.
zlatiah@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
I just realized that nearly all of my daily shoes were replaced by my dad... who is a semi-professional marathon runner and would go through shoes in months... So probably every 1-3 years, depending on when my parents visit I guess; I think their definition of wearing out is when there are a good amount of rips/holes
My last pair was a pair of HOKA that lasted a year and a half; they are designed for long-distance running and have massive toe boxes (which I need) but are not known for their durability.. Dad basically urged me to get a pair of Chinese HOKA knockoff to replace it, got it half a year ago. It's showing signs of wear but I think it can still go for at least another year
Frostbeard@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Had five pairs of HOKA Clifton or Bondi (one of the few brands that have wide and quarter sizes) that usually lasts a year. My HOKA Kaha lasted two hand a half which is too short for that kind of shoe. Last pair of Clifton bought this summer lasted two months.
I suggest you look at Altra if you need wide toe box.
BananaIsABerry@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 207d
What's the knockoff you got? Is it anywhere near as comfortable?
zlatiah@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
It's a small brand started by a few Chinese marathon runners, modelled exactly after HOKA. So it's equally as comfortable at like 1/2-1/3 the price. Only available in China unfortunately...
The main annoyance is that this pair doesn't have much sideways support, so it's easier to slip sideways. Probably not a worthwhile concern for most people of course
Also... Durability isn't a strong suit for HOKA shoes, so I'm not sure if I can really recommend them for daily drive regardless
BananaIsABerry@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 207d
Too bad, I was hoping I could snag a pair. Probably not going to China any time soon though.
phdepressed@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 207d
Until my knee starts hurting after wearing or water gets in, whichever is first. My gait tends to result in uneven wear and my feet are near flat and a bit wide...I've been searching for a shoe that lasts and is comfy for a long time. Sneakers are comfy but last about a 1-2month before the wear is noticeable when walking and by 6mo water is getting in. Got some good leather shoes (and boots for winter) that are lasting now 1.5yish but aren't as comfy as I would like.
Nemo@slrpnk.net · 2 pts · 207d
I wear them past the point there are holes in the sole. I typically only abandon a show when the sole physically detaches from the upper.
oozynozh@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 206d
jfc, man. riding BMX in these? no wonder they're shredded...
if you need durable all-purpose shoes that are still comfortable enough to wear all day, i recommend light patrol boots.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 206d
Meh, I don't ride flatland nearly as often these days as I used to 10+ years ago, but yeah I still get out and practice once in a while for the exercise.
But yeah, not only flatland, but brakeless flatland, that'll definitely tear some shoes up, especially with tricks such as footjam tailwhips...
scytale@piefed.zip · 2 pts · 207d
I wear heavily cushioned shoes for comfort, and the common tradeoff is they don’t have an outsole to reduce weight. The midsoles have direct contact to the ground and since they are super soft, they wear out fast if you regularly wear them. Once I start losing traction or I can feel the ground through the soles, it’s time to replace them.
Xanthrax@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
I don't think I have a daily shoe. I wear shoes based on the occasion. For me, it's just different levels of weight/ protection/ support. Baking soda in a sock helps dry them out. Adds a few years. Also, get a new insole.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
Hah, new insoles would probably cost me more than the shoes themselves did, which were $16.95
These are my daily junker shoes, as the usual 'special occasion' for me tends to be changing tires or replacing a starter or some other greasy shit..
I do have other nice shoes for other situations.
Xanthrax@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 207d
Not orthopedic insoles, the cheap ones that came with your shoes from China. They're 10 bucks on alibaba for 3 pairs. I haven't done that since the trade war, though.
kinther@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 207d
I start with a pair of good insoles, then as those wear down I buy another, and another, and so on until the shoe tread wears out or holes appear in them. If you buy some of those magic eraser pads, you can usually keep the outside of the shoes looking relatively new for a lot longer as well. I have some shoes right now that are going on ~1.5 years and I'll probably get another 1.5 out of them.
Pro-tip: don't buy the cheapest shoes you can if you can afford it. I used to buy $20 skate shoes and they would wear out in less than a year.
over_clox@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 207d
Meh, I prefer cheaper shoes to an extent, as I know I'll eventually destroy them.
My main requirements are: