Canyon Ranch - Lenox
“Shoe longevity is directly affected by the specific biomechanical function of your foot. The more balanced the shoe is to your body, the longer the shoe will last,” says Rob Tenny, footwear specialist in Tucson. (Yes, Tenny is really his name.) But, he cautions, no shoe lasts forever, and most of us wear our shoes much, much too long.

Follow these tips for a fit that will make the most of your soles:

• Shop for shoes later in the day, when feet tend to be the most tired and swollen.
• Always accommodate fluctuations in foot size caused by various conditions, including pregnancy and weight gain.
• Getting athletic shoes that are wide enough is critical.
• Most people’s feet are two different sizes: always fit to your larger foot.

Exercise rates also have a significant impact, making longevity generalizations difficult. Tenny estimates that people who exercise moderately indoors can expect six to nine months of wear from a pair of shoes; outdoor shoes average just three to six months. He judges wear by pinching the insole at the heel and ball of the foot. If the insole is thin, it’s time for action.

“Most people take their shoes to the wall,” adds Tenny, who strongly cautions against this practice, reminding clients that an investment in shoes is an investment in health. “When your shoes are too worn to cushion against shock, or are skewing or cramping your feet, every structure in the body is going to feel the effects.”