Shoe Refresh: Time for a Closet Clean-Out Your Feet Will Thank You For
Before a pair earns a spot back in your closet, put it through this quick test.
1. If it bends and twists easily → donate or discard
This is the fastest way to spot a shoe that’s no longer doing its job.
Shoes that fold in half or twist excessively offer very little midfoot support, forcing your foot to compensate. Over time, this can contribute to heel pain, arch fatigue, and tendon irritation.
Keep shoes that:
Bend at the toes but stay firm through the midfoot.
2. Check the heel counter
Press the back of the shoe.
If the heel collapses easily, it won’t control rearfoot motion. Weak heel counters are often associated with ankle instability and Achilles discomfort.
Keep shoes that:
Have a firm heel that holds your foot in place.
3. Look beyond the outsole
Even if the bottom of the shoe looks fine, the midsole may already be worn out.
Once cushioning breaks down, shock absorption and alignment go with it.
Keep shoes that:
Still feel resilient and supportive when pressed—not permanently indented.
4. Reconsider narrow or restrictive toe boxes
Shoes that squeeze the forefoot may look sleek but often contribute to bunions, nerve irritation, and forefoot pain.
Keep shoes that:
Allow your toes to spread naturally without gripping.
5. Make sure it works with orthotics (if needed)
Shoes should work with support—not fight it.
Keep shoes that:
Have removable insoles and enough depth to accommodate custom orthotics comfortably.
When a shoe refresh isn’t enough
If pain has been present for months, upgrading footwear alone may not fully resolve it.
Dr. Ho-Ellsworth often combines proper footwear with:
- Custom orthotics to guide biomechanics
- Ankle bracing when stability is needed
- Shockwave therapy (SoftWave) to stimulate tissue repair
- Class IV laser therapy to reduce inflammation
- Regenerative biologic injections, when appropriate, to support healing
This layered approach helps restore movement while preserving natural anatomy.
Contact our office at (512) 882-4911 or schedule an appointment on our website. Don’t forget to check out our socials for valuable insights and updates:
