Use This Podiatrist-Approved Trick to Tell If Your Shoes Need Replacing

So you've been wearing the same pair of shoes for almost every occasion.

You know the ones. They've been your go-to pair for almost every grocery run, laundry visit and trip to the post office for the past year. But when was the last time you really looked at the condition of your shoes? For instance, do they appear to be a bit worn out? Are the soles uneven? Do you notice any holes?

If you're struggling to answer these questions, then you might want to try a simple, podiatrist-approved trick to see if those shoes are truly in need of replacing. The method in question? The tabletop test.

Coined by Dr. Jackie Sutera, DPM, a Vionic Innovation Lab member, the tabletop test is an easy and straightforward way to tell if your shoes are worn out. That way, you can avoid putting uneven pressure on different parts of your feet as you stand, walk or go running.

During the Virtual Vionic Fall Reboot Press Event, Dr. Sutera explained, "You just put it up on the tabletop, at eye level, and you assess whether or not the heel lays flat on the counter and is even with the rest of the shoe. Check to see if the sole is old, worn out, or if it's uneven. If it is, it's time to replace it."

She continued, "Uneven shoes make contact with the ground unevenly, and that can create injury and cause a lot of pain, so make sure you replace your old shoes."

Pretty simple solution, right? If you've been wearing the same shoes for several months (or more likely, years) and you suspect that they're worn out, try the tabletop test to see if it's time to swap them out for a new pair. Trust us—your feet will thank you.

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