To replace my shoes is not only a pursuit of comfort, but also a key decision to protect foot health. Studies have shown that a pair of overused shoes will increase the risk of imbalanced pressure distribution on the sole by 47%. And that even causes chronic injuries such as hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis.
Signal recognition: from wear marks to body alarms
1. Decoding of sole wear morphology (mechanical wear)
By observing the wear area and depth of the sole, the abnormal force on the foot can be accurately judged:
The lateral inclination of the heel is greater than 5°. It indicates that the foot is valgus or the stability of the ankle joint is reduced (it is recommended to use a support shoe with a heel cup hardness of ≥ 65° Shaw)
The depression of the forefoot thumb area is greater than 3mm. That indicates that the center of gravity of the gait moves forward, and the thickness of the forefoot cushioning layer needs to be replaced.
The depth of the sole pattern is less than 1.5mm. The anti-slip performance of wet ground is attenuated by more than 70% (Roadtekshoes adopts a wavy groove design with an initial groove depth of 4mm)
Self-test tool: insert a coin vertically into the groove of the sole. If the national emblem pattern is completely exposed, you need to change your shoes.
2. Foot biomechanical feedback (functional failure)
When the following symptoms occur, the shoes have lost their protective effect:
Arch pain after walking for 20 minutes. Insole support has decreased by more than 30%
The sliding space of the toes in the shoe is greater than 8mm. The foot muscles consume 15% more energy to grip the sole
Heel tingling in the morning lasts for more than 3 days. The plantar fascia has micro-tears due to lack of cushioning
Roadtekshoes Laboratory recommends. Use a 3D foot pressure scanner to detect insole deformation every month, and the replacement procedure should be started when the deformation is greater than 2mm.
To replace my shoes is a science that requires rational judgment and professional technical support. When your shoes start to “speak” – whether through deformed contours, subtle pain or alarms from smart devices, please listen carefully to this health warning.