Help! My shoe is wearing out unevenly. What should I do?

Reason 1 | Your walking style (also known as your gait)

The way you walk plays a huge role in how your shoes wear out. If you tend to roll your feet inward (pronation) or outward (supination) as you walk, your shoes will wear down in those specific areas.

With overpronation, you’ll notice the inner edges of your soles wearing out faster. This is super common in people with flat feet.

With supination, the outer edges take the brunt of the wear. This is often seen in people with high arches.

Quick fix: Consider supportive shoes (hi, Wolky!) or adding insoles designed to correct your gait. This is helpful for people with flat feet as well as for people with high arches. Proper support can make all the difference for both your shoes and your joints.

Reason 2 | Leg length differences

Did you know many people have one leg slightly longer than the other? It’s often so subtle you don’t notice – until your shoes give it away. If one heel wears out much faster than the other, it could be a sign that your legs aren’t perfectly symmetrical.

Quick fix: Even though you’re not in harm’s way, you don’t want to keep on buying new shoes while one’s still fine. Custom orthotics or even a small shoe insert can help balance things out, evening up the wear pattern on your shoes and giving your body a break from uneven pressure.

Reason 3 | Posture problems

How you stand can affect how you wear your shoes. If you lean more on one side of your body – say, because you always carry your bags on the same shoulder or stand with one hip popped out – it shifts the pressure to one shoe more than the other. Over time, your shoes will pay the price.

Quick fix: Try being mindful of your posture. Alternate how you carry your bags and learn to stand up straight without leaning on one side. Good for your shoes and your body.

Reason 4 | Poorly fitting shoes

We get it – sometimes you just have to have that cute pair of shoes, even if they don’t fit quite right. But wearing shoes that are too tight, too loose, or just not designed for your foot shape can cause uneven pressure points. The result is not only worn-out spots in the soles, but also more severe foot problems, such as hammer toes, bunions, or plantar fasciitis – things you definitely want to avoid!

Quick fix: Investing in high-quality, well-fitted shoes is the key here. At Wolky, we’ve made sure our shoes support your feet the right way. It’s an investment worth making; your feet will thank you! Check out all of our supportive shoes here.

Reason 5 | Lifestyle habits

Finally, let’s not overlook the obvious: life. What you do in your shoes affects how they wear out. If you’re a busy bee running errands all day or a commuter who practically lives in their sneakers, your shoes are going to experience more wear in areas that take the most impact.

Quick fix: Rotate your footwear! Having a couple of reliable pairs to alternate between gives each pair a break and prolongs their lifespan. And with Wolky’s many supportive designs, you won’t mind showing off your shoe collection.