When to replace your sandals, according to podiatrists

Finding your sole-mate isn’t easy, but when you come across a pair of sandals that fit just right and don’t rub the wrong way, it’s tempting to wear them into the ground. Alas, even the sturdiest of shoes have a shelf life and will only last so long. In other words, you might be wearing your sandals too long.

Not sure how to tell when it’s time to retire your go-to summer footwear? We asked the pros to share a few pointers, plus we’re recommending some cute styles you can add to your collection when you do.

“Sandals tend to be less stable shoes. When you first start wearing them, they might be comfortable, but they tend to flatten out over time,” Kevin Douglas, DPM, podiatrist at NYU Langone Medical Associates, explains. “Having a flatter support causes the tendons to stabilize the body when standing or walking, which can lead to tendinitis if you’re wearing your sandals for too long. Flat sandals without arch support can also cause heel or plantar fasciitis pain.”

You can also experience varying side effects based on the type of sandal you’re wearing, according to podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal.

“Many sandals are thin and quite flexible. If they start to lose structure, there is less impact on the foot," she tells us. "If you are wearing more of a supportive sandal and that support breaks down, you may begin to feel stress to the feet and arches."

Per Bradley A. Levitt, DPM, wearing sandals in excess can also lead to loss of grip or traction, which can result in falls or slips.

“Materials that come into contact with the foot can also wear down and cause skin irritation (i.e. blisters). Depending on the thickness of the sole of the sandal, it can lose its ability to provide protection from puncture/abrasions and support,” he explains.

In an ideal world, it’d be easy to tell when your shoes are past their prime. But in reality, it’s not always so clear. Luckily, there are a few ways to determine if it’s time to slip into a new pair of kicks.

Let’s be honest, sandals can get pretty funky when you’re sweating in them all the time. If yours aren’t machine-washable, you can still nix any unpleasant smells with this shoe and foot odor eliminator.

The minute you step outside in your new kicks, they tend to pick up dirt and grime. If you’re hoping to keep them in mint condition (particularly if they’re a light color), these shoe cleaner wipes can help banish any stains in a flash.

Sandals aren’t always ideal for insoles due to their design, but these quarter-length options fit quite nicely inside heeled sandals. The gel inserts provide arch support, cushioning and shock absorption in the heel and ball of foot

Sandals can take a beating while you’re stomping around town, but they can also experience general wear and tear when they’re not in use. If you’re looking to keep them fresh in between wears, store them in a clear box that fends off dust, spills and curious furry friends. This bestseller has over 3,400 five-star ratings and fits 10 pairs.

These insoles are ideal for heeled sandal varieties. According to the brand, the insole “redistributes the pressure around the foot and relieves some of the burden carried on the ball of the foot, in order to prevent discomfort and pain.”

No two shoe styles are alike and that means different types of sandals will hold up differently than others. Looking for a sandal that will go the distance? Keep these expert tips in mind.

Sayed offers a piece of good news if you have a hard time letting go of your favorite sandals, though.

“If you are wearing them less regularly, they don’t really need to be changed out after a certain period of time. The structural integrity of the materials can last many years if seldom used."

Flat slide sandals are a summer staple that will never go out of style, and they’re ideal for quick errands or walking around the house. This pair also happens to be quite affordable and comes in four colors. Just make sure not to wear them if you’re planning to walk a lot.

“Traditional flip-flops that offer zero to little support are only intended to be worn for short distances or amounts of time. For example, to the pool, beach, around the home, etc. Slides can be worn for a bit longer, but these are mostly intended for recovery, therefore also intended for short distances,” Asim explains.

With their soft jersey straps and foam insole, these sandals offer up plenty of comfort. The small platform shoes have a round-toe and slip-on design, and they’re available in two neutral hues and two summer-ready colors.

If you’re seeking support, these slide sandals might be just what the doctor ordered. They feature a cushioned footbed, arch support and a dual-density midsole that cradles feet in comfort.

Cute and comfortable don’t always go hand in hand, but these sleek sandals combine both features with ease. They have a contoured footbed with ample cushioning and arch support, adjustable straps and a soft suede material. They’re also machine washable!

Seeking a sporty and sassy style? These kicks might spark your fancy. The strappy sandals have a fanciful floral print, strategic padding and a supportive footbed. In other words: What more could your feet ask for?

Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort these days. Case in point? These braided slide sandals that offer up ample arch support, memory foam cushioning and adjustable closures. The breezy style would look just as sweet with a flowy sundress or cutoffs and a T-shirt, and it comes in three neutral hues: black, white and brown.

Flip flops that put a premium on comfort? Yes please! These sandals from Vionic have received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance and absorb shock to minimize stress on your feet as you walk. They also offer arch support and have a built-in orthotic that can alleviate heel pain.

“There are some sandals that can be worn for long distances and these are going to incorporate a sole that closely resembles a tennis shoe,” Asim told us.

If you want a sandal that’s easy on the feet and will last quite some time, look no further. Skechers’ Go Walk Massage Fit Incite sandal has a cushioned midsole, contoured footbed and technology that massages your feet as you walk. The neutral hues are also quite handy if you don’t want to worry about matching your shoes to your outfit.

Variety is the spice of life, and these slide sandals come in five color options to help you find your perfect hue. The cozy shoe has earned the APMA seal of acceptance and has several notable features, including a lightweight midsole, arch support and an energy return footbed that keeps feet protected while you’re stomping around town.

Craving style and flexibility? This leather slide can be customized to suit your foot’s unique needs with its adjustable straps. The slip-resistant style has soft padding that cushions feet as you walk and it also has a pretty solid sole.

Casual meets cute! These lightweight sandals have a contoured footbed, a supportive outsole that offers ample traction and a sweat-absorbent insole. On the vanity front, they have a sassy textured strap and come in eight colors, including solids and striped designs.

The slip-on style is ideal for those with plantar fasciitis and offers plenty of support, all while being soft and lightweight. As an added bonus, the water-friendly shoes are safe to wear to the beach or toss in your washing machine.

These Sorel wedges have a sturdy, sporty sole that offers ample traction and a foam footbed that cushions feet as you go about your day. They come in four colors, but we’re crushing on the hot pink shade called Fuchsia Fizz.

The easy-to-wear style has an open back, yet it still has lots of heel, ankle and arch support. The roomy front is also ideal for sensitive toes that don’t like to rub up against straps.

Chrissy Callahan covers a range of topics for TODAY.com, including fashion, beauty, pop culture and food. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching bad reality TV and consuming copious amounts of cookie dough.