Christine Andrew’s Pinch-Proof Picks for St. Patrick’s Day Style

1. Worn-Out Soles

One of the clearest indicators it's time to replace your footwear is worn-out soles. Take a look at the tread: is it smooth or uneven? If so, your shoes are no longer offering the same level of grip and stability as they did in the past.

The lack of traction can lead to discomfort with each step and slips, especially if you're walking over wet or slick surfaces. That's why any bald spots suggest they're no longer providing the support and safety you need.

2. Heel Breakdown

Since we naturally walk with heel-to-toe strides, the heel tends to be the first part of a shoe that shows signs of wear. With every single step you take, your heel absorbs a significant amount of your body weight and gradually breaks down the material.

Some wear is completely normal, but it becomes a problem when the heel starts to lose its shape or, again, the tread pattern is too worn. A broken-down heel isn't giving you any cushioning or support, so replacing your old pair is smart to prevent discomfort or potential foot problems.

3. Uneven Wear Pattern

Now, after taking a closer look at your footwear, you might notice the inside or outside of your sole is wearing down faster than the center. This may be due to walking pattern imbalances.

For instance, if your ankle rolls inward, it's known as pronation; meanwhile, rolling outwards is supination. Usually caused by muscle weakness, these imbalances put uneven pressure on your shoes, meaning one side of the sole wears out faster than the other.

Uneven wear is a sign you're no longer receiving balanced support and need to invest in a new pair of kicks.

4. Squeaking

If your shoes were silent when you got them, then randomly started squeaking or creaking, that's an indicator that the internal structure or sole is breaking down.

These sounds typically happen when the materials inside the shoe no longer fit together properly, or the cushioning has deteriorated. Apart from the sound just being annoying, persistent squeaking suggests you probably need a replacement.

5. Odors

We put our shoes through the ringer on a daily basis. Not only do they encounter outside elements like mud, rain, and snow, but they also deal with our own sweat inside. If your footwear has lingering odors that don't go away even after cleaning, it's a red flag that they've simply absorbed too much moisture or bacteria.

Shoes can trap sweat, dirt, and moisture, creating an environment that's perfect for bacteria to thrive. And after a while, odor-fighting products might not even work against stubborn smells. Take that as your sign to find a new pair.

6. Decreased Athletic Performance

When it specifically comes to athletic shoes, you'll notice a drop in performance. Your sneakers might've once been bouncy and very cushioned, giving you a literal spring in your step.

Then, over time, you may notice that they start to feel flat or less responsive. The energy return decreases, and you no longer feel the same level of comfort from the cushioning. This means your sneakers are no longer suited for high-impact activities, and replacing them is crucial to preventing any possible injuries.

7. Workouts Are Painful

Have you ever experienced a sharp stabbing pain in your arch or heel while exercising? Your shoes' lack of support is probably the culprit.

This type of pain is usually associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, which can be exacerbated by worn-out footwear. For your next pair, make sure you pick out shoes with proper arch support and cushioning for a pain-free workout.

8. You've Hit Your Mileage Limit

Lastly, it's important to track how much wear your shoes have experienced, even if they still feel comfortable. That's because most walking shoes are designed to last around 500 miles, which equates to about six months of use (depending on how active you are).

If you haven't been keeping track of your mileage, that's okay. This metric is roughly equivalent to walking about 30 minutes a day or three to four hours per week. If this sounds like your routine, you can aim to get new shoes every six months for the best support and comfort.

1. Flare Jeans + Sneakers

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Vintage Flare Jeans

This is one outfit combo I wholeheartedly believe should be worn separately: flare jeans + sneakers.

New Balance 530 Sneakers

Pairing flare jeans with sneakers (especially more technical or athletic styles) truly ruins the whole ‘fit. While flare jeans are definitely more retro, sneakers have a modern feel that easily clashes. Plus, you don’t want to add more bulkiness at your ankles and make your look, well, look sloppy.

We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

Instead, save your flare jeans to wear with heels or tall boots, and rock your fave walking sneaks with trendier jean styles like mom jeans or barrel jeans.

2. Socks + Sandals

Doublesoul Bekah High Socks

If you know, you know. Socks and sandals can be super cool, but only really when you’re kickin’ it at the campsite. Otherwise, it can make your outfit look conflicting, because while sandals are meant to be breathable, socks add an unnecessary layer of bulk that fully defeats their purpose.

3. Denim + Denim

Mother The Loop De Loop Denim Jacket

Hear me out: denim on denim can definitely be done in a very stylish way. I love rocking a Canadian tux every once in a while, but only when I know for sure that the washes of denim I’m wearing are matching!

BDG Shelly Boxy Denim Chore Jacket

If the shades of denim you’re wearing don’t match or complement each other, your ‘fit can really lack balance, and people won't be able to tell whether you’re wearing it confidently or ironically.

4. Turtlenecks + Shorts

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Turtleneck Sweater

This “weird” outfit combo is weather confusion at its finest. While turtlenecks give off a cozy, cold-weather vibe, shorts scream summertime. This extreme contrast can make your look very bare-bones and generally odd.

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Shorts

If you really want to wear these pieces together, opt for a lightweight turtleneck top to wear with tailored shorts for warmer weather – the less-bulky layers will make more sense together. Plus, you’ll be more polished.

5. Tights + Jorts

A New Day Viney Floral Tights

This throwback look has not aged well – though we used to see a ton of people wearing tights or leggings underneath their jean shorts in the early 2010s, it just looks tacky nowadays.

We The Free Tippi Denim Shorts

The combo can often look outdated and overly layered, as if you couldn't commit to wearing just shorts or just tights. It’s just confusing – opt to wear one or the other!

6. Flip Flops + Cargo Pants

Shade & Shore Palmer Square Toe Flip Flops

It’s giving Justice and Limited Too vibes… but those stores are in our past for a reason! Flip flops and cargo pants also boast a sense of confusion because while flip flops are inherently laidback and beachy, cargo pants are bulky and often made to be more functional (something flip flops are totally not).

Abercrombie & Fitch Baggy Cargo Pull-On Pants

Since cargo pants take up more room on your silhouette, they can also highlight an obvious imbalance if you’re wearing low-profile flip flops.

Low Caffeine Coffee Alternatives 

Live Conscious Beyond Brew Vanilla Latte

Starting off with the first coffee alternative I've tried, Live Conscious' Beyond Brew Vanilla Latte is high on my list because almost forgot I wasn't drinking my Nescaf Gold Instant Coffeelatte mix. My favorite thing about it is how easy it is on my tummy. Coffee usually gives me an extreme case of gas cramps, but this doesn't. I think it's because it's filled with ingredients like turkey tail and other probiotics!

Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

Next up is Everyday Dose's Mushroom Coffee! Made with 80% less coffee than other brands, it's way better than Dr. Robotnik's recipes in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It's easy on digestive and nervous systems because it's full of ingredients like collagen, chaga, and lion's mane. So, you get the boost of energy without the weird jitters and pained run to the bathroom!

MUD/WTR Matcha Starter Kit

Is Matcha coffee-adjacent? It depends on who you ask, but it's technically not. I just love drinking it when I feel like I've exhausted my go-to latte drink. MUD/WTR's starter kit only has 55g of caffeine in it which is a better alternative than your go-to coffee drink. Trust me!

No Caffeine Coffee Alternatives 

World Wide Botanicals French Chicory Root Brew-Like Coffee

Not only is this coffee alternative caffeine free, but it's not acidic either! I especially love that how the chicory breaks down into a healthy prebiotic that helps the right kind of bacteria flourish in your digestive tract. Knowing that most illnesses begin in our stomachs, I love how this promotes a healthy version of what coffee lovers typically drink.

Anthony's Goods Instant Chicory Root

Do you need another reason to drink chicory root? Not really, but Anthony's Goods has another alternative that's just as good as World Wide Botanicals' version. Besides being caffeine-free, this product's also gluten-free and has non-GMO properties. The taste is just an extra benefit!

Rasa Koffee Original Adaptogenic Mushroom Coffee

What I want? More mushroom coffee ASAP! This vegan product is also great for anyone who's following a Whole 30 or Ayurvedic diet. It has 13 natural herbs in it and helps you feel less stressed with each cup you drink. How's that for an incentive to reach for coffee alternatives?

Cafix All Natural Instant Beverage Crystals

Calling all barley lovers! I've found instant coffee crystals that are 100% caffeine-free! Amazingly enough, Cafix has figured out how to leave out the ingredient that makes some of us experience a post-coffee crash and I love that. I will say it's a little pricey for Instant Coffee, but you don't need to use that much.

Teeccino Turkey Tail Astragalus — Toasted Maple

The name 'Turkey Tail' may sound hilarious, but this blend is so good it's not funny. It's another acid-free, pre-biotic drink that doesn't taste like raw mushrooms (so important) and it brews like your favorite drink. Not bad.

Banyan Bitter & Bold Coffee Alternative With Chicory & Dandelion

If you don't need a ton of sugar or caramel syrup in your coffee, you'll enjoy drinking this chicory and dandelion mix. It a;so has adaptogens and prebiotics for a bold flavor you'll enjoy before a busy day. Plus, the fact it's caffeine-free is another added bonus.

Sip Herbals Peppermint Mocha Superfood Coffee Alternative

Did you really think I'd forget to include something that tastes festive? I couldn't leave this coffee alternative off the list because it combines "antioxidant-rich carob and soothing peppermint" together for a taste that feels like someone's throwing a Christmas party in your mouth.