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Originally Posted by soundman98
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Depends on failure mode but it can definitely help to alternate. Gives 'em a chance to dry out rather than soaking out. Won't help a thing if it's the soles wearing first or cracking, but if it's uppers or inners it probably will at least a little - maybe a lot.
If it's just inners coming apart it may also just be poor fit or lack of support, too. Often a generic orthotic can help (I prefer Superfeet, but there are a couple other good options these days).
And if you're one to sweat a lot... ditch the cotton. Once had a customer swearing at me so bad I almost kicked him out... he was complaining about his feet always being hot and sweaty in his dress shoes (banker type) and sure enough, cotton. Which is, of course, a good fabric if it's hot... as long as sweat/moisture is able to evaporate, something shoes prevent. Sold him a pair of Smartwool socks (they offered a money back guarantee... may still) - next weekend he ordered a case of 'em. Turns out moving sweat helps keep you comfy.
Full synthetics work well too for most folks (cold feet, less so - that's where the good merino/merino synthetic blends work well)
Some shoes like workout/running shoes are likely to lose any good sole/support/padding before the uppers look bad - so if you're using a soft EVA midsole type shoe and that's what is failing, this may just be how they go.
I was only able to offer Redwing to the guys coming in for work boots (outdoor outfitter so we mostly sold hiking boots) and didn't always sell... sometimes just did fit mods (heel cup refit and stretching mostly). Maybe when I age out of my current role I'll find my way back to something like that. The stories were always fun, especially outfitting kids to go wander Europe for a few months and the like.