worn shoes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worn shoes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe shoes that have been used extensively and show signs of wear and tear. Example: "After years of hiking, I finally had to retire my favorite pair of worn shoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They had never worn shoes before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was 12 years old and had never worn shoes.

The Guardian

Well, I haven't worn shoes or socks for five days.

The Guardian - Travel

We also went to Africa and went to people who'd never worn shoes.

The New York Times - Science

Kelso has always worn shoes with toes, and his stable won't change to smooth ones.

The New Yorker

Is this the first time you've worn shoes since leaving the Ozarks?" The cut of the jacket was a poem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The vintage, never-worn shoes at Violet 1007 Park Streett, 904-355-4449) are the confections of the Jacksonville designer Joseph LaRose, whose clients included Joan Crawford and Jackie Kennedy.

The New York Times - Travel

After each game, the game-worn shoes are available for purchase through an auction with a portion of proceeds benefiting charity.

Los Angeles Times

The game-worn shoes that James donated as a fundraiser for the school still adorn the walls of the school's entrance.

Los Angeles Times

Asked whether a pair of colorful, well-worn shoes that she has been wearing on the campaign trail — but which stayed in her closet during the Senate race — were lucky, she shook her head and frowned.

The New York Times

That is the transformation that they wrought with each step of their well-worn shoes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's poverty or hardship in a story, use "worn shoes" to subtly convey their economic status without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid using "worn shoes" in overly sentimental or melodramatic contexts. Overusing this imagery can make your writing seem unoriginal and contrived. Instead, focus on specific details that make the description unique and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worn shoes" functions primarily as a descriptive element, where 'worn' modifies the noun 'shoes'. It paints a picture of the shoes' condition, indicating they have been used extensively. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worn shoes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes footwear showing signs of wear and tear. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and applicable in various writing styles. Its primary function is descriptive, offering insight into the condition or history of the shoes and, by extension, potentially the wearer. While generally neutral in register, context dictates its formality. When writing, be mindful of clichés and use the phrase thoughtfully to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-worn shoes

Adds emphasis to the extent of wear, indicating significant use.

used footwear

Emphasizes the fact that the shoes have been previously used, similar to "worn shoes".

old shoes

Highlights the age of the shoes, implying they are not new and likely have wear.

scuffed shoes

Focuses on the visible marks and damage from wear and tear.

second-hand shoes

Focuses on the shoes being previously owned, implying they are not new.

beat-up shoes

Suggests the shoes are in poor condition due to heavy use.

pre-owned shoes

Similar to second-hand, highlighting prior ownership.

tattered shoes

Implies a state of disrepair and being torn or shredded from wear.

hand-me-down shoes

Indicates the shoes were passed down from someone else, implying prior use.

damaged shoes

General term indicating that the shoes have sustained some form of damage.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "worn shoes" in a sentence?

You can use "worn shoes" to describe footwear showing signs of use, such as: "The refugee's only possession was a pair of "worn shoes"." It can also symbolize hardship or experience.

What are some synonyms for "worn shoes"?

Alternatives include "used footwear", "old shoes", or "well-worn shoes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "worn shoes" or "old shoes"?

The choice depends on the context. "Old shoes" simply indicates age, while "worn shoes" implies that the shoes show signs of use and wear. If the shoes are both old and showing wear, "worn shoes" is more descriptive.

What does the phrase "stepping into someone's worn shoes" mean?

This idiom means to assume someone else's role or responsibilities, especially after they have left or passed away. It suggests following in their path and dealing with the challenges they faced.