I've had it happen, the reason people are upset that it happens to shoes that are old are that probably like me they have shoes they save for occasions, maybe a comfy pair of black shoes for funerals, some smart ones to go out for a meal in, that sort of thing, I know I try and leave nice shoes unworn so I don't scruff them up, wearing them regularly, and I do seem to scruff shoes up. If I've spent on some nice ones for more formal or dress up occasions I don't want to spoil them: shoes may be expensive so you want to keep them nice. A pair might be 15 years old but only worn 60 times, but I might waer a pair of everyday scruffy shoes that many times in 3 months . I know when I cleared out my mum's shoes she had some really lovely ones, party shoes, holiday shoes, smart shoes, shoes to match outfits, all in beautiful condition but 3 sizes too small for me, 2 bigger than my daughter, one than sister in law. Some of them were old, she'd gone to few parties in get last few years. Bone of them the spongy sort. Even her every day shoes were good sole wise. But I have big wide feet and walk awkwardly so need comfy ones. When I need a pair for a funeral I don't want to have to go out and try and find a comfy inexpensive pair, or a cheap one off pair. Last funeral I went to I couldn't find a new pair anywhere and it was lockdown, (when I went away didn't know there would be a funeral