Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes, goes the proverb. Well some shoes don’t seem to hold up to walking that far. With over-production and less craftsmanship, all being increased to lower the prices and increase the supply, the quality of cobbling and shoe-making has declined over the last 100 years.

Just as we no longer visit a local butcher or greengrocer for our meat and vegetables, instead preferring supermarkets, so too we no longer choose to go to specialist cloth-makers and craftsmen, because money and convenience have provided us with different options.

But how to shop somewhere on the high street and still find quality? Do the rounds in New Look and opt for a pair of shoes that stand the one mile test.

As with anything, it is a matter of luck and judgment. Not all high street clothes and shoes will fall apart within a few rigorous walks; but no one is expecting to see a dramatic rejuvenation of the cobbling trade – because it costs time and money.

If you are looking for shoes for hard work and long wear, the key is always to spy out a thick sole. This even goes for party shoes – the recent trend for hidden platforms within the toe of the shoe is not only a style benefit, giving you added height and extending the leg with a bit of 70s charm. More than that, it makes it easier to walk by not over extending the foot and heel – it allows the ball of the foot more support and steadiness.

It is also a good idea, if you fall in love with a pair of shoes even though you know in your heart of hearts that they may not last very long, to get an immediate re-sole and re-heel, as a reinforcement. This prevents the original sole – usually of a somewhat thin rubber – from getting too damaged and thin to be repaired at all. So, if you want to walk one mile or one thousand miles, you’ll be comfortable doing it in your own shoes and no one else’s.