“Worn out” has a negative connotation. It means tired, exhausted, broken. But I don’t believe worn out is necessarily a bad thing.

What about all the good you gained in the process of wearing out?

Sure, while working through these shoes, I also worked myself to exhaustion. My body fell apart. My mind unraveled. And the ashes of my relationships were stomped on. But my goals became clearer. My plans changed for the better. And I let go of things I ought to have released long ago.

Despite the holes and the ruined shoes, I am a better person, in a better place, on a better path.

Those shoes were worth wearing out. My soul was renewed in the process.