New Shoes During the Thirty Days of Mourning

Is it permissible for a mourner to buy new shoes during the thirty days of mourning if the old shoes are very worn out?

Ashkenazim are prohibited from buying new clothes for thirty days, and shoes are included in this custom. In case of necessity, one may buy and give them to another to wear for a few hours. Sephardim do not have a prohibition on new clothes unless they are white. After thirty days, it is permitted as it is not considered ironing.

The prohibition on buying new clothes for Ashkenazim is explained in the Rema, Siman 389, Section 3. In Beit Yosef, Orach Chaim, Siman 551, it is written: "In the Hagahot Maimoni (Taanit, Chapter 5, Letter ה) this is also mentioned, and in the new Hagahot Maimon (there, Letter ו) in the name of the Rokeach (Siman 310) it is written: 'It seems that it is forbidden to make new clothes and new shoes on the Sabbath when Tisha B'Av falls within it.'" Therefore, new shoes are forbidden like new clothes during the Nine Days, and this clearly applies to the custom of not buying new clothes. This is also implied in Mishnah Berurah, Siman 551, Section 45, regarding the Nine Days.