the shoemaker always wears the worst shoes

The phrase "the shoemaker always wears the worst shoes" is a proverbial expression that means a person who is skilled at a certain profession or craft often neglects their own needs or fails to apply their expertise to their personal matters. In this specific context, it suggests that while a shoemaker is skilled at making shoes for others, they ironically wear poorly made or worn-out shoes themselves. The phrase can serve as a metaphor, highlighting how people may prioritize the needs of others over their own or fail to apply their abilities to benefit themselves.