A man on Universal Credit stole trainers from T K Maxx after being left with no cash for food.
Derek White, 53, admitted to the theft of two pairs of trainers from the store at The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland.
South Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard White concealed the trainers, worth £74.90, in a bag on July 24 this year and left without paying.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, told the court White said he was going to "sell them for £10 each" during interview.
White, of South Durham Court, Sunderland, had 28 previous convictions for theft, the court heard.
Defence agent Tracey Wood said her client took full responsibility for the theft.
Miss Wood said: "At the time he was changing over his benefits.
"He didn't have any money to buy food. He was destitute and fell back into his old ways.
"The items were recovered. They were worth £74.90 but there was no compensation request because they were recovered."
Miss Wood said White was remorseful for his actions and had not been in court since 2011.
She added: "He is a recipient of Universal Credit, with his benefits now stable.
"He is not looking to get himself in this position again."
Magistrates said they were encouraged White had not been in trouble since 2011 and took into account the circumstances about why he was in court.
White was told that shop theft was a "massive problem" that could not be ignored and sentenced White to a 12-month conditional discharge.
