short row heels on toe up socks

I make socks, toe up, circular needles, both socks at once. I use the short row heel and like this method. However, after awhile, the heels begin to get thin and show wear. Does anybody have an answer as to how I can either repair these ( without them looking repaired) or reinforce while using this method. Years ago I used to knit socks from the top down and had a slip stitch type of heel but I don't know exactly how this would work on these socks, and am not sure exactly how I did them.

Knitty yours, Emmaj