How often should I replace my running shoes? I exercise about 4 hours a week.?

Answer 1

Most manufacturers say after 500 miles. So your shoes should be good for about 6-7 months.

Answer 2

A rough rule is that running shoes are good for 500 miles or 6 months of running whichever comes first. If you are super light or a very economical runner you may be able to run more. I have known runners who can go 1000+ miles in a pair but these are runners doing 80+ miles per week and they still replace their shoes every 3 months. Based on 4 hours/week, I'd probably replace the shoes after 20 weeks.

Given how valuable your knees and joints are in comparison to running shoes, it is better to replace shoes a little early than a little late. Note, if you use your running shoes for other sports or wear them during the day as casual shoes, they may not be suitable for running purposes after only a few weeks.

With regard to your question, modern running shoes often do not look worn out when they are. Two things fail in running shoes, cushioning and the outer sole. When shoes are new they are nice and spongy. After a few hundred miles they aren't as springy. You can feel that they just aren't providing much cushioning. In addition to how they feel, inspect the sole. If the outer sole, i.e. the outer most black layer, is worn through at any point, it is time to replace them. For me, the limiting factor is the outer back heal. This usually wears off around 500 miles just when the cushioning starts to feel flat.

Answer 3

This is extremely important as your shoes should always be in the best condition and be replaced in a somewhat timely manner. Using old shoes that have worn away due to distance overuse can cause foot / leg injuries and other possible problems!

You should general replace your running / walking shoes anywhere from every 300 miles to every 700 miles. Check out your shoe condition about once a week after you start reaching this threshold. Look for wear-and-tear, separation, feel if the padding at the bottom of the shoe has fully compressed, etc.

Answer 4

I used to replace my running shoes after every 3-6 months. I would usually run between 120-150 miles per month.

Answer 5

It depends on what you're doing and how far you're running. The rule of thumb most people go with is every 500 miles. For some people that's every couple of months, for some people that's every 8 months or so. As soon as you start feeling joint or muscle pain you norally don't have, you can probably atribute it to your running shoes needing replaced.

Answer 6

Honestly, you should replace your running shoes when you personally think it is time. It's good to have two or three pairs of shoes you can rotate on a weekly basis. This way, you get the most wear and tear out of each pair.

Answer 7

When they get worn out. You will be able to tell when you put them on and start walking or running in them.