How do you know when it is time for a new pair of running shoes?

Question

I'm told that running on worn down shoes causes a lot of damage to your feet. How can I tell when it's time to buy a new pair?

Answer 1

So many BAD answers! You people...some of you aren't even runners! What the heck do you know about running shoes?

I have run over 22,000 miles and have gone through a LOT of shoes! Most shoes are dead after 300 miles, the only ones that lasted longer were one pair of Nike Air Max (400) and a pair of Brooks Trance (500); all the rest lost their cushion and support at about 300 miles. That's Asics, Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Reebok, Saucony and Osaga (now defunct).

When your shoes get 300 miles on them, buy a new pair and compare the ride. You will know right away if your old shoes are flat; if there's some spring left in them, you can wear them in the rain or on short runs until they're dead.

The cushion under your heel is the most critical part; once it's been flattened out a certain number of times, it loses it's ability to bounce back each step and it's toast. Most of my shoes still looked new when they were dead, so appearance is misleading.

Also, if you are heavy, an over-pronator or have other motion issues, the shoes will break down sooner.

If you get new shoes every 300 miles and compare them to the old ones, you will be certain to replace them before doing damage. And you can do a lot of damage to yourself running on flat shoes. Trust me! I've done it! Look up Plantar Fasciitis (aka Bone Spurs); this can be caused by flat shoes and is excruciatingly painful for months and may not ever heal.

Also, you can get inserts for your shoes that will help prevent injuries and improve fit. These are available where ever good running shoes are sold.

Answer 2

There are many ways to tell wether your shoes are in fine condition or not. For one, ask yourself about how many miles have you ran/walked in these shoes. Your shoes can wear down after running/walking 200-500 miles.
If your feet are getting too large and you have trouble fitting into the shoes, this is also an important reason. I had shoes that were too small on me and it would rub against my skin causing me to get blister all of my foot (6, in fact) One of which was causing a good deal of pain. I thought that I should just fight through the pain, so I ran with bad form, and I got shin splints. That is the last time I will ever do that again. Also I would like to mention that I am not just talking about feet growing as in a way a foot grows like a child.
Also it may appear to be a little worn down. Don't base this by how dirty the shoe is. I would like you to look at the part where you heal would be does it look very distressed? That is a sign that it is getting old. You can tell.
Speaking by time, it varys from 4-6 months depending on how much you run.
Also if you want your sures to last longer here are some good tips.
-Make sure the shoe fits you well. So don't choose shoes that are in a color the fits your likings
-It is a large investment, but you should get better shoes. You can get better quality shoes at a running specialty stores, with running experts. Name Brands stores don't count despite popular belief.

Answer 3

I've heard that it's best to replace your running shoes when you've had them for 3-4 months (or sooner, depending how much you run), when the netting starts to tear down and the soles are separating from the shoe...

Of course, there are exceptions. Some shoes last longer than this... I remember owning a pair of Asics for track season... and they held up for 2 months (track season), then for the month of school afterward, and then for the seven months from between school and Christmas (and after school, I had basic training - where you run A LOT - and AIT, where I did - you guessed it - more running), and to this day, I wear no other running shoes besides Asics.

Answer 4

When it is time to get new running shoes, you'll know when the front and/or back of the shoe is worn out and the inside of your shoe is tearing up and darker.

Also, the brand/quality of the shoe is key in knowing when to get a new pair. On average, it is about every six months.

Either way, it is a good idea to get a new pair of running shoes at least once a year. It's better to your health and hygiene, as well as your comfort.

Answer 5

Look at the shoes. Set them on a table and see how they look. Are they worn and not sitting upright? How do they feel? Have they lost their cushion? Fold the toe toward the heel, how is their flexibility? All of these things are more important that the miles you put on them. Shoes last different amounts of time due to the surface and the person wearing them. If you run in worn out shoes you will develop a running gait that is not correct and when you go from the worn out shoe to new shoes it puts a strain on your feet and legs and hips. Look at the shoes it is difficult to know how many miles or time it takes to wear out shoes.

Answer 6

Usually my shoes wear out the inner lining long before there is any wear or damage on the outside. I have to replace perfectly good shoes just because the lining is torn. They last between three and six months, depending on use.

Answer 7

Usually depending on what specific running shoes you have, you will get certain 'mileage' out of your shoes. Maximum cushion shoes will usually get more miles, sometimes 350-500 miles.

But agian, it really does depend on certain factors, including what shoes you have, your foot strike, how many miles you put in per week, your size.

I will tell people to keep track of mileage and really don't exceed 5-6 months at the most. You are your best judge. But don't second guess yourself or else it could result in injury!

Answer 8

Shoes are only good for me to run in once they are worn a bit. Once the treads on the soles are basically gone, then it is time to get another pair

Answer 9

I was told that if you run 3-4 times a week you should probably get a new pair every 5 months. If not, you are going to mess up your feet pretty bad.

Answer 10

I've been told to replace my shoes every 5-6 months. But I am 240 lbs. so mine only last about 3 months.

I can tell when mine are ready to replace when my knees start hurting.