How does a fairly new runner without years of buying running shoes know when it’s time to replace them? Before you ask, no I don’t have a clue how many miles they have on them. The best info I can give is I’m an underpronator who still needs to lose a few more pounds who has been running in them 4 - 6 times a week on average for about 5 1/2 - 6 months.
It really depends on where you run; treadmill, trails, pavement, and how many miles your putting on. I replace mine about every 2-3 months. The bottom line; look at the condition of them, the soles, the inserts, how they feel when your running. Go into a store and try a new pair on and compare how worn yours feel if you can’t tell by inspecting them. If your running as you state and your asking if it’s time then it probaly is. I would rather buy a new pair of shoes a week or two too early than deal with an injury for weeks.
As other poster mentioned check the condition. I keep track of how many kms I put on shoes and usually replace them sooner that later to avoid running in a shoe that may cause injuries. I usually overlap as well, meaning I start running in my newer shoes before I get rid of the older ones. That will also help you “feel” when a shoe needs to be put on the shelf. I usually have 3 pairs that I use at the same time; older pair, new pair and lighter racing shoe (for shorter courses and speed work)
I don’t keep track of my mileage but I find that if my ankles, lower legs, or knees start to develop little pains that’s usually a sign I need a pair of fresh shoes.
the cushioning of the midsole will wear out long before the upper and the outer sole. I change out my shoes usually at the first sign of knee pain after long runs.
I rotate my shoes (have 2-3 pairs that I wear every other or every third day) When one pair feels less cushiony/comfy then the other pair, I replace them.
I also know it is time when I start to feel twingy lower leg pains. When in doubt replace them. Most
Everyone is right on. Everyone is different. The midsole is what goes first, although if you have worn through the blown rubber outsole, or the carbon/rubber crash pad, those will impact the mechanics of your foot strike. now before the minimalist runners hop on here and tell everyone they can wear their shoes for 900 miles, you should know that changes in what your body is used to is what is causing the pain. The change is the lack of cushion/structure in the shoe when it is deteriorating. Bring the shoes in to a SPECIALTY store and have them take a look. If they are worth their beans, they’ll fill you in on what’s up with them, but how you feel is the most important. if your legs are crap and beat down, get a new pair.
Eric
When they develop holes in the soles.
About every 250 miles or when my knees start to feel a little pain.
My legs sort of star yelling at me…then I know it’s time. Usually at about 300 miles.
Personally I replace mine after 400 miles. I log my mileage in trainingpeaks, so it’s easy to keep track of. If you are running on average 25 miles per week and you have a half-year on your shoes, you are over 600 miles on this pair and I would recommend replacing them. Recommendations for maximum mileage vary widely as you have seen from this thread, but you are definitely due.
Dan
Well said.
Even if your shoe still has a lot of life left on the sole, it doesn’t mean that the cushioning has life left. On the flip side, I used to sell shoes to a guy that would blow through his heel much faster than the cushioning would break down. To run on his shoes anymore would cause problems as the structure was changed and he wouldn’t be able to plant the same each step.
Taking your shoes to a running specialty shop is a good way to find out the conditions of your shoes and to also pick up a few good pointers. You may choose to later buy your shoes on-line due to price and for other reasons but by stopping in and getting questions answered by someone who runs and actually has the answers makes it worth your time and money to buy from them until you know the basics.
Good luck.
How does cold weather effect the life of shoes? Does running through the winter cause them to break down faster?
i replace mine about every 4 months. my body starts to ache abnormally, and that’s when i know it’s time.
When your feet bleed.
When the funk approaches funk factor 4
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It depends on a lot of things, including how many miles on them, the model of shoe, what surface you run on, how much you weigh, and how your own legs etc react. Now, I change shoes around 350 miles and really regret it if I try to stretch them out to 375 or more. Several years ago, though, when I was first started to run more or less regularly, my legs really started to bother me around 250 miles so I tried to replace them before then. Lots of spreadsheets and websites out to help you keep track of mileage. I would really recommend doing so because you can then figure out when you need to replace them.
i put in around 300 miles, my feet are the first to let me know. If youre in doubt just get new ones, its not a huge investment and new shoes are essential at some point sooner or later.
Cold weather AND hot weather can wreak havoc with running shoes. But that would apply more to shoes that are left in those conditions. Shoes will feel harder when cold though, but some companies such as Brooks have come out with new midsole materials (MoGo) that is supposed to be more resistant to cold weather. This is their commonly used midsole as it has replaced the S-257 midsole.
Eric