Hi all!
Running shoes, well they used to say 400-500 miles in the days of “Sheet stock EVA” the basic materials for running shoes, and to my knowledge this has not changed for over the 21 years i have been involved with running shoes. But take a look at the technologies, they have changed as much as bike frame materials and dimples on wheels. The running shoes of today are Compression molded EVA’s and forms of synthetic materials that give massive cushioning and recovery of materials. These shoes also have added internal methods of aiding cushioning and extending the life of the midsole. My ooff the wall number would be a good pair of shoes will last the average weight runner with no real bio-mechanical problems over 800 miles easy. But that said here are some pointers you can use.
Remember, when you buy new shoes the insole has NOT shaped to your foot, thus it feels spongy, bouncy and great (I ran 8 marathons with brand new shoes on everytime because they felt so good! but this advice sucks so ignore me for being an idiot for doing that…lol)
- Check the compression lines of the midsole materials, the older and more worn out, the bigger the creases in the white midsole materials (Or other color)
- Check the response of the midsole material when you squeeze it from outsole to upper, i.e as if it were being run in, you may find it lifeless and dead.
- Check the heel counter is still in one piece, most of these are thermo-plastic and can be damaged, but rarely i must add.
- Check for un-even wear that although the shoe may be sound can still exaggerate non perfect motion in your foot and make the running more of a risk factor even though there may still be life in the shoe.
- Buy some new insoles, this may bring the shoe back to life for you.
- Always, always ensure you have three pairs of shoes at least on the go, why take one pair to near destruction and injury risk every 6 months when you could have three pairs rotating and save your body that level of risk, and with replacement of one pair at a time you are figting off injury . Try three pairs from the same company ASICS for example Nimbus-Cumulus Nike Air Max moto and Pegasus, similar shoes but slightly different.
Wow, i again went on far too much there, sorry all.
Deano