How To Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer
We know those kicks arent cheap, but there are ways to get a little bit more out of them.
To maximize your mileage per pair, it helps to have more than one shoe in your quiver, Metzler says. Not only does this allow the foam a longer break to bounce back between runs, but you can also better match the shoe to the kind of run youre doing. For instance, choose a thicker, more cushioned model for long runs, and lighter styles for shorter, faster workouts.
Ornelas says trail shoes will last longer when used off-road, while road shoes are a better fit for the pavement. And if you have super shoes with carbon fiber plates, save those for races or occasional speed workouts.
If you cant bring yourself to mix it up or cant afford to buy more than one pair at a time, consider purchasing replacements slightly before your current shoes are toast, Metzler says. Rotate them for a bit, and youll slightly extend the life of both.
Finally, take care of each pair. Untie them when you take them off to preserve the integrity of the counter. Clean your shoes by wiping them off or throwing them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with a towel , Metzler saysbut never put them in the dryer. If you wash them or get them wet outside, put newspaper or tissue paper inside to dry them. And store them inside, safe from temperature swings and precipitation.
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What To Do With Old Running Shoes
You dont have to throw out your shoes once they need to be replaced. You can wear your old running shoes while doing yard work or mowing the lawn. Old running shoes can be good for wearing to the gym while lifting weights or doing calisthenics.
Another option for your used sneakers is to donate them. Bring them to Goodwill or a charity so someone can give your running shoes a second life. Organizations such as Soles4Souls specialize in connecting sneakers with people who need a second pair. They have kept more than 35 million shoes out of landfills with their innovative programs.
If your sneakers are slightly more than gently used, you can donate them to be reused. Nike has a program that collects used shoes to be re-purposed for playground material. You can drop off your shoes at Nike stores.
Why Should You Get A New Pair
Some runners these days opt to run barefoot, or in shoes with only very slight cushioning. However, there are still others who prefer to run with cushioned shoes because it lessens the risk of having injuries and protects their feet from soreness. But then again, it is important to know that cushioning doesnt last all that long.
Wearing an old pair of running shoes increases the risk of injuries. Overused foam doesnt absorb shock thoroughly, and it causes injuries such as shin splints and tendonitis. So, how can you avoid this from happening?
One smart way to prevent this dilemma is to trade your old shoes for a new pair regularly. Changing your running shoes regularly will keep you healthy and comfortable, as well as injury-free.
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Theyre Hurting Your Feet
Your shoes should make the experience of exercising better, not worse.
After all, theyre designed to fit your feet perfectly and support your specific walking/running style. They should provide the stability and cushion required to facilitate a positive experience.
If your feet start to hurt when wearing your shoes, then its a reasonable sign theres a problem. For example, sore arches and stiff soles could mean they no longer fit correctly, having worn away through excessive use.
Want to keep your feet nice and healthy? This post should help.
Visible Wear And Tear
Take a look at your shoes. Is the sole wearing down? Is there fray around the stitching?
Soles are made to last longer than the shock absorption and cushioning. This means that if you see your soles wearing down to be uneven, then it is time for a new pair of shoes.
Look at the treads, or the grooves, of your shoes. If they are worn down or smooth, then it is time for a new pair of shoes. The tread grips the running surface and helps to reduce the shock.
Check the shoes to see if they are being worn unevenly. As well as indicating that you need new shoes, it could be due to a gait issue while youre running. If the front is more worn down, then you may be turning your feet too far in while you are running. More wear on the outside of the shoes means that they are turning too far towards the outside while youre running.
If youre looking at the shoe and it looks exactly like the top of your foot, it means that the material isnt holding up the way that it used to. When the material isnt holding its form then they are too worn down.
Any cracks or tears in the midsole also are a sign the shoe isnt good to wear anymore.
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Signs You Should Replace Your Running Shoes
It’s not a matter of time, but a matter of miles.
Whether you’re training for a 5K or an ultramarathon, you’ll need a trusty pair of running shoes that will take you to the finish. Part of a successful training cycle and pain-free race day is making sure your running shoes aren’t too worn out. Studies show that worn-down shoes cause runners to change their posture and gait , which can lead to injuries down the line. This is largely due to a .
Sometimes it’s hard to give up a favorite pair of old shoes, but when they start to hurt more than they help, remember it’s for the sake of your health.
When To Replace Running Shoes If You Have Orthopedic Insoles
Over time, running shoes lose their shock absorption capabilities. This puts runners at risk for a variety of injuries and strains from the very common runners knee to more serious fractures.
Failure to replace your shoes regularly because you have no idea how often to replace running shoes can also do significant damage to your joints, muscles, and bones.
Replacing running shoes if you have orthopedic insoles is crucial. You might want to consider changing into a new pair as often as possible especially when you do your running activities regularly.
Also, be sure to know how to choose running shoes thats just right for you if youre thinking of replacing your old ones.
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How To Tell If Running Shoes Are Worn Out
Sometimes the eyeball test will tell you all you need to know about the age of your shoes, but other times worn out shoes might not be so obvious. If your shoes arent telling you theyre ready to be retired, your body might provide clues.
Here are some signs that your running shoes are ready for a slower life of mowing the lawn:
- Your shoes will feel flat. The bouncy midsole foam in a pair of new shoes will absorb impact associated with running, saving your feet and joints from taking a pounding. As your shoes age, though, the foam loses some of its ability to rebound, like if you put a brick on top of a marshmallow.
- Nagging aches and pains. Hard workouts or increased mileage can make you feel sore the next day, but if little pains persist even after a normal run, it might be time for a refresh.
- Worn soles. The outsoles of your running shoes have tread just like the tires on your car, which helps cushion your landings and grip the pavement. But the ground is abrasive, especially if you primarily run on concrete and asphalt. If your soles sport bald patches and excessive wear, they wont serve you as well as a new pair.
- Uneven wear. If your worn soles are uneven, this can signal an even greater problem than just needing new shoes. It could mean you need different types of shoes, like a pair of the best stability shoes, to better support your feet. If that’s the case, take them with you when you go to get fitted for your next pair.
Here Are Additional Factors That Affect When To Replace Your Running Shoes:
- Minimalist shoes have less cushioning, so expect them to be done around 300 miles.
- Traditional running shoes and maximum cushioning shoes tend to last until around the 500-mile mark.
- Heavier people will get fewer miles than lighter people, regardless of shoe type.
- If you wear your running shoes casually, those miles also count toward the total.
- Dirt on your shoes is no big deal, but if you see significant wear and tear, it may be time to retire your shoes. Keep an eye out for heel damage, worn soles and rips and tears.
- If you notice new discomfort in your feet, legs, knees, hips or back after running, it may be time for a new pair of shoes. The same is true if youre getting blisters or feeling hot spots where you never used to.
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Tricks To Make Your Shoes Last Longer
In the interest of athletic performance and injury prevention, its for the best that runners dont keep wearing a shoe well past its prime. But everyone wants to get their moneys worth out of good gearand if were honest, it can be tough to retire a pair that have fond memories tied to them. To that end, there are a few simple ways to make your favorite kicks last a bit longer.
What Are The Best Running Shoes
Above: Asics sneakers are very popular among runners.
The best type of running shoe is the one that is perfect for the type of running you plan on doing. Think of the soles of your shoes as being similar to the treads on the tires of your car – racing slicks have to be replaced more often than all terrain tires. It is the same thing with shoes – racing flats and minimalist shoes are generally less durable due to having less material underfoot and will have to be replaced more often than other styles of running shoes.
Road Running Shoes
Road running shoes are the perfect choice to use on smoother surfaces such as treadmills, the local high school track or when jogging on flatter sidewalks and roads. These type of shoes are typically lightweight and provide a moderate amount of cushioning. You can find road running shoes that are more neutral, more flexible, or ones with motion control and stability features.
Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes are the beefier, usually less flexible cousin of road running shoes and are perfect for off-road running on uneven surfaces. They have lugged outsoles for better grip on a variety of surfaces including gravel, sand and mud and often include water proof or water resistant features. Certain models of trail running shoes come with a midsole shock plate to protect your feet from rocks and other sharp objects.
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How Many Miles Do Running Shoes Last
Tire companies recommend replacing many popular tires around 60,000 miles, and some engine oil should be swapped when youve driven 5,000 miles. Like tires and oil, running shoes have a lifespan that you should look out for when you’re training.
If you keep track of the miles you run in each pair, most high-quality running shoes should last between 300 and 500 milesabout four to six months for someone who runs 20 miles per weekthough that number is lower for race-day shoes, which are designed to be lighter and faster.
Top running shoe brands recommend those intervals based on when the materials start to deteriorate, even if the signs arent easily visible. But even when your shoes are toast, they’re not totally useless: You can use them to do yard work or find ways to recycle your old shoes.
So, if your sneakers are creeping up in miles, it might be time to shop for the best running shoes.
How Often Do I Need To Replace Running Shoes
According to Heathline, it’s recommended to replace running shoes based on how many miles you run in them not on how long you have owned them. Running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles, or sooner, if they show signs of deterioration.
Fortunately, it’s easy for runners to keep track of how many miles they run in their shoes. Most runners wear fitness trackers or smart watches, which track steps and miles.
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Brooks Running Shoes: When To Replace
If you run a lot, your Brooks Running shoes are bound to wear out eventually. On average, you should replace your Brooks Running shoes after 300 to 500 miles . But you might lose track of how far youve run or you want to be cautious and avoid excessive use.
There are some signs you can look for that will give you a good indication that its time to get a new pair. If there are any visible signs of wear, the treads wearing out, or the midsole wrinkling, then its time to retire your current pair. But dont always judge it by its looks.
Running Shoes Lifespan How Often To Replace Running Shoes
Most experts recommend swapping out running shoes every 400 to 500 miles.
This means if you average 30 miles a week, look for new kicks every four to five months.
But the 500-mile isnt gospel, even though it works pretty well.
In fact, the rule might be too simplistic and doesnt apply to every runner or every shoe brand out there.
The exact number depends on many factors, such you running biomechanics , running surfaces, bodyweight, and of course, the type of running shoe.
Heavy runners who often run on a hard surface may need a new pair at the lower end of the recommendation hand, while light runners who stick to
By the same token, if you solely run on the treadmill, you might not need to retire your kicks as soon as youd if you regularly tackle technical trails.
Note Heres how to make your running shoes last longer.
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You Have Frequent Aches And Pains
There are plenty of reasons you could feel a little off during your runs. But if you’ve been wearing the same shoes for a while and are noticing discomfort and aches while running, it’s worth seeing if a new pair will help you get back to comfort.
“If I find myself feeling fatigued faster, more often than not that’s a solid reminder that it’s time for a new pair of shoes,” says Dircksen.
Your Shoes Have Lost Their Bounce
With a variety of different styles on the market, shoes these days come with different stack heights, drops, and support styles. Regardless of how plush your pick may be, each sneaker will have a certain feel at first wear. As expected, that feel will shift over time.
“Once you buy that new pair of shoes, you can feel the freshness of the shoes,” says Dircksen. “After a while, you’ll feel that the pop and spring goes away. When the shoe starts to break down, form can get sloppy, which can lead to injury.”
Time to buy new running shoes? Check out these expert-approved pairs:
- Asics GT-200:Asics.com Asics.com $120
- Hoka Clifton 8: HokaOneOne.com HokaOneOne.com $130
- Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2:Nike.com Nike.com $160
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When To Replace Running Shoes Saucony
At Saucony, the average runner replaces his or her running shoes every 400 miles, but as many runners know, that number can vary depending on a few factors.
For instance, some people replace their shoes rather frequently , but others keep the same pair for years and still enjoy stellar results.
The type of surface youre usually performing your run on can also have an impact on shoe life.
Certain running surfaces eat away at shoes more quickly than others. When running on a well-groomed trail, for example, you might only need to replace your shoes every 300 miles.
But if you tend to run on concrete or asphalt roads, you might need to replace your shoes earlierpossibly as soon as 200 miles.
The Importance Of Rotating Your Running Shoes
Hard core runners often have multiple pairs and styles of running shoes including racing flats, trainers, long distance shoes and trail runners. Another great reason to have more than one pair of running shoes is that rotating your shoes gives them a chance to air out, dry out and rebound between workouts.
This last point is extremely important and you should always have at least two pairs of running shoes at any given time. Midsole cushioning materials and memory foam inserts can take as long as 24 hours to fully recover after a run. If you have two or more pairs of running shoes in your athletic shoe stash at all times, this means you can rotate between shoes and let one pair dry out and recover while you are wearing a second pair.
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Observe The Overall Feel
If your running shoes arent performing the same way they used to, dont ignore them.
For many runners, running shoes are practically a part of their body. So when they stop performing as well as they once did, youll notice the difference even if theres nothing wrong with the visual aesthetic.
If your running shoes no longer feel right for you, replace them so that you can run with confidence and worry-free.
