When do you it's time to replace your running shoes?

[Disfan11]

Can you tell my looking at them?
Is it the feel?
Is it how many miles you've logged on them?
And what about those inserts (if you've got them)?
Is there a rule of thumb for those also?
Just wondering...........

 

[scoolover]

For an average size person, the experts say 500 miles. For larger people 300 miles seems to be the concensus. I also know when every step jars my back like a jack hammer that it's time.

Supposedly, inserts add some life also or so my chiro says.

 

[SAHDad]

I always replaced mine somewhere between 300 and 400 miles (and I am not a larger person). Basically, whenever I could start feeling impact in my bad knee, I knew that they were due for replacement.

My current pair of shoes are guaranteed to 900 miles, but that's because the Vibrams have no cushioning to fall apart over time.

 

[Princess Roo]

I've been told by my running store and an orthopedic doctor that the inserts should be good for 6 months, no matter the miles. I don't understand why, but I'll believe them.

I plan to replace my shoes every 300 miles.

 

[FireDancer]

It really depends on your weight, the shoe you wear, how hard you land and on which part of the foot, what kind of surface you run on, and how much cushion you need. There are a lot of variables.

I go by feel. I can usually get at least 500 miles out of mine but I'm light and land pretty softly under my body (I don't plant the heal). Once I am over 500 I pay attention to how responsive the shoes are and how they feel and usually I can feel them go when they do.

 

[FFigawi]

I start rotating my new pair in when my current pair hits about 250 miles. When they get to 300-350, I donate them. I'm sure I could get more miles out of them, but I don't want to chance getting hurt.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I am similar to John. I found that waiting six months was too long and I didn't have the needed support and traction that were ideal. I notice with my Nike's that they tend to grab a lot more (not sure if that makes sense but it is almost like they stick) when they are getting worn out. It is an annoying feeling so I switch them out pretty quickly. I now make sure that I have two pairs of the same shoes on hand at all times just in case. I am so paranoid about that! Ultimately, there is no rule of thumb...it all depends on how much mileage you run, how often you wear those shoes, what conditions you are running in, and the surface that you are running on. But, it can even come down to the brand.

 

[Bookwood]

I'm a Pooh size girl- and when I'm running normally (at least 12 miles a week) I change every 6 months or so. If an old pair went a little long I'll change at least a month to 6 weeks before a race or wait until after.

When I get a new pair I save the old pair (depending on color to wear if I substitute in PE so I can have my shoes match my outfits LOL).

Your milage may vary.

 

[cloudnut220]

I think this really depends on the person. I only get about 300 3-4 months) miles out of shoes, and I'm not big at all. I don't have a weird landing or anything, I just seem to run through shoes fast.

 

[John VN]

I just keep an eye on the bottoms and take in the feel. After a while the shoes feel like a flat tire on my road bicycle.

Since weight, ground surface resistance, impact forces, weather conditions vary even within the routine of every athlete, I don't subscribe to the industry recommendations for replacement.

 

[cewait]

It really depends on your weight, the shoe you wear, how hard you land and on which part of the foot, what kind of surface you run on, and how much cushion you need. There are a lot of variables.

I go by feel. I can usually get at least 500 miles out of mine but I'm light and land pretty softly under my body (I don't plant the heal). Once I am over 500 I pay attention to how responsive the shoes are and how they feel and usually I can feel them go when they do.

I start rotating my new pair in when my current pair hits about 250 miles. When they get to 300-350, I donate them. I'm sure I could get more miles out of them, but I don't want to chance getting hurt.

Also depends on whether you rotate the shoes and how much you sweat.

John's idea of rotating between a fairly new pair and your old pair is a great idea..... You feet and body will let you know.

FYI.... going by time alone is a great way to pay MORE visits to the Otho more often

 

[fashionista311]

I can usually feel when mine are worn out and not holding me...but it's usually around 250-300 miles for me. I'm tiny, but I over-pronate like crazy, so I wear through mine fairly quickly...especially in the summer when I'm soaked to the bone after those long runs!

 

[DisneyParrothead]

My sign is shin splints, and even though I try not to get to that point, usually that's the only way for me to tell If I run and the next day I have shin splints, I'm at my running store to get a new pair right away. Now that I'm more serious and going for my first half, I'll probably get a new pair 2 months out so I have time to break them in, even if my current pair feels fine.