Shock Absorption Is Limited As Shoes Get Older
In a fairly old study, Cook, Kester, and Brunet at Tulane University examined the degradation in mechanical shock absorption in a variety of different shoes.1
First, using a running machine which simulated the impact associated with running hundreds of miles in a pair of shoes, the researchers tested in a controlled way how the shock absorption changed over time.
Then, they compared these artificially worn shoes to shoes worn by actual runners over an equivalent volume of running.
In the machine-simulated running, shoes had decreased to 75% of their initial cushion after only 50 miles; this cushioning dropped to 67% after 150 miles and ultimately to 60% after 500 miles.
The shoes worn by the real runners also declined in cushioning, following the same pattern of rapid decrease in cushion initially, tapering off and nearly leveling out at 500 miles of running.
But when worn by real runners, the shoes only dropped to 80% of their initial cushioninggood news for shoe-shoppers.
Heres something you probably want to know:
The researchers found no significant difference in wear properties amongst many different brands.
The Nike shoes deteriorated just as much as the Adidas or Brooks shoes, despite each shoe boasting different cushioning technology.
So much for a superior brand!
Finally, Cook et al. tested the decompression theory, which many runners have likely heard of.
Running Challenges With Race At Your Pace
If youre looking for a new and exciting running challenge to complete, then look no further than Race at your Pace. We inspire and motivate runners of all ages and abilities to enjoy fitness through our highly popular virtual running challenges!
Each month, we run awesome virtual challenges of varying distances that you can take part in. It doesnt matter if youre a seasoned athlete, or are only just getting into fitness, we have a distance for you!
You have the entire month to cover your chosen distance in however many runs or walks you like, wherever you like, and whenever you like! Once you complete the challenge, youll receive a prestigious medal and a slick dry-fit compression top!
When To Replace Running Shoes
No matter how much you spend on quality running shoes, they eventually wear out and youll need to replace them.
Replacing footwear, especially running shoes, isnt just a matter of keeping up appearances; its important for health reasons. Over time, running shoes deteriorate in cushioning and shock absorption. Once the shoes are completely worn out, they lack the orthopedic support needed for a safe run.
Thats why its important to examine your running shoes on a regular basis. In this guide, well share tips on how to determine when its time to buy a new pair.
Don’t Miss: How Do Off White Shoes Fit
When Should You Really Replace Your Running Shoes
If you ask the big shoe brands how often you should replace your running kicks, theyre going to give you a mileage estimate.;Brooks,;for example, comes right out and suggests every 250 to 500 miles, depending on the shoe. The problem is, theres little in the way of hard evidence to back the need for such frequent replacement, and running coaches recommendations to clients vary dramatically.
I dont follow the guidelines you typically see from the shoe companies, says Kyle Kranz, a competitive runner and coach. My rules are easier to follow and much more economical: If the shoes fall apart or you wear through the bottom, its time for a new pair. Kranz practices what he preaches, usually racking up between 800 and 1,500 miles per pair.
The Myth of Mileage
If a shoes expected mileage lies somewhere between Brooks Runnings suggested 250 miles and Kranzs 1,500 miles, it becomes evident pretty quickly that a shoes lifespan really just depends on the runner. Debbie Woodruff, a running coach based in California, points out that bigger men generally go through shoes faster than smaller men, since extra poundage compresses the shoes internal EVA foam more quickly. Likewise, dudes with less-efficient form who pound the pavement with each step tend to wear out shoes faster than those who are light on their feet. And of course, environment makes a difference: Rough terrain or loose asphalt tears up shoes faster than grass or well-kempt trails.
What Affects The Life Of My Running Shoes
Several factors influence how long your running shoes last, which is why different people will have different results. Different running styles also affect the way shoes wear out. For example, a runner who overpronates, which is when the foot rolls inward too far, will show wear at the big toe joint and inside the heel. Runners who underpronate, or keep most of their body weight on the outside of their foot, will see more wear on the outer edge of their shoe.
Height and weight also play a role in how long shoes last. The shoes of larger-than-average runners wear out more quickly, so to make them last longer, look for shoes such as the GEL-KAYANO 27, which has advanced support and cushioning.
It’s not just what’s going on inside the shoe that affects how long it lasts, however. Where you run can change the speed at which shoes wear out, too. Running on a paved road causes your shoes to wear out faster than when you run off-road so take your running route into consideration as you look for new shoes.
Don’t Miss: How To Store Shoes In Closet
Your Running Shoes Lack Fit And Feel
Maybe youre reading this and thinking Duh! Who picks running shoes based on color?
Okay so youre not one of those people. Perhaps you are one of the people who put a fair amount of time and energy into finding the best possible running shoes, doing your research meticulously and trying on and out several pairs.
Despite all that hard work, you may still find yourself face to face with the fact that your awesome running shoes just dont feel right.
Even if your shoes are still in good shape and its not that long ago since you bought them, you may want to consider replacing them if:
Heres How Often Experts Say You Should Replace Your Workout Sneakers
A fresh pair of workout shoes is a wonderful thing. Whether youre a runner, a HIIT enthusiast or someone who likes to mix things up, theres comfort in feeling supported by a solid set of sneakers.
But as your shoes absorb the impact of your sprints, squats and skips, they wear down over time and need to be replaced once theyre no longer properly protecting your feet. Ideally, you want to replace sneakers before this happens to avoid injury.
Technically, running shoes are meant for running and cross trainers are meant for HIIT workouts, but the reality is that most people usually wear the same pair of sneakers for all their athletic endeavors . So for the purposes of this article, were referring to the sneakers you wear for the bulk of your movement.
Paul Hunter, a personal trainer and the owner of Grayton Beach Fitness in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, put it succinctly: Shoe bills are less than doctor bills and time off.
But how often do you need to replace running shoes or workout sneakers? We tapped some experts to get answers.
Recommended Reading: Who Sales Steve Madden Shoes
Get Fitted By A Professional To Make Sure The Shoe Is Right For You
When you visit your local running store, the shoe-buying experience should include a knowledgeable staff member helping to determine which pair is best for you based on a variety of features: from measuring your foot size and arch height to doing a gait analysis.
The alignment of the customer has a lot to do with how durable that shoe is going to be for them, Weich explains. For instance, the durability of a neutral shoe is going to be greatly affected if the wearer overpronatestheyre going to wear down the big toe or the arch side of the shoe much more quickly.
Wear Them In Rotation
While having more than a pair of running shoes is not in everyones preference and budget, this can be really helpful for avid runners. Having two pairs of shoes to switch in between uses ensures that they can fully dry before its time to wear them again. Moreover, a designated shoe for different types of terrains can also be a wise investment.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Best Waterproof Shoes
The Sole Is Wearing Thin In Spots
If your shoes are starting to have a decent amount of wear on the tread, you’re likely due for a new pair, says Dircksen. These tread patterns will also mark the way that you strike the ground with your foot, which can give you a good amount of information about your gait cycle, too.
“This can be super helpful if you’re experiencing anything that feels off or injury,” says Dircksen. “Showing a physical therapist your sneakers can give them some insight into how your body is working on the run. Maybe you’re pronating or supinating, or heel striking.”
Don’t just look at the forefoot. The heel cup is a great place to check out intense wear. When it’s past its prime, you’ll notice pilling and even holes in the inside heel of the shoe.
How To Tell When Your Sneakers Are Toast
Even if youre not tracking miles, there are physical signs that indicate its time to buy a new pair of sneakers. Excessive flexibility is one of them.
Running shoes are designed to be flexible in the forefoot because thats where your bones are flexing, so if youre seeing flexibility in the forefoot, thats not a super big concern, Brittany Gleaton, associate footwear product line manager at Brooks Running, told HuffPost. But if it starts to flex in the midfoot and heel, thats a really good sign that you need a new shoe because shoes are not designed to be flexible in those parts of the foot.
Not sure if your shoes have too much flex to them? Dr. Wenjay Sung, a podiatrist at Methodist Hospital of Southern California in Arcadia, California, recommends taking each shoe in your hands and twisting it.
If the shoe feels weak, as if a simple turn of the wrist can bend it out of alignment, then its time to replace your sneakers, Sung said. Even if one shoe is still strong while the other is weak, it is prudent to replace both sneakers.
Excessive wear on the outsole of the shoe is another red flag. This can take the form of the tread wearing down or even disappearing in some parts.
Typically, the midsole will break down before the outsole. If you are seeing wear in the leather or even the foam on the outside of the shoe, thats a good sign that the midsole is probably already broken down, Gleaton said.
Read Also: Is Dhgate Legit For Shoes
How To Tell If It’s Time To Replace Your Running Shoes
If you’re unsure about how many miles you’ve put on your shoes, there are a few other ways to tell if it might be time to retire the pair:
- Test the midsole: “Take your thumb and press it into the center of the shoe, where the midsole is,” said Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Foot Care in New York City. “This area should feel soft and cushy. If it feels stiff and inflexible, this is likely a sign that its time for a new pair.”
- Test the bounce: Drop one of your shoes on a hard surface, from a few inches above. If it rocks back and forth for more than a half of a second after it lands, that could be a sign that the cushioning has lost its bounce, Cunha said.
- Inspect the shoes: You can tell a lot about the state of your shoes simply by looking at them. Check the tread on the bottom. According to Levine, it should never be noticeably worn down.
Your Shoes Are Showing Signs Of Shoe Death
Perhaps you chose the right running shoes once upon a time, but even good things come to an end. No matter how perfect your running shoes were when you first bought them, they will reach their maximum mileage sooner or later.
For most people, running shoes have optimal cushioning between 300 to 400 miles. Heres how to spot the signs of shoe death that tell you its time to replace your running shoes:
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Tennis 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.
How Long Before You Have To Replace Running Shoes
John Davis
Running is the best form of exercise there is.
Okay, so we may be a little bias, but running is definitely one of the least expensive ways of getting fit, especially as all you need are good running shoes and you are off.
Weve all heard of the recommendations by shoe companies and running stores about running shoes; when to replace and after 400-500 miles miles we should buy a new pair of;running shoes to avoid injury.
But its also likely that you know other runners who get endless mileage out of a single pair of shoes with no apparent ill effect.
Today we are going to look into why you need to replace running shoes, and what to look for to know how often to replace your running shoes in the future. We are not affiliated with any company, so you know we are telling you the truth. You may be surprised with what the research found about which is the best shoe brand!
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Cariuma Shoes
Shoes Also Age In The Cabinet
If you think you can prolong a shoes life by not using them, you are mistaken. Shoes already start aging even before you buy them and they continue to age in between uses. Remember, shoes are glued together, if not stitched, and this glue dries out eventually.
Whether they are still in the warehouse or being displayed in the store, shoes are already aging and their air pockets are slowly dissipating. Keep this in mind when you buy a new pair of shoes, so you can factor these in when choosing which pair to buy. Its also the reason why most shoe connoisseurs want to buy shoes that are either made by expert artisans or made in the same year they were bought.
But how exactly can you determine the durability and functionality of the shoes? Well, you can always start by asking whether they are the latest model or how long they have been in the store before buying them.
Your Choice Of Running Shoes Was A Hit
Im so comfortable! But why is this only available in pink?
You have to let that go immediately. Color should not be a factor when youre choosing running shoes; its all about fit and feel.
If youre still running in the first pair of running shoes you picked out aloooong time ago possibly based on color or price its probably a good idea to reevaluate the situation and ask yourself: Was my choice of running shoes spot on to begin with?
If you started shopping for running shoes with price or size as your priority, you probably got off on the wrong foot from the get-go.
Recommended Reading: How Much Toe Room In Running Shoes
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.;
Best Running Shoes For Men
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Running Shoe: $79.95+ at AmazonLightweight and breathable, these running shoes remain a favorite for warm weather running. They’re designed with cushion foam and Zoom Air units for shock absorption and support. Some runners, however, find these shoes run narrow. Also available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Macy’s
Adidas Supernova Running Shoe: $25.61+ at AmazonThese sleek running shoes offer a cloud-like fit with heel cushioning and an EVA foam midsole. The style features a wider toe box than other styles on the market, however, runners with slender feet may find the shoes are cut too wide for comfort.
ASICS Frequent Trail Running Shoes: $35.99+ at AmazonIdeal for trail runs, these running shoes feature well-defined treads that provide traction uphill and downhill. They’re also well-liked for their superior arch support. Despite all their attributes, some runners say they’re not very comfortable.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Widest Shoes Made
