Replacing Shoes
How long do you wear your shoes before getting a new pair? In the past I’ve usually run my shoes into the ground, not replacing them until I see visible signs of wear or damage, which often takes a few years. Do you run a certain amount of miles and then replace them no matter how they look? I’m curious if I’m doing my feet/legs a disservice by not replacing my running shoes often enough.
- 11 Replies
I’ve become a bit of a shoe fanatic. I’ve got a few pairs so I Never use the same pair two days in a row. When I start to see wear or I start feeling knee or foot pain I’ll retire that pair.
I’ll wear my running shoes for 300-400 miles before replacing them, but I am very hard on my feet when I run. ? Since walking is lower impact, I find I can get a lot more miles out of shoes I use for that activity.
I upgraded my shoe over the weekend but I think I’ll keep using the old ones if I know I’m just going to walk. I’m officially ready to let them get dirty now too (they’re white lol)
I think I get new ones about every 8 months but I just get them because I will start getting some kind of foot or knee or shin pain which indicates they are done for.
Ditto what Susan wrote—when there’s signs of wear & tear (check: soles of the shoe, inside lining, outside material), that’s when you should retire them for use when shopping, doing the laundry, etc…& there are organizations that recycle old running sneaks—check & see if there’s one in your area or if your local running store recycles old sneaks
Thank you for the advice! I’ve been having foot pain since my last big run this weekend and ended up getting a new pair. The old ones don’t have a lot of wear and tear but they’re probably 2 years old, I think I’m over using them. I’m waiting for my foot and shin pain to go away before running in my new shoes but I think they’ll make a big difference! I went from Brooks Adrenaline to Brooks Glycerin GTS, I think I’ve been needing the extra cushion.
Another point: IF you live near a running specialty shop, get yourself fitted for the “right” sneaker for your feet…sneaker selection is now a science—there’s sneakers that offer comfort, motion support, stability or a neutral last (for those who don’t need the added support or use orthotics). A sneaker specialty salesperson should be trained in shoe-fitting.
There are also over-the-counter orthotics that are sold in these shops (or you can see a podiatrist & have one fitted for you…they cost $4-600 & generally, aren’t covered by insurance)
Good luck!
Thanks! I did get fitted and that’s how I found out I have very high arches (I knew they were high… I didn’t know they’re are VERY high lol) they didn’t recommend any inserts but I am planning to visit a podiatrist so I can do everything I can do to keep my feet and legs in good shape so I can keep running ?
Good idea, Stephanie!
Fyi: While the orthotics may not be covered by your health insurance, in my opinion, this is an investment in YOU & you’re worth it—and they should last for a few years! When they’re custom-made, most podiatrists don’t charge for adjustments that you may need to make them comfy for your feet! (Ask your Dr to be sure.)
Thank you for the advice! I haven’t gone yet, I’m not sure if I need to see my POC first to get a referral and just havent had a chance to figure it out.
Glad to help?