How Often Should Running Shoes Be Replaced?

A new pair of running shoes is astonishing, but replacing the favorite one is harrowing. If you want to go back to the previous speed, replace your old one with a new one.

But how do you realize that you should change or replace it? 

According to most runners, replacing your old one will be perfect after using it for 8 or 12 months. Based on your shoes and running style, you can measure the distance between 300 and 500 miles. 

To know the exact time of replacing shoes is really difficult. But using the wrong or worn shoes can cause lasting issues on your feet. Let’s explore replacing running shoes more in depth.

How Often Should Running Shoes Be Replaced

As previously stated, running shoes are durable enough to use 8 and 12 months frequently. Feetfellow founder Nichelle Brown said your running shoes would serve 300 miles to 500 miles. But the fact is whenever you feel any reduction in the cushioning part of your running shoes; you have to change it early.

Generally, a pair of good shoes can last 800 to 1000 miles, or some can stay for 500 to 650. Therefore, you should start shopping when you touch the 800 to 500 km milestone. Most of the runners replace their shoes whenever they feel anything uncomfortable. 

However, your mileage will count depending on your body weight and how you run. If you run frequently or have poor biomechanics, it’ll be better to change your shoes after 400 miles to 600 miles. But you have to remember that every pair of shoes is worn differently.

Despite that, women are lighter than most in general, which is why their footwear lasts for a bit longer, like 650 miles to 1000 miles.  Depending on the running style, the design of the shoes as well as how many times per week you run will determine the lifespan of your shoes.

Why Should You Replace Your Running Shoes Regularly?

Your shoes wear out over time as they take the force of your sprints, squats, and skips. These need to be replaced once they’re no longer adequately safeguarding your feet. To avoid harm, you should replace your footwear before this happens.

Wearing quality shoes is more important when you run or perform. A comfortable pair of shoes will help keep your attention on your work. Good quality shoes made with high-quality products can keep your feet more healthy than regular shoes. 

Though there are some tears and wear on your favorite footwear but working so well, in reality, the damage is under the surface. If you wear your worn-out shoes, it can cause plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or other foot conditions. Noticing all the facts, you need to buy a new pair of shoes. 

What Influences Your Running Shoes to Last Longer?

What Makes Shoes to Last Longer

Purchase a new pair of shoes? Here are some factors which will influence how long your shoes will serve you.

  • The Terrain You Run On

Each of the shoes is designed for a particular terrain. So before you start the running session, make sure the terrain is matched with your shoes. This will prolong the lifespan of your running shoes.

  • Your Running Style

Your running style is one of the essential facts of how far your shoes will last. Do you want to ensure how your feet land on the ground and find your running style? Examine the soles of your old shoes then notice which side has the major damage. There are two specific styles- 

  • Heel Strikers

You are a heel striker if your shoes have more wear on the heel. This is the most common footstrike type among long-distance road runners. This may necessitate more frequent shoe replacements.

  • Forefoot Strikers

For sprinters and hill runners, this is the most prevalent footstrike type. A common condition of it is to wear it under the big toe or on the top of the shoe.

  • Your Build

Replacing shoes will depend on your height and weight too. If you’re taller and heavier than the average person, your running shoes lifespan will be shorter. More cushion and support will ensure longevity also.

How to Tell When You Should Replace Your Running Shoes 

There are the top six factors which you have to take into consideration. These factors will determine when your running shoes should replace- 

  • High Mileage

After buying a new shoe take a note of the date, or you can use an app that will track your mileage. It’ll notify you when you cover up to 500 miles to 800 miles and when you should look for a new pair. Don’t forget that, if you take care of your running shoes properly, they’ll last for 650 miles to 1000 km. 

  • Poor Shock Absorption

After using its required mileage, your footwear will lose shock absorption because of the cushioning and the support worn down day by day. You’ll feel an impact on your leg when you strike on the ground and this is not good for your feet as they cause pain. 

  • Nagging Aches & Pains

When you wear worn-out shoes your muscles will feel tight or even fatigued. This may cause shin splints along with joint paint. You have to understand that this is high time to replace your shoes. Can’t you find the exact footwear that suits you and need help finding the perfect one? Then get help from an expert. 

  • Worn Tread 

Examine the tread of your running shoe carefully which means, the way your shoes walk or the sound it makes. The Tread of a running shoe provides traction on the earth, so it’ll be difficult to run with a worn shoe. Running with a worn tread shoe can be prone to injury.  

  • Worn Soles

The outsole of a shoe aids cushions on your landings as well as grip the pavement.  When you run on concrete or asphalt, it can be abrasive. Frequent running on these types of roads can cause lessening the lifespan of your shoes. 

  • Uneven Wear

When you see your running shoes get worn in certain parts than the other pairs of shoes, it’s possible that you have gait or biomechanical issues.

How to Extend the Life of Running Shoes

Extend Life of Running Shoes

Running is more fun when you wear your favorite shoes. If you don’t want to lessen their lifespan, you have to care more about them and extend their lives. Here are some points that you should follow- 

  • Own Multiple Pairs of Shoes

Having two pairs of shoes is ideal, and you can easily alternate them. There is an advantage also, it permits the footwear to rest and recover its original shape. This will help to last your shoes longer than the minimum time. 

  • Dry Them Out

Sometimes our shoes get wet by unexpected rain or sweat. After that, it’s important to dry them out to keep them in fine shape. For quick-dry, you can stuff some newspaper in your shoes. For a couple of days, you can even dry them in the sun or in the air. 

  • Clean Them Up

Running in the rain, mud or dirt can ruin your shoes’ lifespan. These can cause wear out of your running shoes too quickly. So, clean the upper part of the shoes to remove daily dirt from them. If necessary, wash them, rinse, and dry them before use. 

  • Run-On the Proper Surface

If you’re using road runner footwear, you can’t use this for the trail. Because road running shoes are made for flat surfaces also, you will find trail running shoes. Running on the wrong surface can wear down your shoes too quickly. 

Wrapping Up

Examining all the things that we’ve described in the context, find out the sure-shot ways to replace your running shoes.

After running 500 miles, you should change your shoes to get back to the pavilion and run at your own pace. Wearing perfect shoes, you can run 3-10 miles on the run, five days a week.

Determining all the facts you have to choose an ideal pair of running footwear and then run, walk or hike with all the support.

A great looking pair of shoes and the most comfortable one will serve you the longest.

V. Deol
I am the owner and main Editor at The Flat Feet. With a degree in PE and years of research I know how to deal with flat feet. Whether you are a baseball player, runner, nurse, etc, I feel confident to suggest you the right footwear to you.

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