Do you ever experience an unusual ache during a smooth 4-mile run or persistent heel pain? Then perhaps it’s time to listen to your shoes and the age they are. I have had hamstring issues for quite a long time and never understood why until I discovered my trusted Brooks Adrenaline running shoes were old and had passed their usage time.
Old running shoes cause many problems. To absorb shock, shoe companies use materials like ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, and similar foam in their shoes. Therefore, these forces result in an injury called “overuse injuries,” which may include tendinopathy, as said by Schoene. A small study printed in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that over 844 Canadian recreational runners men who had older shoes fared fewer overuse injuries than men who had newer ones. It did not give much stronger conclusions regarding potential risk from injury due to age.
Lifespan of Running Shoes
One of the things that most runners would always consider is the lifespan of running shoes. According to Greg Weich, a shoe-fit expert from Boulder, Colorado, running shoes last around 300-500 miles or three to six months of running. For those runners who frequently run more than 30-40 miles a week, they could probably change their shoes early.
In running shoes, many things make them wear out. Those include non-running activities like going for a walk in a store and running in place. As Weich would say, every time you hit the ground in your running shoe, you press it down, and that pressure will gradually make it rebound less and less. Running shoe design is always evolving. New lightweight foams thicker midsoles and even carbon-fiber plates come up, and so much more stuff that can dramatically alter the length of time that one will last. While thick midsoles and strong shoes with thick soles do provide good results for some people, others prefer lighter shoes that are at lower heights.
Running shoes typically last between 300 to 500 miles, but how long they last depends a lot on how much a runner runs each week. Sika Henry, a triathlete from Virginia, says that a person training for a marathon who runs 35 miles a week should get new shoes after about ten weeks or when they reach around 350 miles. Weich advises customers to keep track of how many miles they have used with their current shoes utilizing a calendar or a training log. They need to replace their shoes whenever they reach about 400 miles or after about 35 weeks of use. Replacing your shoes sooner might help prevent injuries and improve running performance.
Expert tips on how to extend your shoe lifespan
If you are a runner, you understand that you should have the best shoe in this world. They make it so that you are better at running and less prone to injuring yourself. However, many times, runners do not know how their favorite shoes can be used longer so that they get a good return on their investment. Whether you want to hold onto your shoes for a little longer or just keep fond memories attached to your old sneakers, there are some simple ways that you can ensure they last as long as possible.
Read here why always you have to change shoe pairs for different activity
It is very important to have good shoes. Depending on the activities, one should have a few pairs during exercise. Henry is taking kickboxing classes and doing activities that require sideway movement and running. This means he needs to have a cross-training shoe for those activities. Therefore, by switching his shoes regularly, he ensures they are suitable for each activity and will last longer.
Using the same pair of shoes for each activity can result in unneeded wear and tear. Every exercise requires different support and cushioning. A shoe designed particularly for running might not work for strength workouts or a kickboxing class where more lateral movement is needed. Therefore, having different pairs of shoes will help Henry be fresher in his shoes and make them last longer.
Another significant reason for keeping different pairs of shoes is to avoid injuries resulting from running. Wearing the same old shoes or with bad support can cause such issues as plantar fasciitis or shin splints. Rotating between different pairs gives each pair time to rest and recover from the distance of the terrain or impact stress caused by previous workouts. Maintaining a steady rotation ensures longevity in Henry’s shoe collection and also keeps him injury-free while exercising.
Do You Need to Get Rid of Your Old Shoes? How to Know
Your running shoes are the most important equipment to you as you move along while running. However, like all the good things in life, they become used up also. Sometimes, you can’t judge whether it’s time to replace new ones unless you know how you’ve been using them. For this reason, Henry advises you first look at the bottom of your shoe to see whether there are things such as holes or slippery treads that have become worn down there.
From where the outsole begins across at the outer edge of soles, it can thus easily show if your running shoe is worn out: this area takes most of the impact during your runs and, as it is usually the case of wearing down quickly with most use. Checking the mesh for holes forming, which are likely to let debris in or water inside, marks another red flag.
If you begin to feel aches in areas you have never experienced after running, it is time for some new shoes. Pay attention to how your body feels while running because this will also be one of the vital indicators to know if one should buy new kicks; it’s better to risk buying a new shoe in the hands of Henry if an injury is at play with your old and overworn running shoe.
Give Your Loved Ones Your Whole Attention
Running shoes don’t last forever. When they begin showing which points, then one should give them some extra thought. Shoes kept for long periods or extreme temperatures can contribute to an early death. People leave their shoes in hot car trunks on a 100-degree day. That breaks down the foam cushioning faster than normal.
Proper care is going to have a huge effect on the longevity of running shoes. Most running shoes last about 250 miles, but proper care will get you the most out of them. Store your shoes in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Here’s how to keep your running shoes in great shape for a long time and make happy feet during every run.
Also Read: What Material Are Most Running Shoes Made Of?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can used running shoes be just as nice as new ones?
No, brand-new running shoes are superior to outdated ones. The shoes’ support and cushioning deteriorate with time, which can cause pain and harm. It is advised that frequent runners replace their running shoes every 6–8 months or every 300–500 km.
How long does a running shoe last?
The frequency of use and the kind of surface a running shoe is used on affect how long it lasts. Generally speaking, to preserve peak performance and avoid damage, they should be changed every 300–500 miles.
Should I get new running shoes?
It might be time to switch running shoes if you’re feeling pain or discomfort or if your shoes exhibit wear and tear. After 6–8 months of consistent use, or every 300–500 miles, they should be replaced.
How can you extend the life of your running shoes?
Avoid using your running shoes for non-running activities, change them often, and clean them periodically to extend their lifespan.
When should you buy new running shoes?
Every 300–500 miles or whenever you see indications of wear and tear, such as flattened cushioning, worn-out soles, or discomfort when running, replace your running shoes. Performance might be hampered and injuries can result from worn shoes.
Sources:
- https://www.self.com/story/running-shoes-too-old
- https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a33233314/how-many-miles-do-running-shoes-last/
- https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/can-you-be-too-old-to-start-running
- https://www.rhtb.org/article/running-shoes-too-old
Hello, I am Natasha Rose. I am the founder of the website Best Running Shoes. I am from California, USA. I am a professional shoe analyzer and an employee in a shoe showroom. I like to provide information about all types of shoes.