running/exercise shoes- how often do you replace?

schustc
schustc Posts: 428 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I was noticing that the Nike running shoes I bought 3 months ago, aren't giving me the support they were. They are a special balance shoe(forget the name of it) but basically help me not need inserts. I had heard 6 months was reasonable if only used for running, but when I realized how good they made my feet feel (recovering from plantar faciitis ). I wore them daily. I just noticed my feet are hurting a bit and am going to start using the second pair of these that I bought as a backup. How long do your shoes last? I am still very over weight so I know this makes a difference...

Replies

  • arcticfox04
    arcticfox04 Posts: 1,011 Member
    I buy the $20 shoe's at Payless they take me 2 months then its off to the next pair. I was going threw $60 Nike's in 3 months each normally though.
  • AmyFett
    AmyFett Posts: 1,607 Member
    I can't imagine spending so much on shoes anymore. I got some from walmart and they're just as comfy, and I have flat feet lol. had them for 2 months, but I exercise barefoot a lot.
  • Vansy
    Vansy Posts: 419 Member
    Depends on how many miles I'm running; but typically every 300-400 miles I need a new pair. Look at the sole of the shoe and see how worn it gets. I usually have 2 pairs of running shoes at all time, so I can compare them a bit and see how worn the older pair is.
  • mrsRhughes
    mrsRhughes Posts: 122
    I run 20-30 miles a week, and need to replace my shoes every 3 months or so (usually every 250-300 miles). I can just see the treads on the bottom getting totally worn off, the sides getting misshapen, etc.
  • schustc
    schustc Posts: 428 Member
    With my feet problems I can't get the cheap shoes :( well I could,but then I wouldn't work out because id be in pain. :( so I am looking at 100.00 every 3 months. Fudge. The cost of getting fit. !
  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
    I'm doing the minimal shoe thing, so I can keep shoes going for a while. I've worn holes in the bottoms of my Soft Star shoes, so I patch them up with Shoe Goo. Haven't worn through the bottoms of my NB Minimus yet, but I'll probably do the same thing with them if it's not the upper that dies first.
  • schustc
    schustc Posts: 428 Member
    The shoes look great still, not a lot of visible wear, but, they are not supportive anymore.. sadly
  • cole_carter
    cole_carter Posts: 174 Member
    I run 20-30 miles a week, and need to replace my shoes every 3 months or so (usually every 250-300 miles). I can just see the treads on the bottom getting totally worn off, the sides getting misshapen, etc.
    i completely agree ... 300 miles which is when the tread layer wears through somewhere on the shoe. ....

    I would not recommend running in cheap shoes. Good running shoes are expensive for a reason. I run in Asics and think they are the best. One way to keep the cost down is to find a shoe that works for you and then replace them online and purchase last years model. That way you can save as much as 50% off the list price
  • Vansy
    Vansy Posts: 419 Member
    Oh, yeah, my other clue is when my lower legs start hurting/aching more -- big sign for me that it's WAY beyond time to change shoes.
  • janf15
    janf15 Posts: 242 Member
    most serious runners replace their running shoes every 300 miles. Shoes is where I spend my money - my apparel is bought online in outlet stores and on the sales racks. Not my shoes.
  • Maxine00
    Maxine00 Posts: 31
    i have plantar. The podiatrist said shoes need to be replaced once a year and sooner if you're a runner. He also recommended "Superfeet" insoles - cost $44ish.
  • saragato
    saragato Posts: 1,154
    Was buying $50 shoes that I went through within 3 months but replaced maybe every 6. (I'm poor, no joke) But that was mostly because I used them for every day and exercise and I have a tendency to roll my ankle and it creates a groove in the sole. Bought $150 specialty shoes from New Balance (can't roll my ankles, good for plantar fasciitis, designed for lower arches and both every day/exercise wear) almost 2 months ago and they've held up to everything. From what I was told by a podiatrist, these shoes should last me a long time.

    Think the worst shoe was the knock off crocs I wore in high school. Went through those every 2 months because the traction died on the bottoms so quickly. Might've been why I tore my calf muscles in band camp one year.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If you're a runner your "running" shoes should be used exclusively for running (until they're retired) to get your best value from them. I'll typically replace mine 3 x per year (at about 400 miles).
  • iAMsmiling
    iAMsmiling Posts: 2,394 Member
    Takes me 3-4 months of 5-6 day a week workouts to kill a pair of New Balance shoes.
    I retire that pair to walking around duty and buy a new pair.

    Overall, I've decided that a slightly less expensive shoe, not top of the line anyway, replaced more frequently is better for me than a top of the line shoe I try to make last too long.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I try to get a minimum of 800 miles out of my running shoes. My current pair of Brooks have just under 1000 miles and look like they'll get at least several hundred more.
  • marikevr
    marikevr Posts: 389 Member
    I am forefoot striker so I am quite heavy on shoes. I have tried different brands but still have the least amount of niggles, blisters and pain with New Balance.

    I average at about 400 miles a pair. I know my shoes are worn when I start getting knee pain.
  • bahacca
    bahacca Posts: 878 Member
    Shoes need replaced based on MILAGE, NOT time. 300 miles for heavier people, those running primarily on hard surfaces. 500 for those who are lighter and run primarily on tracks, dirt, grass, etc.
    If you notice a difference in your shoe and it is no longer providing the support you need, replace them. My tell-tale sign is I'll get knee pain when my shoes are going downhill.
  • schustc
    schustc Posts: 428 Member
    Shoes need replaced based on MILAGE, NOT time. 300 miles for heavier people, those running primarily on hard surfaces. 500 for those who are lighter and run primarily on tracks, dirt, grass, etc.
    If you notice a difference in your shoe and it is no longer providing the support you need, replace them. My tell-tale sign is I'll get knee pain when my shoes are going downhill.

    because I started wearing them all the time (outside of work) - because they felt so much better than my other shoes, I think I wore them down faster. I haven't been running a lot in them, but I can just tell the brace/support isn't there, and my knees, feet and ankles are hurting again for the first time in months.

    There is plenty of wear left IN the shoes - but - I will probably donate them to someone who doesn't have bad feet, and knees.

    know anyone looking for a $100 pair of nike's lightly used? LOL!
  • bpmartyr
    bpmartyr Posts: 141
    I use Asics and replace them between 150-200 miles. The shoes look new but the shock absorption is no longer the same. I run primarily trails with roots, rocks., hill climbs etc. but sometimes on the roads by house due to time constraints.

    Which reminds me: I need new shoes lol.
  • wolfgate
    wolfgate Posts: 321 Member
    Training shoes around 400 miles. Racing flats about 150-200. I never use my running shoes for anything but running until they are retired.

    In my case, the soles still have lots of tread at 400 miles. I can tell it's time because the legs are slower to recover from the runs.

    I also rotate among at least 2 pairs. Sometimes, it's been up to 4. I prefer not to run back to back days in the same shoe. The midsoles last longer that way.

Categories