Wear & tear on shoes and replacement

I worry less about visible wear and tear and more about fit and support. I don't track mileage on my shoes, so I go by feel - usually I start getting minor knee pain when it's time for a new pair.

If you're only walking, the outsoles should last 10x longer.

Walking is a lot easier on shoes than running.
I walk and use the elliptical mostly and replace mine about once per year. Routinely put 15-20K steps per day. My dd runs marathons a couple of times per year and a few 1/2 marathons and assorted 5 & 10K's. Her daily steps (barring race days and long runs) are usually less than mine, but definitely more wear and tear for her. She replaces hers about every 300 miles. You should be able to see the wear on your shoes and replace as needed.

In my experience, every 300 miles is a bit too soon for most shoes -- a shoe sales tactic.
That said, I do think shoes are designed to start feeling flat -- that is, breaking down and providing less support -- much sooner than they used to.
I don't think you can wait for signs of wear. The soles break down before that. But I do think I can feel when I lose the support and springiness that newer shoes have. Can you?
Unfortunately, that often means: If you think you have to ask, you have already worn them out and can benefit from new ones.

very timely topic. my wife mentioned it's about time I got new shoes. She can always tell, says my gait gets a little "rolly" when they're due for replacement. I imagine if I persist with the old shoes, the "rolly" will translate into some sort of physical problem. I try and stick to Asics; they seem to fit me best and I like the stiffer feel.

I work on my feet ( the most I've ever ran was to catch the ice cream truck) and my doctor said that I should rotate my shoes every day. Meaning don't wear the same pair 2 days in a row. I'm not sure why or if it helps but thought I'd share just in case it was helpful to anyone else here. It might be worth a try.

Alternating shoes gives them a chance to dry out properly so less smelly and also allows the cushioning in the shoe to fully decompress. Also if you are heavier you will wear a shoe out faster as well as what type of surface you wear your shoes on.

I rotate my shoes through uses as well. Eg my running shoes will become my walking shoes and then my walking shoes will become my gym shoes. Most of the time my running shoes still look fairly new when they get delegated to walking shoes actually even when they go in the bin they still look good. I can usually tell they needed replacing because I will feel the ground more than normal (actually registering I have just put my foot on a small stone etc). The other indicator is pain in the knee or foot. I have also had the sales person note my foot/ankle was rolling in when standing still in my sneakers, I was already there to buy new shoes as I knew I was past due but it was just something they commented on.

I probably buy an average of 3 pairs a year. In an ideal world I'd buy them when on sale and keep for when I need them but most of the time I just buy a new pair as needed but if there's a sale on I'll buy 2 pairs at the same time.

I’m still slightly dubious about this. I mean, shoe companies have every reason to talk us into getting shoes as frequently as possible. I’m certainly due, having put perhaps 1500mi on mine. They really look fine and feel OK when I run. But I am having knee trouble (which is only slowly improving as I take a couple of weeks off). I guess I’ll get a new pair— reluctantly. Then I’ll saw the old pair in half and see if there’s really any internal wear. Inquiring minds need to know!

It is true that a good quality pair of running shoes will last you 300-500 miles. If you are heavier perhaps a bit less, lighter a bit more. Some of this is also dependent on whether you are a forefoot or heel striker. I am a overpronator and this tends to wear my heels down faster. The issue really isn't the tread wear - it is the breakdown in the internal cushioning within the midsole. It is sometimes hard for me to know when to let go of a pair of shoes, but I can tell the difference when I start a run in a new pair - it is so much nicer.

Keeping two pair in rotation is key, it allows the shoes to recover in between runs. I run 3x week/ 10-15 miles/week and I will keep two pair of shoes in a rotation for approximately one year.

Walking is much lower impact than running. For running shoes I run on two dedicated pair and cycle them out after ~9-12 mo, but change them out on wear and tear more than mileage. Currently running ~30mi/week.

6'4" 216 lbs