This is one of those questions I can’t believe I haven’t already asked, but when I stumbled across this story earlier this week, I knew I needed to check in with you all.
i used to be religious about changing my shoes whatever the recommended mileage or months was. now i just wait until the get worn or my toes start hurting me.
I have done different things over the years. At times I have had a pair of training shoes and a pair of lighter racing shoes concurrently. Then when I was doing more trail running, I added a pair of trail shoes to the mix. Now I tend to have one pair in use and a spare in the cupboard ready for use when I hit 800km or so. These days I find that with the manufacturers wanting to to keep shoes as light as possible, the fabric often wears before the underfoot cushioning. My husband recently had to replace his after about 300km.
The picture in the NYTimes article could very well have been my sneakers. Strava keeps warning me "Its time to replace your shoes," and I will. Its just that they are still more comfortable than any others I own. I've put in almost 1400 miles on the current pair. I do pay more for my shoes upfront, so I expect them to deliver. The ON CLOUD I'm rocking made their debut in the Inaugural SYDNEY World Major Marathon, so maybe my devotion is nostalgic. In any event I know I'll have to switch before the next major.. right?
I have over twenty pairs of running shoes, mostly Brooks. I have four sets of Christmas-related shoes and many other themed shoes. I wear them based on the season of the year. I rarely use the same pair for more than 1 month at a time and am always looking for new themed shoes.
I also have purchased shoes one pair at a time but the miles I’m running - or rather trying to run after surviving GBS - is nowhere near miles I see others running.
I track the mileage on my shoes using Strava and only run in one pair (HOKA Cliftons at the moment) at a time (for both training and racing), just to keep things simple. I typically swap them out for a new pair every 500 or 600 miles, which is usually when the wear on the cushioning in the shoes starts to be reflected in increased aches in my joints at the end of a run. If the retiring pair is still in fair condition, I'll clean them up and donate them to Soles4Souls in the hope someone else (with younger joints!) can get some good miles out of them. I'll buy whatever shoe I'm using "in bulk" - four or five pairs at a time - when they go on sale or clearance, so a new pair is always ready and waiting when I finally put the current pair out to pasture.
I replace my running shoes about every 600 miles, even if they still look new. That makes for about three pairs per year. I have two running shoes; 1) daily running 2) race day. When my daily shoe exceeds 600 miles I convert my race-day shoe to daily and buy a new pair.
I ran 1808 miles in 2025 and ran two half marathons and three full marathons (M2B, Juneau, and Athens), that exceeded my shoe budget for the year.
Saucony Endorphin Speed is my preferred shoe these days. I wore Saucony Triumph for about ten years, but their last model messed up my foot, blisters and ankle bone pain. That’s when I switched. Over the years, I’ve tried other brands, but I always come back to Saucony.
The short answer is: it depends. But in general these days, 250-300 miles for road shoes and 350-450 miles for trail shoes. I'm 6'2", 190 lbs and a midfoot striker. So when the outer edge of the outsole wears down and the midsole begins to fray, it's time to shop around.
I currently have 7 shoes in rotation: 2 trail shoes and 5 road shoes. Current mileage on each ranges from a low of 104 to a high of 409 miles. Having so many pairs on rotation seems to make the shoes last longer. Another thing I've noticed is that super shoes, while not extremely durable, can last a long time. I've got 224 miles on my pair of ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS, and while they might not be the shoe I'd wear if I wanted to PR a marathon tomorrow, they are still excellent for weekly speed workouts. I've also raced 3 marathons in this pair.
As for keeping track, I log all my shoes on Strava. This helps me know when it's time to consider a new purchase -- in addition to observing the shoe's wear and tear and the impact I begin to feel on my body. To date, I've retired 64 pairs of shoes on Strava.
64 pairs! Wow, that’s seriously saying something. Is there a setting in Strava that enables you to track your gear? (There is in the Garmin app, I know, but I haven’t explored Strava’s maybe like I should.)
That's in 10 years, and those shoes are reminders of the work I've put in. On your profile page on Strava, there's a section for "Gear" (it's just above the "Challenge" section). Click on that, and you can add Shoes and Bikes. It's really fun to look back at my retired shoes. Lots of memories associated with each pair. My highest mileage shoe is the Hoka Tecton X, with 593 miles. My lowest: the Saucony Ride 14 (101 miles) -- a pretty terrible model year for that shoe ... very comfortable upper but the worst, uh, "ride."
I have 6-10 pairs for different kinds of races and training. Trail, both heavy & lite. Street, some for speed and some for comfort. I have duplicates of some shoes I really like, so I can rotate them if I want to run two runs in a row of that type, and I won't use the same pair. I have some shoes I travel with, to use for running or walking, so I don't have to pack different pairs for each activity.
I replace a pair, or more aptly put I buy a new pair, when I feel tired of an old pair or when I see a new pair I want to add to my rotation. I let shoes go when I feel I need to purge some shoes I don't use any more. Or when they start to feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, or the sole is beginning to separate (even the tiniest bit). I don't measure it in miles, but it's probably between 200-600 miles.
I used to run 5+ races each season (except July-August), and train constantly. 2.5 mile minimum, but working up to 10K when nec. My weekly totals weren't more than 20 miles, just focused on consistency. Except when I was in my "half marathon mode" - 4 years of running two half marathons per year.
I've cut back dramatically in the last year (I'm 67), and not sure of the future. I'm running 5-12 miles/week now, and only a couple races/season. I will keep running lite trail races if I can find them (my fav just closed up shop) but mostly street races. Nothing more than 10K, and not even sure if I'll do another of those.
As I age, my running has gotten slower and more laborious. Still doing it, mixed with lots of walking. My health is most important, so I don't want to push myself into the red zone. I focus on my technique (posture, foot strike, breathing, etc.) and pay close attention to notice any joint pains. I haven't had any serious health issues yet, in about 15 years of running, and I plan to keep that streak going.
I generally rotate between 2 pairs at a time. Historically, ASICS & Brooks. Currently, NB and Hoka. My rule of thumb is about every 300 miles, but sooner if I notice they are contributing to aches, blisters or other random, unexpected niggles.
I think that’s what I’ve been missing — I tend to buy just one pair at a time and run them into the ground; you extend the life of your shoes when you rotate them… definitely going to check out NB and Hokas next time I’m at the running store!
Someone should make a Shoe Disintegration Calculator!! [Enter shoe brand, body weight, ambient temp, running surface, etc.] Big money there!! 😆 but seriously….
I rotate 5 pair, and change out often. I keep track of mileage on each pair. My PCP (she's a runner) is always asking me if I am rotating and not wearing a pair too long. I run in one type (Brooks Beast) for all my distance runs and New Balance 860s for my track events (got the NVSO coming up in Sept). I usually buy 4-5 pair a year. My wife says my my closet looks like Imelda Marcos Shoe closet with all my running shoes!
Yes, she's great! Her goal is to keep me running into my 90s! (I'm 86)
I forgot to answer your question on how often I replace my shoes. I don't go strictly by mileage - I also go by time. I'm very hard on shoes so 250 miles or 6 months/pair whichever comes first.
I replace mine when they start to feel like they're losing structure or if my runs feel more labored. A shoe upgrade always helps me feel lighter! I run in Asics Gel Kayanos because I need maximum stability.
I kinda notice that with mine too — you can tell when the “life” has been drained out them, in a manner of speaking. I really notice it when I put on a new pair and feel how springy they are — like, “that’s what I was missing.”
I sometimes get new ones before something big as a little treat, like before my first 10k I got some new ones. I think for me, hip pain is the indicator that I may need to try new ones. My others then cycle to walking shoes or work shoes since I work in a warehouse and am on my feet and moving all day.
i used to be religious about changing my shoes whatever the recommended mileage or months was. now i just wait until the get worn or my toes start hurting me.
So good to hear from you again, Kel! 🙌
It depends upon the brand/build quality, but I will frequently go over 1,000 miles on Gel Nimbus.
I have done different things over the years. At times I have had a pair of training shoes and a pair of lighter racing shoes concurrently. Then when I was doing more trail running, I added a pair of trail shoes to the mix. Now I tend to have one pair in use and a spare in the cupboard ready for use when I hit 800km or so. These days I find that with the manufacturers wanting to to keep shoes as light as possible, the fabric often wears before the underfoot cushioning. My husband recently had to replace his after about 300km.
I tend to buy mostly Brooks but unlike the recommendations, I wait til my feet hurt or the insides wear out. ( don’t tell the professionals)
Your secret is safe with me! 🤫
The picture in the NYTimes article could very well have been my sneakers. Strava keeps warning me "Its time to replace your shoes," and I will. Its just that they are still more comfortable than any others I own. I've put in almost 1400 miles on the current pair. I do pay more for my shoes upfront, so I expect them to deliver. The ON CLOUD I'm rocking made their debut in the Inaugural SYDNEY World Major Marathon, so maybe my devotion is nostalgic. In any event I know I'll have to switch before the next major.. right?
1,400 miles!! Wow… you are a madman, Q! 🙌
I have over twenty pairs of running shoes, mostly Brooks. I have four sets of Christmas-related shoes and many other themed shoes. I wear them based on the season of the year. I rarely use the same pair for more than 1 month at a time and am always looking for new themed shoes.
Love this, Jim!
I also have purchased shoes one pair at a time but the miles I’m running - or rather trying to run after surviving GBS - is nowhere near miles I see others running.
Oh my goodness, Cheri! I just googled GBS and my heart goes out to you — is this a recent thing? How are you feeling?
I track the mileage on my shoes using Strava and only run in one pair (HOKA Cliftons at the moment) at a time (for both training and racing), just to keep things simple. I typically swap them out for a new pair every 500 or 600 miles, which is usually when the wear on the cushioning in the shoes starts to be reflected in increased aches in my joints at the end of a run. If the retiring pair is still in fair condition, I'll clean them up and donate them to Soles4Souls in the hope someone else (with younger joints!) can get some good miles out of them. I'll buy whatever shoe I'm using "in bulk" - four or five pairs at a time - when they go on sale or clearance, so a new pair is always ready and waiting when I finally put the current pair out to pasture.
Soles4Souls — that’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
I replace my running shoes about every 600 miles, even if they still look new. That makes for about three pairs per year. I have two running shoes; 1) daily running 2) race day. When my daily shoe exceeds 600 miles I convert my race-day shoe to daily and buy a new pair.
I ran 1808 miles in 2025 and ran two half marathons and three full marathons (M2B, Juneau, and Athens), that exceeded my shoe budget for the year.
Saucony Endorphin Speed is my preferred shoe these days. I wore Saucony Triumph for about ten years, but their last model messed up my foot, blisters and ankle bone pain. That’s when I switched. Over the years, I’ve tried other brands, but I always come back to Saucony.
1,800 miles in a single year is just awesome, Carlos! (Also: look for email from me this weekend about the interview!)
The short answer is: it depends. But in general these days, 250-300 miles for road shoes and 350-450 miles for trail shoes. I'm 6'2", 190 lbs and a midfoot striker. So when the outer edge of the outsole wears down and the midsole begins to fray, it's time to shop around.
I currently have 7 shoes in rotation: 2 trail shoes and 5 road shoes. Current mileage on each ranges from a low of 104 to a high of 409 miles. Having so many pairs on rotation seems to make the shoes last longer. Another thing I've noticed is that super shoes, while not extremely durable, can last a long time. I've got 224 miles on my pair of ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS, and while they might not be the shoe I'd wear if I wanted to PR a marathon tomorrow, they are still excellent for weekly speed workouts. I've also raced 3 marathons in this pair.
As for keeping track, I log all my shoes on Strava. This helps me know when it's time to consider a new purchase -- in addition to observing the shoe's wear and tear and the impact I begin to feel on my body. To date, I've retired 64 pairs of shoes on Strava.
64 pairs! Wow, that’s seriously saying something. Is there a setting in Strava that enables you to track your gear? (There is in the Garmin app, I know, but I haven’t explored Strava’s maybe like I should.)
That's in 10 years, and those shoes are reminders of the work I've put in. On your profile page on Strava, there's a section for "Gear" (it's just above the "Challenge" section). Click on that, and you can add Shoes and Bikes. It's really fun to look back at my retired shoes. Lots of memories associated with each pair. My highest mileage shoe is the Hoka Tecton X, with 593 miles. My lowest: the Saucony Ride 14 (101 miles) -- a pretty terrible model year for that shoe ... very comfortable upper but the worst, uh, "ride."
I rotate mine also, but a lot more.
I have 6-10 pairs for different kinds of races and training. Trail, both heavy & lite. Street, some for speed and some for comfort. I have duplicates of some shoes I really like, so I can rotate them if I want to run two runs in a row of that type, and I won't use the same pair. I have some shoes I travel with, to use for running or walking, so I don't have to pack different pairs for each activity.
I replace a pair, or more aptly put I buy a new pair, when I feel tired of an old pair or when I see a new pair I want to add to my rotation. I let shoes go when I feel I need to purge some shoes I don't use any more. Or when they start to feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, or the sole is beginning to separate (even the tiniest bit). I don't measure it in miles, but it's probably between 200-600 miles.
Really interesting, Nathan! So you run races quite often, then? What does your schedule look like?
I used to run 5+ races each season (except July-August), and train constantly. 2.5 mile minimum, but working up to 10K when nec. My weekly totals weren't more than 20 miles, just focused on consistency. Except when I was in my "half marathon mode" - 4 years of running two half marathons per year.
I've cut back dramatically in the last year (I'm 67), and not sure of the future. I'm running 5-12 miles/week now, and only a couple races/season. I will keep running lite trail races if I can find them (my fav just closed up shop) but mostly street races. Nothing more than 10K, and not even sure if I'll do another of those.
As I age, my running has gotten slower and more laborious. Still doing it, mixed with lots of walking. My health is most important, so I don't want to push myself into the red zone. I focus on my technique (posture, foot strike, breathing, etc.) and pay close attention to notice any joint pains. I haven't had any serious health issues yet, in about 15 years of running, and I plan to keep that streak going.
I generally rotate between 2 pairs at a time. Historically, ASICS & Brooks. Currently, NB and Hoka. My rule of thumb is about every 300 miles, but sooner if I notice they are contributing to aches, blisters or other random, unexpected niggles.
I think that’s what I’ve been missing — I tend to buy just one pair at a time and run them into the ground; you extend the life of your shoes when you rotate them… definitely going to check out NB and Hokas next time I’m at the running store!
Someone should make a Shoe Disintegration Calculator!! [Enter shoe brand, body weight, ambient temp, running surface, etc.] Big money there!! 😆 but seriously….
That’s actually a great idea!! 💡
I rotate 5 pair, and change out often. I keep track of mileage on each pair. My PCP (she's a runner) is always asking me if I am rotating and not wearing a pair too long. I run in one type (Brooks Beast) for all my distance runs and New Balance 860s for my track events (got the NVSO coming up in Sept). I usually buy 4-5 pair a year. My wife says my my closet looks like Imelda Marcos Shoe closet with all my running shoes!
Ha!! I can imagine! Sounds like you have a fantastic doctor, too! 🙌
Yes, she's great! Her goal is to keep me running into my 90s! (I'm 86)
I forgot to answer your question on how often I replace my shoes. I don't go strictly by mileage - I also go by time. I'm very hard on shoes so 250 miles or 6 months/pair whichever comes first.
I replace mine when they start to feel like they're losing structure or if my runs feel more labored. A shoe upgrade always helps me feel lighter! I run in Asics Gel Kayanos because I need maximum stability.
I kinda notice that with mine too — you can tell when the “life” has been drained out them, in a manner of speaking. I really notice it when I put on a new pair and feel how springy they are — like, “that’s what I was missing.”
It's a great feeling!
I sometimes get new ones before something big as a little treat, like before my first 10k I got some new ones. I think for me, hip pain is the indicator that I may need to try new ones. My others then cycle to walking shoes or work shoes since I work in a warehouse and am on my feet and moving all day.
Very, very interesting that the signal is that specific for you (with hip pain) — I’m going to pay more attention to mine going forward 🤔