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 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!
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’m also generally a ‘by the book’ guy…I set my Garmin gear for 400 miles, and then play it by ear when either I start to feel loss of cushion or when the heel of the shoe gets worn down excessively. Since I always get one model shoe (Mizuno Wave Inspire), it doesn’t require much thinking or analysis on my part. 😂
I run exclusively in Boston Adizeros. They've been a game changer after I developed toe pain that may or may not be arthritis. I change these about every 200 miles. Evidently the foam is not as sturdy as other brands.
Other shoes - it was every 300 miles. My knees let me know when the cushioning becomes too compressed!
I run barefoot, so not really an issue -- however, I do carry shoes as back up and sometimes wear them on longer, rockier courses. But that is so infrequent, I think the practical answer is still "never." Unless a mouse eats them or something
LOL! 😂 I remember (of course!) how you like to run barefoot and I’m still in awe… how long did it take the bottoms of your feet to become accustomed to barefoot running, btw?
Made the switch after a period of not running and built up slowly from a couple of k. My heels would drop after 3-4k until my muscles got used to it. I run almost exclusively on pavement!
I’ve got wide feet and lymphoedema in one leg. Men’s ‘wide’ shoes used to give me a double line of blisters down the sides of my feet and significant pain from overheating. Now I wear mesh or honeycomb shoes with basically more air than shoe and my feet are much happier.
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! 🙌
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.
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 🤔
I’m also generally a ‘by the book’ guy…I set my Garmin gear for 400 miles, and then play it by ear when either I start to feel loss of cushion or when the heel of the shoe gets worn down excessively. Since I always get one model shoe (Mizuno Wave Inspire), it doesn’t require much thinking or analysis on my part. 😂
I should also state that all my running shoes get a second life afterward as house and garden shoes, since there is still ‘meat on them bones.’
Totally! They can have many, many lives beyond the roads/trails 👟
Once a year in the late fall. What little racing I do is in the spring so they’re well broken in by then.
That’s a good plan — I tend to wear mine as long as 2 years (or even longer). I just forget how long I’ve had them sometimes…
I replaced my shoes a few days ago … after developing plantar fasciitis. :-(
A brutal reminder to replace my shoes once a year.
Yikes! I hear you. I got it last year (or was it 2 years ago?) and it felt like a knife stabbing the bottom of my foot. I feel your pain! 🤒
I run exclusively in Boston Adizeros. They've been a game changer after I developed toe pain that may or may not be arthritis. I change these about every 200 miles. Evidently the foam is not as sturdy as other brands.
Other shoes - it was every 300 miles. My knees let me know when the cushioning becomes too compressed!
That’s what I wonder too! How do we know when our shoes hit 300, 400 or 500 miles? (There’s no odometer on them, of course 🤣)
Strava tracks them! Put your shoes on Strava and attach an activity to them and it will track mileage for you!
I run barefoot, so not really an issue -- however, I do carry shoes as back up and sometimes wear them on longer, rockier courses. But that is so infrequent, I think the practical answer is still "never." Unless a mouse eats them or something
LOL! 😂 I remember (of course!) how you like to run barefoot and I’m still in awe… how long did it take the bottoms of your feet to become accustomed to barefoot running, btw?
Honestly I am a tender foot. They have never become accustomed - certainly not to gravel. But that's part of the fun!
My shoes are barefoots. I replace them when there’s no shoe between me and the ground!
This is amazing! How’d you make the switch to barefoot running? And do you run trails exclusively?
Made the switch after a period of not running and built up slowly from a couple of k. My heels would drop after 3-4k until my muscles got used to it. I run almost exclusively on pavement!
I’ve got wide feet and lymphoedema in one leg. Men’s ‘wide’ shoes used to give me a double line of blisters down the sides of my feet and significant pain from overheating. Now I wear mesh or honeycomb shoes with basically more air than shoe and my feet are much happier.
I’ve run a road marathon in them. All fine except for general exhaustion- I’m not fast. It took me six hours.