Is it time for new running shoes?

While there’s no one single answer to this question, it’s important to pay attention to the warning signs that your running shoes need to “hit the road”! Not that we are fans of spending money unnecessarily - but using old and worn-out shoes can be hazardous to your health by increasing the stress and impact on your legs and joints. Knowing when the time is right can prevent injuries and improve your performance.

Check Under the Hood

Just like changing the oil in your car, a good rule of thumb is to replace your running shoes every 300-400 miles. If you are “lighter” on your feet, you’re probably at the upper end of the range, while “heavier” runners should change them out more frequently. If you’re not sure how many miles you’ve run, just use an average week to estimate when they will have reached their useful life. For example, if you average 10 miles a week, you can get about 35 weeks of use out of your shoes. Make sure to include “non-running” miles where you are wearing your shoes – after all every step counts!

Oh – it's my leg!

If you’re feeling pain in your joints – especially your knees, shin splints or excessive muscle fatigue, it’s likely that your shoes have lost their cushioning and it’s time to retire them.

Twist and Shout

Give your shoes a twist! Hold your running shoes from both ends and twist the shoe. It should be stiff and hard to twist. An old shoe will twist easily having lost its support.

Don’t Tread on Me!

A sure sign that your shoes are at the end of the road is that the treads on the soles are worn out. Since the soles last longer than the cushioning and shock absorbency, if the treads are gone, the shoes are done!

We believe in second chances!

Just because your shoes are no longer good for running it doesn’t mean they should be thrown away. They are likely still good for less strenuous activity like gardening, painting or mowing the lawn. Another option is to donate them to one of many organizations that collect used running shoes.