Most casual shoes don’t wear quickly, certainly if you only wear them once a week. Like most sports products, that’s is a different story when it comes to running shoes. Since you use them intensively, you need to replace your running shoes more often than most casual trainers. But how long do running shoes last exactly? And why is it so essential to replace them on time? We’ll tell you all how long your running shoes last and when it’s time to buy a new pair.
Why is it essential to replace your running shoes?
Running shoes are the most essential part of your running gear. Before we tell you when it’s the right time to buy a new pair of running shoes, knowing why it’s essential to replace them at the right time is the first step. If you keep running on your worn shoes, you risk the chance of getting injuries on your feet, legs or lower tummy.
In addition to the increased risk of getting injuries, running on worn shoes is a lot less comfortable. You probably won’t note while wearing them, but you’ll notice the difference when trying on a new pair of running shoes. When you do feel your running shoes are worn, you’re way too late!
How long do running shoes last?
It depends on how intensively you use your running shoes when it’s time for a replacement. They’ll wear quicker when you do your runs on paved roads than when you run on ‘soft’ roads, like sandy roads. You’ll wear your running shoes quicker when you run for miles compared to doing your short little run around the block. You’re too late if you notice and feel they’re worn, but how do you know that you need to replace your running shoes? We have a few simple tricks for that!
How long do running shoes last based on miles or kilometres?
Based on the miles you’re going to run, your running shoes will last for 560 to 680 miles or 900 – 1100 kilometres. For some, that means the running shoes will wear and tear within 10 months, while others can wear the same pair of shoes for two years. The more miles you run, the quicker the cushioning wears. After approximately 600 miles, you’ve lost around 35% of the original cushioning. That’s the percentage you need to know to buy a new pair of running shoes.
To use this method, keeping a running diary will help you know when you need to replace them. You can do this in the vintage manual way, but there are different apps available that keep up with the miles you run.
How long do running shoes last based on looks?
Not everybody likes keeping a running diary, but keeping track on your miles is a great idea if you’re a beginner and want to start running. But there’s an alternative to know when you need to replace your running shoes. The only thing you need is a critical eye. Look at the dots below for clues and find out when your running shoes need replacement.
- The outer sole is worn, and only the (usually) white midsole is showing
- The midsole won’t bounce back when you push it. You also see some lines and wrinkles in the midsole, which means that the cushioning is worn.
- The heel stiffeners no longer offer support
- The upper of your running shoes shows cracks and black spots
- The outer sole is asymmetrical. When you put your running shoe on a straight surface, your shoes look tilted.
How long does the cushioning in your running shoes last?
The lifespan of your running shoes depends on the state of the cushioning. When you frequently run, the cushioning wears quickly. Even if you keep your running shoes in the closet forever, the cushioning will wear. When the cushioning has disappeared by 35%, you need to look for a new pair of running shoes. If you don’t wear your running shoes and you just keep them in the back of your closet, the cushioning will be gone for 35% after three years. Every year, the quality of the cushioning drops by 10%. In a way, your running shoes will get dehydrated like an unpacked marshmallow.
When you buy your pair of running shoes, just be aware that you buy the right size and don’t purchase an old model. A model that’s still in production is no problem of course, but a model that hasn’t been produced for 10 years will probably dehydrated before you’ve even used them.
Based on brands: how long do running shoes last?
Lots of brands, such as Adidas, Nike and Asics, offer running shoes, but do they all have the same lifespan? That is hard to say. Most large sports brands offer good quality running shoes. They have years of experience in producing sports shoes and do regular researches on quality improvement. You can expect the lifetime for running shoes of these brands is about the same. They’re not cheap though, but you get what you pay for.
There are also running shoes that cost less and unbranded running shoes on the market. Everyone has a budget, and there is nothing wrong with unbranded shoes. The difference is the use of materials and knowledge. Compared to a pair of Nike’s, an unbranded running shoe can be of poor quality. Nike may have more understanding of running shoes compared to unbranded shoes and that may affect the lifespan of the running shoe.
Tips on how to longer enjoy your running shoes
If you run frequently, having to replace your running shoes within a year may come as a shock. We fully understand that you want to extend this period, so you longer enjoy your running shoes. Therefore we have one last tip.
Do you go out for your daily run? Shoes need their rest to go back to their original shapes. After running, your running shoes need to recover for 48 hours. If you run daily, we recommend that you keep wo pairs of running shoes in your closet. This way you can alternate, and both pairs will stay in better condition.
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