It's the big question that specialist salespeople hear every day in the store. In this post, we discuss some aspects to consider.

When to change your running shoes?

Shoes don't have a determined lifespan (i.e., not an expiration date). With wear and tear from use, they will lose properties. And this loss can accelerate depending on whether we have chosen the correct shoes, where we run, how we care for them, etc.

So, there will come a time when we exceed that maximum use time for running. Depending on their condition, we can still wear them for walking or going to the beach. But running in them will no longer be advisable.

The estimated lifespan is between 600 to 800 km. After this distance, the components begin to lose their cushioning and stability properties. Then the shoes no longer fulfill their functions of impact absorption that protect our joints and muscles.

The number of kilometers depends on the type of shoes. Training shoes last much longer than competition shoes, which provide more grip in exchange for faster wear.

So, there comes a time when they are no longer themselves. They are no longer those special running shoes you bought back then. You have a lot of affection for them, even more than ever. But you need to be realistic and look out for your health.

The useful life of your favorite running shoes has come to an end; it's time for a change.

!!! Beware !!! Just because the exterior looks good doesn't mean the shoe can continue to be used without problems.

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Avoid running in shoes past their mileage to prevent injury

Tripping and getting injured is something you want to avoid at all costs, right?

Look at the photos. You'll understand that the safety of your feet with these shoes is much less than with less worn ones. They fit snugly, but your foot will move more inside them.

Not to mention the increased possibility of slipping due to a worn sole.

If 800 km seems like a lot, consider a runner who does 30 km per week, running about 120 km per month. So, in 6 to 8 months, a regular runner can reach that mileage.

Therefore, we recommend making the change before reaching 800 km to combine the new ones and "safely retire" (as we say) the old ones. Just as we shouldn't hesitate to change an old mattress that no longer provides the best sleeping conditions every day, changing our running shoes when it's time shouldn't be a "trauma" either.

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Reasons for running shoe wear and tear

These indicators will also be useful for other sports shoes.

Runner's weight

A very heavy runner will compromise cushioning more with each stride. The shoes will last a little less. A lightweight runner will preserve the shoe's cushioning more.

The force of your stride

It depends on how you run or your running technique. Some "caress" the ground, and some impact forcefully with each stride. More pressure on the stride means more wear and shorter durability.

The surface where you usually run

In principle, running on asphalt wears out running shoes more than running on grass or dirt in good conditions. And if you wear trail running shoes and run on asphalt, you will wear out the outsole very quickly.

Signs to change your running shoes

We recommend you look for these signs, which will become reasons to change them.

When your sensations are far from what you felt when you first put on your new shoes, it's time to replace them.

Sole wear primarily affects grip and traction. And today, with the durability of the materials used to make shoes, it's not usually the main reason to buy new ones.

Impact usually occurs with the rear part, and then, depending on whether you are a neutral, pronator, or supinator runner, it detaches from one or another part of the front, with a tendency towards the inside – towards pronation –, centered – neutral – or with a tendency towards the outside – supination.

Loss of cushioning and stability are key signs.

Stability and cushioning are fundamental characteristics in a running shoe. And even more so today, as the leading competition shoes are infinitely more cushioned than those of three or four years ago.

The midsole compresses or lowers as you advance in the continuous use of the shoes. This deterioration is the most evident cause of property loss.

The farewell and the welcome

Overlap your current shoes with the new ones you acquire. This is something professionals know very well. Never wear new shoes suddenly, and even less so in a race! even if it's the same model you usually use. Say goodbye to the old ones (no matter how much you love them) and gradually introduce training with the new ones.

Avoid physical problems. Often, the best indicator that a shoe is worn out isn't its visible deterioration, but the appearance of problems you didn't have with them initially. Keep this in mind.

Another crucial factor is the care of our "weapons of battle." NEVER wash them in the washing machine. Hand wash YES. Of course, the washing machine cleans them well, but it severely damages the components and adds "free" kilometers to the shoes, and that's only if they don't come out deformed (we've seen more than one "weird" case).

Consequently, the correct way is to use a damp cloth and even a brush with a little neutral soap, and don't dry them in direct sunlight either, if we are demanding (as we should be with such a high-end product, like our running shoes). To dry them, it's best to stuff them with newspaper inside to absorb and dry well, especially the upper.

I'm changing them just because, why not? A more than reasonable reason to change your old running shoes for new ones is simply because you've grown tired of them or the excitement of trying new ones.

Let's remember that running should be enjoyable, relaxing, a release from our routine, stress-relieving... so treating yourself to a pair of shoes not only as a means to achieve measurable goals by the clock, but also as a stimulus to face the upcoming stage, is already a good reason.

So, as mentioned, after 800 km at most, we await you at BeUrbanRunning to renew your running, trail, fitness, or athletics shoes.

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