How Long Do Running Shoes Last, Running shoes are just like running a company. They’re an investment, and they’re definitely costly.
Running in shoes that are either old or don’t fit right can lead to injuries and discomfort. That’s why it’s best to retire your worn out clothes on the regular so you don’t end up with a physical or mental injury because of them.Running in shoes that are too loose for your feet, for example, can lead to extreme fatigue and cramps in your calves.
It’s important to replace things like old running shoes early so you not only avoid possible pain later but so you can be out there exploring the next big idea without having to worry about whether or not your gear is up for the challenge.
In this article, we’ll talk about running shoes and how they are constructed. There are so many types of running shoes available today and you might not know which is which or when to replace your current ones.
Common Factors That Affect A Running Shoe’s Lifespan
Running shoes are useful for being comfortable while you run and avoiding injury. Running is something that can become a lifestyle if it is done correctly but there are a few other factors that can affect the lifespan of your running shoes in particular:
First of all, your running shoes will not last as long if you put them to wear outside of their use for running only. If you buy the wrong type of shoe there’s a good change it will wear out really quickly due to poor construction.
Running Mileage
The best way to help your running shoes last is to keep them in a well-ventilated place. Moisture trapped inside the shoe will shorten their lifespans immensely.
However, just like how old running shoes aren’t as comfortable as those that are brand new, certain aspects of products’ functionality sometimes need to be worked on and improved so as to provide the best possible experience.
When to replace running shoes, Sometimes you don’t notice how worn your shoes are until you buy a new pair. Then, it’s obvious how much cushioning and support they’ve lost. Isn’t it amazing that when one has something of quality to compare their old pair to, the differences are immediately apparent?
The best way to know when you replace your running shoes is to keep track of your mileage. Make sure you carry a log or use an app like Strava or Garmin Connect.
Maintenance
In order to prolong the life of sneakers, they should be hand washed, using soapy water with temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. We recommend washing them in a sink as opposed to any other containers as dirty water and soap may stain the shoes if it’s left on for too long.
In addition, it’s best to avoid washing the shoes in a machine with water. It will take a toll on the shoe’s structure. When drying them, it is best to place them in an open area at normal room temperature. Do not use heat during the drying process.
The Runner’s Weight
Another factor to consider when buying running sneakers is how much the athletes weigh. Heavier runners generally need more cushioning than lighter runners because they put a greater amount of pressure on the bottom of their sneaker.
Although it might not sound quite as fun, try wearing the shoes around before you buy them so that you can get a feel for how heavy you are in comparison to other athletic shoe brands.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to replace shoes faster if you weigh more since they will likely wear down faster due to all of your added weight on each step taken.
How Long Do Running Shoes Last? Knowing When To Buy A New Pair
When to replace running shoes, The general consensus that running shoes last for about 500 miles is an estimate. It varies by each runner, the weight of a runner and other variables.
Look for Signs of Wear and Tear
Replace running shoes every 6 months, The bottom of the soles is the first thing one should take a look at. Heavy wear on the outersole is a sign that the shoes have too many miles on them.
Additionally, over time the gel and foam used in designing the sole will lose its spring, absorbing less shock for a distance runner to toe off against. This means it will be less comfortable to run on longer distances.
Weigh Them
It’s hard to really tell when it’s time to change your shoes without really knowing the runner’s habits, how much they’ve been used, and without actually seeing them. A good way to tell when it’s time for a new pair of shoes is literally at first sight by weighing yourself on an electronic scale.
Kitchen scales, in particular, are a labor saving device. By using these devices, an individual can save hours of cooking time because professional chefs know that anything less than 10 grams of a specific ingredient is not adequate for achieving the desired final product.
So if you’re in an experimental phase (and you should be) and want to determine just how much your final ingredient weighs then it’s important you have at least one kitchen scale on hand so as to ensure you aren’t wasting any time when it comes time to produce what will become your masterpiece treat.
If you’ve lost a shoe more than 10% of it’s initial weight, it’s time to purchase another pair.
Track Your Progress
Nowadays, it’s easy to keep track of one’s progress and performance, thanks to all the technology now available. It is super simple too. You simply need a running log book.
Alternatively, download a fitness app like Strava that has tracking enabled and track how far you walk or run in a given amount of time.
A built-in bonus is that it already tracks all the calories burned doing so, Check your score after walking/running for a certain period of time and then decide when to buy new sneakers based on what the app suggests during speed checks.
How To Make Them Last
How long do shoes last, While running shoes will eventually need to be replaced, there are methods and tricks that can actually help extend the life of your running shoes. Aside from taking care of them on a regular basis, there are other things you can do to make sure that you get more value out of your investment and save more money in the long run.
Here are two of them:
Make Sure to Pick The Right Pair
To make sure that running shoes last longer, it’s important that they are comfortable, fit well and aren’t used outside of their intended purpose.
Make sure that your shoes fit and feel comfortable. When trying on shoes, be sure to walk around and bend your ankles. Check to see if the shoe pinches or rubs the heel or toes. Try on both shoes and then compare for size and fit.
Padded running shoes also tend to last longer than more minimalist shoes.
In summary, what you should do is to first pick a brand with a solid model; then you’ll be in good shape.
Use Two or More Pairs
Running with the same pair of shoes every day will definitely wear them out. A foam based shoe will lose its volume after a few hours if it’s being stressed on a daily basis.
It’s tempting to wear the same shoes every day but try giving your shoes a break by alternating them with a spare pair. This way you’re making sure that your sneakers keep their shape and wear for longer.
While giving it a break won’t do much else in terms of getting the shoes back to their original state, it is a good way to keep the shock-absorbing properties from wearing down too quickly.
Final Thoughts
Running shoes are essential for a good run. They reduce the risk of running injuries, make the whole experience more enjoyable, and will definitely increase one’s performance.
In order to make sure you’re able to go on as many runs as possible without having to purchase new ones frequently, it is important to know how long should running shoes last – after all, everyone wants an investment that will last them at least a couple of years.
All in all, running shoes will endure wear and tear once you start using them. There are many things to consider when purchasing running shoes. First, make sure that the shoe fits well for your foot type.
Second, ensure that you’re running on a safe surface for your shoes; trails or roads will have different stresses than a treadmill, so some pairs are designed only for one situation.
Third, the nature of the running (long distance or speed workouts etc.) will determine the best choice of shoe as well. Finally, investing in quality shoes is essential – cheap ones won’t last long and good pairs can withstand any rough treatment which means you get what you pay for.
