How many miles is ideal on running shoes before you buy new ones?

CPT Jacob Swartout — Wed, 07 May 2014 20:17:20 -0400

Curious to see how long everyone will wear their running shoes before switching out to a new pair. I just recently bought a pair and have been told every 4-6 months. Some runners keep track by actual miles ran and change out at 200-250 miles. Some wear them until they literally fall apart too. Everyone is different. I keep mine for 9-12 months unless needed earlier.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 8:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 20:22:54 -0400

I replace mine every 300 miles or so but I will keep wearing them as I start to break in a new pair. The craziest thing you can do is run a race in a new pair...I've done it and had the blisters to show for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 9:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 21:40:10 -0400

I do my best to replace my running shoes every 6 months. I will also know its time because my knees will start to hurt a little more then normal. I haven't tried the keeping track by miles, but my daily and weekly miles are always changing.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made May 7 at 2014 9:40 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Wed, 07 May 2014 21:40:52 -0400

My wife is an avid runner/marathoner. The standard is 500 miles if you are an avid runner. No longer than 2 years if you are not. That is her opinion. I normally go 2-300 or about a year and a half if not hitting the mileage. Running shoe companies would say Shoes should be replaced every 6 months. Wonder why?
The key is to take your shoes to a true "running" store when you go to buy your new ones. That way the wear pattern can be properly analyzed and you can be fit correctly. (unless you know if you are neutral, under or over pronator). Right shoes make a world of difference.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 7 at 2014 9:47 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Wed, 07 May 2014 21:47:29 -0400

I have changed to a minimus style shoe so I wear the until they fall apart. I have toe shoes that are still together that are almost 3 years old though I did have a period of about a year that I wasn't running due to injury so i guess they have almost two years of running on them right now.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 10:13 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 22:13:21 -0400

I usually change out when I start feeling pain from running. Usually about 6-9 months, depending on the brand/quality of the shoe.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 2:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 02:19:03 -0400

Excellent question! And it just came up as a discussion point recently for me. I've had the same pair of shoes for over 3 years. I've tracked that last year and a half, and have 431 miles on them--no idea what was on them before that. I do have other shoes that I wear, including ones where the store evaluates your running style, but I've never gotten used to them, and always had subsequent pain for any runs over 2 miles. Currently, I'm running 6-10 miles/day, 3-5 times a week. Historically, I'll replace the insoles every couple months, and my favorite shoes just now are wearing out the soles and the liner at the back of the ankle, but otherwise are in good condition. Ordering 2 more pairs of shoes to replace and break in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 12:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 12:02:41 -0400

Back when I ran cross country the coaches would always tell us to buy new shoes between 300 to 500 miles. You can tell when you need new shoes by looking at the inside heel for little lines of stress on the shoe.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 4:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 16:50:29 -0400

Wow, you all actually track how many miles you've run?? I don't even think about that. I change before every fall APFT. I've never even thought about calculating miles run/pair.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 8 at 2014 7:53 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 08 May 2014 19:53:11 -0400

Sir,

There is not a right or wrong answer to your question. Much depends on what kind of running you are doing...how many miles a week, your age and level of training, ETC. It will normally make sense in the long run (pun was not intended but I’ll take it) to pay a bit more for a quality pair of shoes, as they will normally have a longer life and provide more protection. If you are running short distances, 2 mile/5Ks, you are going to be able to go longer with the same shoes than if you are running longer distances. Also, if you are running longer distances, it will save you money and longer wear on your shoes if you buy two pair and rotate them after using them. The only thing for sure is that if they are falling apart, they should have already been replaced.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 31 at 2016 6:22 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:22:18 -0400

Lots of opinions. I am going to tell you it depends on your weight and how you foot fall. If you are a heavy plodder you will break shoes down quickly. I go through shoes every 250-400 miles depending on weather, surface I have been running on, type of training, and how many long runs are on them. Rain and snow break shoes down faster. If you are worried about cost you should probably find another hobby. As you get older, you will notice if you had good gear or just making it by gear. To put it into perspective- would you put re-tread tires on a Corvette? A great rule of thumb is to push the toe box towards the back of the shoe- the less resistance and easier fold- the less support you are getting from them. Again you will have several opinions- but you are the best judge of when you need new sneaks.

Response by SFC George Smith made Aug 31 at 2016 6:44 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:44:03 -0400

Get the cheep ones and replace them every 2-3 months... it will cost way less then the expensive ones you have to replace every 4-6 months...