When to Replace Your Running Shoes

Are your legs more sore than normal?

Did the inside of your ankles, shins or knees recently get really tight or sore with seemingly no change in training?

Then it might already be too late!

No biggie….just head to wherever you buy your running shoes to pick up a new pair.

Keeping up with your shoes can be one of the easiest ways to prevent an injury. If you do a quick google search, you’ll find that the mileage for replacing running shoes is every 300-500 miles. That’s a HUGE range. How are you supposed to know which number your shoes fall in?

Signs your running shoes are too old

• The shoes don’t feel quite as bouncy

• There are certain spots that feel more worn out than others

• The upper is ripping or tearing from the base

• Running shoe support is fading

• Tread is worn down

Don’t wait until the tread wear on your running shoes is at its end…the cushion of the shoes will wear out far sooner than the tread. A lot of shoes today are made extra soft and cushiony. This can be good for a lot of things, but generally these more cushiony shoes do not last as long. Because of the softness of the materials used, most shoes will fall within the 300-400 mile range. If your shoe lasts 500 miles, there is a likelihood that it’s not a very soft or comfortable shoe or you are just crazy durable 🤪.

When to change your shoes can also be completely based on your comfort level. Some people can run 500 miles on a pair of shoes with no injuries, while others might start experiencing discomfort much earlier. A good running shoe condition check is to try to bend the shoe front to back and compare how much it bends to a new version of the same shoe. With some trial and error, over time you will come to find what works best for you and your foot.

And when you are ready for a new pair of running shoes but need some help finding the right pair? Check out Craft’s Running Shoe Guide to find a pair of new kicks that match your running style and preferred running terrain.

Don’t waste your time with a silly injury that could be prevented by replacing your shoes in a timely matter! Let’s get running.