Maintaining good foot health requires you to replace your shoes on a regular basis. Many of us continue to wear shoes that have passed their “expiration” date simply because we don’t know what to look for!
Shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people, or every 500-700 kilometers for running shoes, as a general rule. Some shoes will last longer, while others will wear out faster. There are a few simple indicators you can look for to determine when it’s time to replace your shoes.
This is frequently due to a lack of awareness about the issues associated with worn-out footwear. As a result, today we’ll answer the question: How long do shoes last?
Surprisingly, people vastly underestimate the lifespan of their shoes. On the other end of the spectrum, some people fail to recognize the significance of replacing worn-out shoes with new ones as soon as possible.
So, if you’ve been going around in circles looking for an answer, take a breather because it’s finally here.
How Long Do Running Shoes Last?
Experts agree that you should replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles (500-750 kilometers). If you’re a regular runner who averages 20 miles per week, this equates to four to six months of use.
But how did these figures come to be? And how reliable are they?
A 2004 study titled “Heel-Shoe Interactions and the Durability of EVA Foam Running-Shoe Midsoles” established the rule of thumb. EVA midsoles are used in the majority of modern lightweight running shoes. The cushioning of the shoes is provided by EVA midsoles, which are the heart and soul of a good pair of running sneakers.
The study discovered that the EVA midsole began to lose structural integrity around the 750 km mark, despite the fact that the measurable effects of weakened cushioning were evident much earlier.
You’re probably thinking that this study sounds pretty convincing at this point. So, reconsider.
To begin, researchers used a computer simulation program known as Finite Element Analysis to conduct this study. While it has the potential to be extremely accurate, it simply cannot account for the wide range of real-world conditions that runners face on a daily basis.
Second, the research only looks at the midsole. White midsoles are the structural glue of a lightweight running shoe, other factors also influence shoe longevity.
So, while the study results are useful as a starting point, keep in mind that they are not conclusive.
How long should a pair of shoes be able to last?
Your shoes, like the milk in your fridge, have an expiration date. Surprisingly, it’s not when they’re full of holes and moldy—much it’s earlier.
As a general rule, you should replace your shoes every eight to twelve months. This is where they usually show signs of wear and tear. Of course, there are factors that add and subtract years from their lives, such as running, working, and spending time in the closet.
In addition, there are three main signs of a worn-out shoe. They are as follows:
1. INTERIOR AND OUTERWEAR
Place your shoes at eye level on a flat surface. Then examine the upper part’s exterior to see if it’s leaning or has noticeable material distortion. If this is the case, it indicates that there is no support for your feet and that you should replace it.
The upper should then be inspected for unusual wear or holes. These are some additional indicators that should be replaced.
Finally, keep an eye on the inside of the heel. Examine the material to see if it is starting to wear or deteriorate. If you’ve only had the shoes for six months and there’s wear in this area, the shoe isn’t right for your feet.
2. COMPRESSION IN THE MIDSOLE
If your shoes are becoming less comfortable, this is a clear indication that they are nearing the end of their useful life. Perhaps they don’t provide the same level of support, or perhaps your feet are more tired after work. This is due to compression causing the midsole to wear down.
The midsole is the part of the shoe that provides cushioning. It becomes more difficult for them to recover over time.
This is also heavily dependent on your feet. Some people walk “harder,” putting more pressure on their feet, which compresses the soles even more. This may cause your shoes to wear out faster than expected.
3. OUTSOLE DRESSING
Inspect the bottom of your shoes; if the outsole is severely worn, look for a new pair. Wear should not be visible in any part of the sole.
By placing the shoe on a flat surface, you can also detect outsole wear. Examine it from eye level to see if it rocks, tips, or sits at an angle. If so, the outsole is complete.
Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Your Shoes
The lifespan of your shoes can range from a few months to over a year, depending on a variety of factors:
If you run on asphalt rather than unpaved trails, your shoes will last much longer. When compared to treadmills or paved avenues, running along rocky, uneven trails wears out the outsole much faster.
- Running Fashion: Sprinters and casual runners are the two types of runners. Sprinters typically strike with their forefoot, which results in a shorter period of contact between the shoes and the ground. As a result, the soles can withstand less pressure and last longer.
Casual runners put more strain on the soles of their shoes, causing them to wear out faster. - Your Design: Your shoes will wear out faster if you are heavier. This is due to the increased pressure on your shoes while running. The force you apply to your shoes with each foot strike is 3-4 times your body weight.
So, if you weigh 150 pounds, every time your foot touches the ground, you’ll generate 600 pounds of pressure. - Upkeep of your shoes: Failure to properly care for your shoes will only come back to haunt you in the future. Proper shoe storage, cleaning, and wearing habits can extend the life of your shoes by weeks, if not months.
As you can see, a variety of factors influence how long your shoes will last. As a result, tying the lifespan of your shoes to a specific time or mileage is inappropriate.
Instead, rely on your knowledge to determine whether it’s time to replace your old sneakers.
Signs That Your Shoes Have Seen Better Days
Some telltale signs indicate that it’s time to retire your old sneakers.
Creasing Excessive Creasing
When it comes to running shoes, creases can be a real pain. On the surface, heavily creased shoes appear unappealing. However, the issue is much more complicated than that.
Walking or running increased shoes can be extremely uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful. Running shoes typically bend along the pivot point as you move. This is to accommodate your feet’ natural flexing motion.
A man wearing a running shoe
Overly-creased shoes, on the other hand, will have lost almost all of their structural integrity. Instead of flexing, your feet will warp completely out of shape. As a result, blisters and friction burns develop.
If you notice that your shoes are creased all over, it is best to discard them.
The Shoes Have a Flat Feel
Cushioning is one of the most distinguishing features of any lightweight running shoe. The midsole is responsible for the majority of the cushioning mechanism.
However, if your shoes begin to feel flat, it’s a clear indication that the midsoles are nearing the end of their useful life.
Feeling the cushioning with your hands is an easy way to tell if it has deteriorated. Try it out by pressing down on the insole with your thumb. If it feels tough rather than spongy, your shoes have most likely outlived their usefulness.
Inexplicable Aches and Pains
Foot pain is a common complaint among new runners. Prolonged aches, on the other hand, can be a sign of poor footwear selection.
Worryingly, new, unexplainable pain is a symptom of worn-out shoes.
If you’re experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, leg, or back that you haven’t experienced before, it’s possible that the cushioning is no longer effective.
It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case, so invest in a new pair of waterproof running shoes.
Your performance is subpar.
Similarly, worn-out shoes can completely throw you off your game.
When you run frequently, your shoes begin to loosen and lose structural integrity. You may not notice it at first, but unstable shoes can seriously impair your performance.
So, if you notice that you’re moving slower than usual, it’s possible that the issue is with your shoes.
The Footwear
Each running shoe has a distinct tread pattern that aids in traction and stability. Unfortunately, the outsoles take the brunt of the damage when you go for a jog because they are constantly in contact with hard pavements and rocky trails.
The outsoles become rounded and dull over time. When this occurs, you have nothing to cushion your landings and keep you upright.
Place your shoes on a flat surface to test the integrity of your outsoles. They’ve lost most of their functionalities if they sit at an angle or rock and tip over. Running in worn-out soles can be not only inconvenient but also dangerous.
Torsion Rigidity
When manufacturers claim that their shoes are flexible, they do not mean that you should be able to bend them in every direction. If your shoes can twist and turn in an unnatural way, they have lost their torsional rigidity.
Put your shoes to the test by holding them with one hand cusping the forefoot and the other grabbing the heel. Then, in the opposite direction, twist them. If you can do this with ease, it indicates that the soles have become overly soft.
Wear and Tear Visible
When it comes to footwear, wear and tear are unavoidable—even if the shoes are brand new. Excessive abrasion of the upper, on the other hand, is a clear indication that your shoes have outlived their usefulness.
It is not always obvious that the fabric is deteriorating. Tears in the toe box, for example, are usually not visible. However, you can’t help but notice that something isn’t quite right.
When your toe boxes are damaged, you’ll notice that your toes tend to slip through the materials. Running can result in blisters, bunions, and instability as a result of this.
FAQ
IS WEARING THE SAME SHOES EVERY DAY BAD?
Wearing the same shoes every day can hasten their demise. On some days, it’s a good idea to give them a break and switch to another pair. This allows your shoes to bounce back and reduces excessive compression.
Another advantage of rotating your shoes is that it allows them to dry out. Sweat can accelerate the deterioration of materials, so leaving them in the shade for a day or two to air out is beneficial.
Watch this video to learn more about why you shouldn’t wear the same shoes every day.
HOW OFTEN CAN SHOES BE RESOLVED?
This is dependent on your shoe and how it is constructed. Manufacturers will typically limit the number of times they will resole a shoe to two or three. If your shoes are in good condition, you could have them repaired by a cobbler or a professional.
HOW LONG DO UNWORN SHOES LAST?
As soon as a shoe leaves the factory, it begins to age. Even though storing them in the closet will make them last longer, the glue will eventually dissipate. This is especially true for tennis shoes and athletic footwear.
Running shoes, for example, may deflate while being stored, rendering them less cushioned. Tennis shoes deteriorate where the soles are glued together.
NOTHING EVER LASTS FOREVER.
What is the average lifespan of a pair of shoes? With regular, everyday wear, shoes will last about eight to twelve months on average. Of course, due to the more demanding use, athletic or work footwear may not last as long.
It is critical to recognize the signs of worn-out shoes, such as wear on the outsole, heel, and upper. Replacing your footwear when you notice signs of aging can save your feet from fatigue.
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