Running shoes are like cars, the more mileage put on them, the less functional they become. A good running shoe will last you between 400 and 600 miles. It is a large range but your build, training load, and running style all have an influence on how long your shoes will last. At this 400 to 600 mile range, the shoe’s midsole breaks down and stops supporting your feet or the rest of your body. It is recommended to go by feel. After a run, if your legs do not feel like your shoes are providing adequate support, they probably aren’t.

Having proper running shoes is important because as the shoe breaks down, it can cause sore arches, shin pain, achy knees, or other small annoyances. It is recommended that people who are on the fence as to whether or not they should get a new pair of shoes, to go into a running store and try on a fresh pair of the same shoes you’ve been training in. If your old shoes feel flat and “dead” compared to the new ones, there you go. The best way to tell the difference is to feel the difference. A very common problem with runners is that they replace their running shoes too late, so it is important to stay ahead of the game and make sure you know when you need a fresh set of shoes so you can help prevent those nagging injuries.

Authors: Jeff Schopka & Kevin Dunn, CEO TEST Sports