# How long do running shoes last? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 27, 2010, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974 "2010-03-27T00:51:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/1 "2010-03-27T00:51:46Z")
I seem to recall reading somewhere that running shoes have, in a sense, a life expectancy in the number of miles you can run in them. After you pass this number, either the padding, the support, or something degrades, even though the shoe may not look worn out… Is this true and if so, approximately how many miles is it? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/2 "2010-03-27T00:57:24Z")
Usually 300-500 miles depending on your weight and running style. ---
**Author:** ![opmike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9d8465/32.png) [@opmike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/opmike)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/3 "2010-03-27T00:58:05Z")
300-500 miles seems to be the general wisdom. I really need to get back into running myself. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/4 "2010-03-27T01:06:38Z")
ok follow-up since i now know that there is such a thing as shoe life expectancy… what “quits” on you, and what are the consequences of still running on these shoes afterwards? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/5 "2010-03-27T01:10:28Z")
The shoe no longer fully absorbs shock and some of the foot control is lost. The extra shock pounds the legs more, fatigue builds faster and you are somewhat more injury prone. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/6 "2010-03-27T01:16:25Z")
You can put inserts in to get more cushion - is that a good idea if the rest of the shoe is OK? ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/7 "2010-03-27T01:18:33Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > The shoe no longer fully absorbs shock and some of the foot control is lost. The extra shock pounds the legs more, fatigue builds faster and you are somewhat more injury prone. cheers. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/8 "2010-03-27T01:21:31Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > You can put inserts in to get more cushion - is that a good idea if the rest of the shoe is OK? It’s better to buy shoes with the proper amount for your needs and your foot type. Shoes come in a wide variety of cushioning and motion control features. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/9 "2010-03-27T01:29:31Z")
any shoe recommendations? (or is this against SDMB policy?) run 2-4x/ week, approx 5 miles each time. no special foot issues that I’m aware of. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/10 "2010-03-27T01:33:57Z")
[Start here.](http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoelabshoefinder/0,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-0,00.html) If you have a running shoe store in your area(NOT sporting goods), they will watch you run and suggest shoes based on your foot/leg mechanics. Look for a local running club, they’ll know where the good stores are. ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/11 "2010-03-27T02:22:26Z")
> [@Rumor\_Watkins](#): > > any shoe recommendations? (or is this against SDMB policy?) > > run 2-4x/ week, approx 5 miles each time. no special foot issues that I’m aware of. Take a pair of your used running shoes to a good running shoe store. This will give them something to look at so they can tell what your wear patterns are and whether you do in fact have special foot issues you aren’t aware of. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/12 "2010-03-27T02:46:12Z")
Thirded! 400 or so miles. You begin to build a good collection of yard work shoes after awhile. I buy my shoes at the Princeton Running Company in downtown Princeton because I go there and the guys check out my shoes and help me pick out the best pair for my gait. Find a good local shop and go there. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/13 "2010-03-27T03:01:34Z")
anyone have any “conventional wisdom” nuggets regarding asics, saucony, mizuno, new balance, nike, adidas, reebok, etc. for running shoes? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/14 "2010-03-27T03:05:50Z")
They all make good shoes. Fit will vary between companies as to the shape of your foot-wide/narrow toe box, wide/narrow heel-width through the midsole, etc. One of the reasons to avoid dept. stores and general sporting goods is that they often have models that LOOK like running shoes but are NOT running shoes. ---
**Author:** ![Rumor\_Watkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@Rumor\_Watkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rumor_Watkins)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/15 "2010-03-27T03:08:08Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > They all make good shoes. Fit will vary between companies as to the shape of your foot-wide/narrow toe box, wide/narrow heel-width through the midsole, etc. > One of the reasons to avoid dept. stores and general sporting goods is that they often have models that LOOK like running shoes but are NOT running shoes. can you explain that last bit? i’ve been using a pair of nike shox so i’m not exactly on the up and up with real running shoes. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/16 "2010-03-27T03:11:57Z")
> [@Rumor\_Watkins](#): > > can you explain that last bit? > > i’ve been using a pair of nike shox so i’m not exactly on the up and up with real running shoes. All the shoe companies make shoes that are styled like running shoes but don’t have the cushioning materials that can handle the impact of running and may have styling cues that look like motion control features(needed if you overpronate) but are non functional. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/17 "2010-03-27T03:28:54Z")
You really should go to a proper running store, at least for one set of shoes—and buy the pair from them. It’s worth it to pay brick-and-mortar prices so you don’t have to guess about what shoe in which brand is perfect for the running you are doing and for your body. Once you have a pair you like, then order online in the future. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/18 "2010-03-27T04:44:21Z")
Just started Couch to 5K awhile ago, and I spent the money to go to a Running Room and be properly fitted with good shoes. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I ran a lot when I was in the Army but always in cheap shoes, and the difference is amazing. No one brand is best; it depends on your feet. Get a professional to help you get the right shoes. ---
**Author:** ![barbitu8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2010, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-running-shoes-last/533974/19 "2010-03-27T21:39:21Z")
> [@Rumor\_Watkins](#): > > can you explain that last bit? > > i’ve been using a pair of nike shox so i’m not exactly on the up and up with real running shoes. Nike Shox is a good pair, albeit expensive, and, although I have one, guys who own running stores locally do not recommend it. I got mine on sale, otherwise I would not have bought it. The projections containing the “Shox” will wear down quickly. Most runners wear out the outside part of the heel first. I used to remedy that by gluing parts of old tires to the worn out sections. There is a company that sells plastic heel taps, which I later used, after I found out about the company, which you can glue on. Years ago, I used to buy something called “Eternal Sole” which was a larger, polyurethane object you glued on. Simply a glue gun will work, but not last as long. The part of the shoe that wears down requiring a new shoe is the mid-sole, which provides the cushioning. The outer sole does not provide any cushioning, but you don’t want to run on shoes if the heels are worn down as this could lead to Achilles’ tendonitis. Merely replacing or adding an insole is no substitute for a good midsole.