Recently I've been on the market for a new pair of running sneaks since I've had mine since high school and they left me with a bloody heel on a recent Sunday run.
Allow milage to be your first guideline.
A basic rule of thumb is that you should replace your sneaks every 300-400 miles. Running shoes help absorb impact from your feet striking the ground as well as cushion your feet in a way that will inhibit over pronation or under pronation. As miles build, this cushioning deteriorates and your shoes become much less effective in controlling pronation.
Consider body weight as a factor.
Since force is a unit of weight over area it can be assumed that a heavier runner will be exerting more force on their shoes, meaning that they may want to look into replacing them sooner. If you are on the heavier side consider replacing your shoes more near the 300 mark than the 400 one.
Where are you running?
Those who run primarily on trails are causing much more stress on their feet because of the variation of terrain. Replace sooner if you're a trail runner than if you stick strictly to pavement.
Check for signs of wear and tear.
Turn your current shoes over and take a look at the soles. If you're once black soles are now white, it's time to head over to your local running store for something new. If one side is more worn than the other, the same rule applies. This signifies that the angle which your foot hits the ground is not centered and needs to be assessed by a professional for correction.
How do you feel?
Achy joints? Shin splints? You can probably solve your problems with some new kicks. Test out your shoes by twisting them in half. If they fold easily without much force then it's time to upgrade. Also look for creases in the middle of the sole. The middle of the sole receives the most impact and creases and lines mean that they are beginning to give in- sorta like your knees might do if you don't replace!
So how the hell are you supposed to pick the best pair? I always recommend going to a running-specific store. The employees at these stores are trained professionals who know how to diagnose pronation problems and have probably tested a few pairs themselves. Don't be afraid to take a few laps around the store. A good pair of trainers can be expensive and you certainly don't want to be throwing down a hundred bucks for a pair that will give you blisters the size of Texas!
If it's not broke, don't fix it.
I've worn the same pair of shoes since high-school (with the occasional update). Yes, I've tested different brands here and there but never found a pair that matched up to my favorite: Asics 2100 Series. So if you find a pair that works for you and your feet, don't jump the gun on testing the hottest running shoe trend. Chances are, nothing will compare to a trusty pair of your favorites.
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| Cold, hard evidence that it was time for a new pair! |
There's some pretty basic rules about running shoes and how many miles are appropriate for your average pair. Since running shoes are designed to do a specific job (keep you running your best, obviously!) once they stop doing that it's time for a change!
Allow milage to be your first guideline.
A basic rule of thumb is that you should replace your sneaks every 300-400 miles. Running shoes help absorb impact from your feet striking the ground as well as cushion your feet in a way that will inhibit over pronation or under pronation. As miles build, this cushioning deteriorates and your shoes become much less effective in controlling pronation.
Consider body weight as a factor.
Since force is a unit of weight over area it can be assumed that a heavier runner will be exerting more force on their shoes, meaning that they may want to look into replacing them sooner. If you are on the heavier side consider replacing your shoes more near the 300 mark than the 400 one.
Where are you running?
Those who run primarily on trails are causing much more stress on their feet because of the variation of terrain. Replace sooner if you're a trail runner than if you stick strictly to pavement.
Check for signs of wear and tear.
Turn your current shoes over and take a look at the soles. If you're once black soles are now white, it's time to head over to your local running store for something new. If one side is more worn than the other, the same rule applies. This signifies that the angle which your foot hits the ground is not centered and needs to be assessed by a professional for correction.
How do you feel?
Achy joints? Shin splints? You can probably solve your problems with some new kicks. Test out your shoes by twisting them in half. If they fold easily without much force then it's time to upgrade. Also look for creases in the middle of the sole. The middle of the sole receives the most impact and creases and lines mean that they are beginning to give in- sorta like your knees might do if you don't replace!
So how the hell are you supposed to pick the best pair? I always recommend going to a running-specific store. The employees at these stores are trained professionals who know how to diagnose pronation problems and have probably tested a few pairs themselves. Don't be afraid to take a few laps around the store. A good pair of trainers can be expensive and you certainly don't want to be throwing down a hundred bucks for a pair that will give you blisters the size of Texas!
If it's not broke, don't fix it.
I've worn the same pair of shoes since high-school (with the occasional update). Yes, I've tested different brands here and there but never found a pair that matched up to my favorite: Asics 2100 Series. So if you find a pair that works for you and your feet, don't jump the gun on testing the hottest running shoe trend. Chances are, nothing will compare to a trusty pair of your favorites.
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| Out with the old... |
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| In with the new! |
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