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But locating your perfect pair is only the first part of the process.
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Just like mayonnaise, Instagram stories, and fresh bouquets, running shoes have a definite shelf life.
And the more you use them, the quicker their demise.
Most performance running shoes typically last about 300 to 400 miles, or four to six months.
Those ranges are broad, though, and every shoe and situation is different.
We asked Ornelas and two other experts to list their top indicatorsand why it matters in the first place.
First of all, running shoes actually do break down.
This causes the midsolethe squishy part in between the shoes bottom and the fabric upperto break down.
Over time, the impact of running causes these cells to warp and flatten, Dr. Conenello says.
However, the increase in performance comes at a price.
Beyond flat foams, old running shoes also lose tread, just like tires.
Finally, the fabric uppers of your shoes can develop holes or uneven wear patterns.
For one, your unique biomechanics play a role, Dr. Conenello says.
The surfaces you travel on make a difference too.
Hard pavement can extract a larger toll than softertrails.
Running exclusivelyon the treadmillmay keep your shoes looking nice for longer, since theyre not exposed to the elements.
And then theres the climate.
So can moisture fromhumidityorheavy sweating.
Running in broken-down shoes risks discomfort at best, and injury at the worst.
Finally, you might also just notice that running feels…different.
When you get a new shoe, it feels light and lively and bouncy, Metzler says.
Older pairs, meanwhile, lack the same spark or pizzazz.
The shoe feels dead.
And thats coming from that foam being worn out or compressed to the point that it cant be rejuvenated.
In addition, there are some red flags you might see with the naked eye.
Every runner has some asymmetries, so you might notice this on one side more than the other.
it’s possible for you to also try bending or twisting each shoe, Ornelas says.
Finally, inspect the counter.
Same if you have holes in the fabric upper.
Whats more, its a lot easier than it used to be.
It might even help inform your future purchases.
And if you have super shoes with carbon fiber plates, save those for races or occasional speed workouts.
Rotate them for a bit, and youll slightly extend the life of both.
Finally, take care of each pair.
Untie them when you take them off to preserve the integrity of the counter.
If you wash them or get them wet outside, put newspaper or tissue paper inside to dry them.
And store them inside, safe from temperature swings and precipitation.
Running is a sagittal plane motion; youre going straight ahead, Dr. Conenello says.
Everything else in life is multi-directional, so it wears the shoe out a little bit more.
Getting the right fit in the first place also makes a difference.
After all, your gait and habits may have changed slightly, and shoe models are regularly updated.
Youre a different runner than you were six months to a year ago, he says.
You should see what feels good for you now.
See more from SELFs Guide to Running package here.
