How do you know when to replace running shoes?

Question

I run allot, and all of the sudden, my knees began to hurt; I blame the shoes. I bought some more but, now that I know that running in bad shoes can damage your knees, I would like to make sure I am keeping my body healthy, even if I can't feel the immediate effects. After all, what's the point of running if I will have to deal with more serious problems such as knee replacement surgery and stuff like that?

Is there a certain number of miles that I should replace my shoes?

Answer 1

yup that s it, knees will hurt or shins or feet, or sometimes you just feel pain in your feet when the cushioning is gone..

I repalce running shoes about every 3 months, when they wear out

Answer 2

Depending on your running style most shoes on the road should be replaced somewhere between 400 to 500.  On trails I found you can get about 500 to 700 in a pair.  Just keep a log of what shoes ya run in a when they hit that mark of mileage, just turn them into yard shoes and get some more.

Answer 3

The general rule of thumb is to replace shoes after about 500 miles.  However, i find it varies depending on their use.  Shoes that you slam down on, or run on harder surfaces, may need to be replaced sooner.  Feel the inside of your shoe, and if there is a MASSIVE groove where the ball of your foot lands, and one where your heel lands, so much so that there is no cushioning under your feet, consider getting new shoes.

Answer 4

The mileage varies so any number is a rule of thumb.

I own several pairs and rotate them daily.

Shoes will wear out inside before you can see damage on the outside.

If you rotate several pairs of shoes you are better of than wearing one pair from new to useless.

Mainly because your foot strike changes as the shoe wears, and your body has been running like this when suddenly you go to a totally different foot strike, which can then cause problems.

Besides your knees worn shoes will cause foot, ankle, hip,and back pains.

Answer 5

I change my shoes every 4-500 miles or 4-5 months. It also depends on how hard you run. I have a friend who pounds the ground hard with his steps. He wears out his shoes alot faster than I do. If you're light on your feet, your shoes will last longer.

Answer 6

i replace mine evert 3-6 mmonths depending oh how much i run in that time