How Often to Replace Sneakers

Although the title specifies athletics shoess, I am writing this with all kinds of athletic shoes in mind : tennis shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, aerobics shoes, basketball shoes, for example. The principle is usually the same. For abruptness, lets just refer to them for the main part as trainers.

We all understand that running shoes have a limited lifespan. The general public , however , keep on wearing them until well past their helpful life has past. In my office, I most typically will have folks let me know that their sneakers are many years of age BUT ( insert excuse here… ). Some of my faves, "it fits my feet perfectly" ( meaning it’s broken in ), the heel is worn out just how I like it ( meaning it has got a hole inside the shoe ), buying new shoes just bother me ( meaning that I have used these for so long, the support is useless at that point ), and my most favorite : "they continue to look like new".

Yes, they look new. When you only run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, and some still bike, and your sneakers have never seen the light of day, naturally they look new. What’s problematic is the section you don’t see.

The support and function of a running shoe has nothing or little to do with the general look of the higher part of the shoe or even the sole. It’s the midsole, the part of the sole that is principally invisible from the outside, that does teh most action and actually limits the helpful lifetime of sneakers. With every walk, the midsole compresses and, over time, loses the bulk of its support. I estimate the helpful lifetime of a running shoe for runners to be roughly 350 miles. This amount could be slightly shorter for heavier runners and slightly longer for lighter ones. For people that really don’t run frequently, or partcipate in other sports and activities that can’t me measured by mileage, your shoes should get replaced every 4-6 months, depending on the level of use.

So start maintaining a tally of the life of your shoes. Dedicate 2 shoes ( or more ) solely for activities to get the maximum out of its helpful life. You can record your mileage in your running journal, or even in pen on the sides of the shoe. Mark the date of the shoe on the tongue or the outsole of the shoe so you know how old it is.

Whenever you are concerned in heavy exercise, minor wounds are inescapable. You must do everything in your power to reduce them. Wearing the correct shoes is one easy way to help you along.

More fitness and athletics shoes advice at www.nbnorthshore.com or learn more about New Balance Shoes here or see this blog about New Balance Shoes