Yes, you and your trusty running shoes have been through a lot together, logging mile after mile of memorable adventures. So we totally get it if you’re feeling, well, kind of attached. But while you might have fallen in love with your shoes right out of the box, there comes a point when you’re just not good together anymore. Wear and tear can take its toll, not only on your shoes, but also on you. The truth is, knowing when to cut ties with your old shoes and lace up new ones is essential to your running health and performance.
Why You Need to Say Goodbye to Old Running Shoes
They may be your favorites, but let’s face it, they’ve changed a lot since you first met! Like milk that’s past its due date, running shoes can go bad after so many miles (300-500 to be exact). Even if you can’t detect any visual signs of break down, outsoles weaken over time, cushioning becomes compressed, and the support and responsiveness of your shoes deteriorates.
When shoes are no longer performing like they used to, guess what? Neither are you! And worse, when shoes lose the ability to protect your joints from impact, you become vulnerable to injury. That’s right, we said the “I” word.