2 replies to this topic

[PodRunner]

After reading a lot of these posts and seeing recurring problems in our clinic, I'd like to encourage other runners to consider retiring their old running shoes before they're completely stuffed.

Two major things to be aware of are:
1. Because of the dual/triple density midsoles of modern motion control shoes, the outside will wear out faster than the inside, causing the shoe to lean outwards like a supintor does. This is especially the case for shoes with a large density difference or ones that use a medial plastic plug such as Asics Koji, Brooks Beast and New Balance 800 series. Having an increased angle of gait(out-toe or "duck-feet) will also accelerate this process.
2. Toe-running / forefoot striking also can cause the shoe to die quicker. Basically, when you buy a running shoe, the heel is where most of the technology goes and is generally twice as thick as the forefoot. Hence the shoe may only last 400-500km instead of the usual doule that.

Definitely consider keeing a log for your runs/times and shoe wear. Most shoes are ready for retirement long before they look like it.

Cheers,
Andy

[Sawdust]

Interesting question this issue of just when to retire shoes Podrunner. I usually keep mine until about 900-1000k basically because conventional wisdom says that is when they should be retired. I find myself feeling guilty when I look at them as they seem to show no sign of wear, bit dirty but in terms of rubber, they look almost new, and there are only so many I can keep for gardening. The shoe manufacturers should build in wear indicators kind of like the tyres on the car.
I would be most interested what distances other cool runners retire theirs at

[42.195]

The look of a shoe can be misleading when deciding when to retire it. I've had shoes with soles that look good, but running in them feels like being hit on the feet with bat tennis bats.
On the other hand,I had a pair of ASICS's 2060's with soles that looked absolutely woeful (definitely unroadworthy if the running police had pulled me over - yellow sticker for sure), but I kept running in them because they still felt fine.
If your feet start hurting because of the shoes, or they don't feel like they're supporting your feet any more - replace them.
If they look like they belong on a beggar but still feel good, keep on running.
I don't keep track ofhow many K.m's I do on each pair (I admire those who do!), but I would estimate it usually in the 800 - 1,200 km range.
I doubt there's a magic formula to work out when to retire them,so just listen to your feet!