When should I replace my running shoes?
How long do running shoes last?
'800 kilometers.' '3 years. 'As soon as there's a hole in them.'... There are different theories about the lifespan of your running shoes. But how do you really know when it's time to replace them?
It all depends on the type of running shoe, but also on the your weight, running style, the surface... A clear answer therefore doesn't exist.
After X kilometers
It's an oversimplification to claim that a running shoe lasts 800 to 1,000 kilometers. It's a guideline that may apply to certain models, but certainly not to all.
Training shoes. These are the everyday running shoes for comfortable, easy-paced runs. You can indeed get up to 800 kilometers out of them. After that, they will start to lose cushioning and protection for you eet, and it's best to look for a new pair.
Carbon shoes. Race shoes with a carbon plate often only last for 2 marathons plus a few training sessions. That comes to about 200 tot 300 kilometers. Not much, right? But what do you expect from a shoe designed with as little material as possible to make it light - and therefore fast.
Fast training shoes. These running shoes fall somewhere between the training and race shoes. They usually don't have a carbon plate, are slightly sturdier and more stable than a carbon soe, but still made to pick up the pace. Let's say this type of running shoe performs at its best for about 500 kilometers.
After X years
The quality of your running shoes doesn't only decrease from running in them. Even if they're just standing in your closet and doing nothing, the flexibility and cushioning will diminish. So, if your shoes no longer feel as comfortable as you remember, they've probably had their best days, even in storage.
With visible wear
This is probably the easiest way to verify if your shoes need to be replaced: wear and tear. If you use your running shoes frequently, it's normal that they don't look new over time. A worn-out outsole, holes in the upper, a worn heel counter, or hardened material are clear indicators that your shoes are worn-out.
But, not all damage means your running shoes are done. In our Runners' lab shoe workshop, we can probably repair your shoes. Visit one of our shops, take your shoes with you, and our advisors will evaluate the shoes.
Ask an expert
Can't keep track of the mileage and unsure about the extent of the wear? Visit a Runners' lab store, our advisors will assess the ocndition of your shoes.
Want to get the most out of your running shoes? There are, of course, tricks to make them last longer. For example: don't use them two days in a row, only use them for running, and don't place them on a heater.