How long do running shoes last?

How high is up?

IOW, there is no answer for how long your shoes will last that other people can tell you. Depending on a variety of factors shoes can last anywhere from less than 100 miles to over 1000 miles. Generally many people get somewhere between 250-400 miles.

Concur w/ ^^^... If you only have one pair of shoes and wear them daily, then they will lose cushioning quickly, 100-200 miles.  Since I run almost every day, I have a few pairs of shoes and rotate them so they can dry thoroughly.  By doing that, a good pair of running shoes lasts me about 400-600 miles, and we're about the same size.

I am about the same size as you 6'3" 215 lbs.

I've been using Asics Kayanos for years, they used to last around 250 miles.  Now, I am getting around 150 miles maybe 200 from them (I only use them for running) .  I can tell when they are done because I start to get random pains in my feet and ankles.  I buy new shoes and the pains go away.  It will probably vary with opinions here, but that is how I know it is time for new shoes.

Edited by asj10 2010-05-27 10:14 AM

Just to provide a counterpoint:

I have gotten well over 500 miles from shoes, and I do not rotate (same pair, every day). That included multiple runs in a day.

The take-away from this is that it will vary for everyone.

This is how I tell as well.  I usually can squeeze 600+ miles out of mine, but admittedly I'm a cheapskate and don't like to spend money on new shoes.

I usually get 300 - 400 miles on my shoes before I replace them and I do not rotate my shoes.

I run in light weight trainer, or racing flats most of the time. If I run in flats I get 300 miles at most, but there isn't much shoe there. 

Generally when my feet start to hurt I get some new shoes.  

Do "treadmill" miles versus "outdoor" miles have any difference in the wear of running shoes?

Almost all of my running training is on the mill.  As a result, the soles of the shoes hold up very well but do you think the cushioning is also holding up due to the bounce of the deck versus the road?

Thanks,

jpf

Generally, no, I wouldn't think so, at least in terms of the cushioning breaking down. There might be a difference in terms of wear on the sole, but that would be highly individual.

Overall, I think the best advice is to listen to the signals your body gives you. Little aches and pains when there were none before are a sure sign that shoes may be coming to the end of their usable running life.

I'm around 215 and I tend to get right at 3 to 3.5 months before I start feeling my knees and a band on my left shin start to be in evidence. New shoes and they go away again. I probably do 75-95 miles a month so 300 miles or so sounds about right for starting to look for a new pair... For ME.

250 miles is what I do. At 250, I retire them no matter what they look or feel like. Cheap insurance against knee problems.

I start to get leg pains at about 250.  I replace after that.  I don't rotate, but I only run 3 days a week.

I though all this replace shoes at 300 miles stuff was just shoe sales propaganda.  Until my feet started hurting after runs, and in checking my logs I saw I had ~330 miles on my shoes.  Bought new shoes, and my feet stopped hurting.  Go figure!

So, for me with a data point of one pair (I just started running last fall), it was around 300 miles.

I'm sure it's very person/shoe dependent, but it was pretty obvious to my feet when I needed a new pair.

X2

I think one big factor is: what do you need your shoes to do for you. For years now I've been wearing racing flat style shoes for much of my running. I also use a pair of Vibram Fivefingers shoes sometimes, so I'm not too worried about the cushioning. I'm currently using two pairs of flats that are both over 600 miles, rotated with a newer pair of flats and a pair of heavier shoes for variety. I'm 6'2", weigh 200+, and in my 50's. If you rely on your shoes for cushioning, that quality will be worn out of them quicker.

Edit: just checked and one pair is not quite at 600 miles yet. soon though.

Edited by Micawber 2010-05-27 3:55 PM

My big toe seems to have appeared out the top of my socks and my sacony's yet i still wear them to spin  in, its only when i am on the mats doing my core work i notice and hope to heck no one else does, i think they are 3 years old, its not milage for me, more time. 

At least i should buy some new socks ! lol !!