Q: How often should I replace my walking or running shoes?

A: Despite all the advances in running shoe technology, shoes still wear out.

While many users concern themselves with the external wear near the outside corner of the heel, this is usually quite natural, it is the compression of the midsole material that signals the end of a shoes ability to both cushion and support.

When it comes to determining how often to replace their running, and/or walking shoes most people are looking for a prescribed period of time, i.e. six months. The obvious reason this doesn't work is that some people run or walk 40 miles a week, while others go 15 miles a week. In addition to variances in mileage, the size of the runner, the surface they are walking on (treadmill vs. concrete), what else they might be doing in these shoes (200lb leg presses wreak havoc on midsoles) and whether or not they are rotating their shoes will all play a role in longevity.

Studies show that rotating two pairs of shoes, both help extend the life of your shoes as well as improve overall foot health.

So, what does all this mean? We will generally tell folks to expect somewhere between 300 and 350 miles out of their shoes, some get more, some get less, in the end your body will let you know when your shoes aren't doing what they were intended to do. An ache in the shin or knee often times is a signal that it's time to visit your local running store for a new pair of "kicks"

-Willie Lambert
Great Plains Running Company