How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

Master

1201

Woodstock, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

You might want to ask the guys at Big Peach. They told me that shoes do wear down from aging. I am not sure if that is true or how much. I am really curious to see what answers you get here.

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Member

48

Milton, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

I asked a guy from Fleet Feet and he said he would not keep a pair more than a year. But he recommends "biting the bullet" and finding a new shoe that DOES work.

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Champion

6962

Atlanta, Ga

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

Lisa B - 2008-10-06 8:50 PM

As what usually happens the running shoes I wear have been discontinued and the new "improved" model have this huge tongue that rub your ankles with every step you take. I have found the ones I like online (for a great price) that have been discontinued and wanted to buy a couple of pairs. It takes me about 6 mos to go through a pair and I want to make sure that the xtra pair sitting in my closest for 6 mos won't break down somehow.

Anyone know? Thx

Or, you could rotate those two pair and allow the midsole to relax and both shoes will last longer. Just sayin...

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Master

1843

Roswell, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

Marvarnett - 2008-10-07 10:56 AM

Or, you could rotate those two pair and allow the midsole to relax and both shoes will last longer. Just sayin...

Why didn't I think of that???? Great idea - thanks!

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Master

1404

Atlanta, Ga

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

There have been some pretty in depth discussions on this topic on running forums, and the general consensus is that no one pair of shoes should be considered a valid pair of 'running' shoes after the following:

300-400 miles depending on shoe.
6 months after purchase, whether you reach 300 miles or not.

After that, retire them to walking, cutting the grass.. or if you do an Ironman in them, have them bronzed.

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Elite

3658

Roswell, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

I went through the same problem a few months ago and decided to buy the closeout shoe. I get about 500-600 miles out of a shoe and figured that if they lost 10% of their usefulness than I would still get 450-540 miles out of them. One other thing to consider is that if shoes went bad quickly there would be a date stamped on them somewhere.

Edited by brown_dog_us 2008-10-07 11:48 AM

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Extreme Veteran

311

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

I second the notion to rotate them. Most peeps get 400-500 miles out of a pair of shoes, but I've read that you can add 100 miles to the shoes by rotating. I, myself, rotate 3 pairs, and they seem to hold up pretty well.

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Master

1843

Roswell, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

That brings us to the next question - how do you KNOW when your shoes are worn out?

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Extreme Veteran

311

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

This is how I know...

1. The shoes have 500-600 miles on them.
2. About six months have passed
3. You are getting sensing abnormal soreness after your runs.
4. The soles are worn/cracking/rotting.

My half a cents worth

Wes

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Master

1404

Atlanta, Ga

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

Lisa B - 2008-10-07 1:03 PM

That brings us to the next question - how do you KNOW when your shoes are worn out?

If you are logging in the gear tracker, then you should pay attention to the feel of them at around 300 miles. I can tell you for sure, that 500 miles is WAY to many miles to be putting on a pair of running shoes. 400 is the high end, and even at that point, you are getting into a grey area where what feels like an injury is simply due to old shoes. Things to look for is impact absorbtion, or lack thereof. After your shoes lose their bounce, the impact will travel up your leg further. You will in a sense, feel like you are running on peg legs. This might not be noticeable in a 3 to 5 mile run, but the longer you go, the more pronounced it will get. It's definitely cumulative.

Also, look for wear patterns in the bottom of your shoe. If you are a heavy pronator, or heal striker, your heals will wear down much faster than the rest of the shoe. Once your wear points are wore down, all the correction in your shoe is gone and rendered ineffective.

I am a very neutral runner. I have no obvious wear points, but I decidedly know, that once I pass 300 miles, it will soon be time to change shoes. After 350 my check engine lite turns on and it's time to get new shoes. Some shoes might wear faster, some might wear a little longer. Not by much though. Again, topping out at 400 is the extreme end.

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Elite

3658

Roswell, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

It depends on the person and the shoe. I used to wear Asics Nimbus and only got 250-300 miles per pair. I now wear Asics Cumulus and get 500-600. For me it is when I start feeling knee and hip pain during or after the run it is time for a new pair.

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Champion

6962

Atlanta, Ga

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

Lisa B - 2008-10-07 1:03 PM

That brings us to the next question - how do you KNOW when your shoes are worn out?

In my experience, a majority of people that ask this question the answer is: Yes, your shoes are worn out get a new pair.

That may sound simplistic, but if you feel they are worn out, chances are they are.

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Master

1888

Winder, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

atl_runner - 2008-10-07 11:20 AM There have been some pretty in depth discussions on this topic on running forums, and the general consensus is that no one pair of shoes should be considered a valid pair of 'running' shoes after the following:

300-400 miles depending on shoe.
6 months after purchase, whether you reach 300 miles or not.

Seriously?? I have no idea how long my shoes had been sitting in the store before I bought them...... If this really is the case it sucks because I have basically a brand new pair of shoes I got earlier this year that I've worn for maybe 25 miles, they've been sitting in the box. Not that I'm chomping at the bit to go running but I'd like to know my shoes will not be worn out if I decide to go running.

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Master

1843

Roswell, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

autigers_1998 - 2008-10-08 7:37 AM

atl_runner - 2008-10-07 11:20 AM There have been some pretty in depth discussions on this topic on running forums, and the general consensus is that no one pair of shoes should be considered a valid pair of 'running' shoes after the following:

300-400 miles depending on shoe.
6 months after purchase, whether you reach 300 miles or not.

Seriously?? I have no idea how long my shoes had been sitting in the store before I bought them...... If this really is the case it sucks because I have basically a brand new pair of shoes I got earlier this year that I've worn for maybe 25 miles, they've been sitting in the box. Not that I'm chomping at the bit to go running but I'd like to know my shoes will not be worn out if I decide to go running.

I asked a guy at Big Peach yesterday and he said they last more than a year (he said two years). He said if they broke down after 6 mos they would constantly be having to get new inventory and that is not the case.

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Master

1404

Atlanta, Ga

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

autigers_1998 - 2008-10-08 7:37 AM

atl_runner - 2008-10-07 11:20 AM There have been some pretty in depth discussions on this topic on running forums, and the general consensus is that no one pair of shoes should be considered a valid pair of 'running' shoes after the following:

300-400 miles depending on shoe.
6 months after purchase, whether you reach 300 miles or not.

Seriously?? I have no idea how long my shoes had been sitting in the store before I bought them...... If this really is the case it sucks because I have basically a brand new pair of shoes I got earlier this year that I've worn for maybe 25 miles, they've been sitting in the box. Not that I'm chomping at the bit to go running but I'd like to know my shoes will not be worn out if I decide to go running.

I don't think it will be an issue for you. When I talk about how long running shoes last, I am more adressing those who are in a dedicated constant running program. I think it's fine to run 3 to 6 miles in any pair of running shoes, especially if it's only occasionally. What you have to be aware of though is that the rubber in the shoe degrades, even if unused. Just like any rubber degrades. Bike tire sits for a year, what happens? Dry rot. Just be aware that if you jump into a dedicated marathon training program, that you should have a solid pair of shoes that is up to the task. A pair that has sat for a year may get you through the early weeks, but you will want to refresh at a certain point.

As far as the guy from BP.. I would never buy a pair of shoes that sat for a year. Shoes are on 6 to 9 month refresh cycles, meaning model updates. Sure you can buy an older model, leftover size, but there is a reason it's 60 dollars instead of 90. I would bet with a fair amount of certainty that BP does not have a single pair of name brand running shoes with a manufacture date of over two years. One year is not a stretch though.

Anyway, we all have different running shoe demands, and most of what I am talking about is for those who put in lots of long distance running. Nothing is worse than getting to mile 18 of a long run on a pair of wore out shoes.. feels like you are running in a pair of wooden dutch boy shoes.

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Veteran

255

Atlanta, GA

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

atl_runner - 2008-10-09 10:31 AM

autigers_1998 - 2008-10-08 7:37 AM

atl_runner - 2008-10-07 11:20 AM There have been some pretty in depth discussions on this topic on running forums, and the general consensus is that no one pair of shoes should be considered a valid pair of 'running' shoes after the following:

300-400 miles depending on shoe.
6 months after purchase, whether you reach 300 miles or not.

Seriously?? I have no idea how long my shoes had been sitting in the store before I bought them...... If this really is the case it sucks because I have basically a brand new pair of shoes I got earlier this year that I've worn for maybe 25 miles, they've been sitting in the box. Not that I'm chomping at the bit to go running but I'd like to know my shoes will not be worn out if I decide to go running.

I don't think it will be an issue for you. When I talk about how long running shoes last, I am more adressing those who are in a dedicated constant running program. I think it's fine to run 3 to 6 miles in any pair of running shoes, especially if it's only occasionally. What you have to be aware of though is that the rubber in the shoe degrades, even if unused. Just like any rubber degrades. Bike tire sits for a year, what happens? Dry rot. Just be aware that if you jump into a dedicated marathon training program, that you should have a solid pair of shoes that is up to the task. A pair that has sat for a year may get you through the early weeks, but you will want to refresh at a certain point.

As far as the guy from BP.. I would never buy a pair of shoes that sat for a year. Shoes are on 6 to 9 month refresh cycles, meaning model updates. Sure you can buy an older model, leftover size, but there is a reason it's 60 dollars instead of 90. I would bet with a fair amount of certainty that BP does not have a single pair of name brand running shoes with a manufacture date of over two years. One year is not a stretch though.

Anyway, we all have different running shoe demands, and most of what I am talking about is for those who put in lots of long distance running. Nothing is worse than getting to mile 18 of a long run on a pair of wore out shoes.. feels like you are running in a pair of wooden dutch boy shoes.

Or worse, a wooden peg leg. Old shoes are the worst thing for your body on a long run. I will X2 what atl_runner said...my shoes are tossed before I hit 400 miles and that is usaully 3 to 4 months. Like he said though, it all depends on how much running you're doing.

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1

Subject: RE: How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

I'm on my 3rd pair of asics which last 3 years every time before the gel goes hard and causes knee pain and shin splints. I weigh 10 stone and only clocked a hundred odd miles on short runs on first 2 pairs. 5k is my Max distance. Current cumulus 15's are 6 months old and clocked about 50 miles. Still run like new.
Nike airs lasted longer (5 years) but not as good as the asics, if you were to only run once in a blue moon they would be better as no gel. I do a variety of training and can go months at a time without running at all.
I work within the rubber industry and generally it will only deteriorate very slow if kept in the dark at a sensible temp. I regularly sell cheap Turkish profiles that have been on the shelf 8 years plus with no problems. Car rubbers will usually last 20 years plus in all conditions 24/7.
I've used old motorcycle tires on the track and road, they don't work as well as new but are safe usually up to 8 years if they are road legal. Race tires are a different more complicated animal but about half that is OK if they have never been used.

How long do running shoes last that haven't been worn?

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