A good pair of shoes will cost you upwards of $100 at the store, so I understand why it’s hard to finally break down and purchase a new pair. The big questions that plagues runners and fitness enthusiasts is:
How Often Do I Need To Replace My Tennis Shoes?
Ask this question to 3 – 5 different fitness experts and they will all give different answers, so which one is correct? I believe all of them. Everyone is different and it really depends on your build, running style, training schedule and where you are running. Generally somewhere between 400 – 600 miles is a good time to buy new shoes, with many serious runners changing over more often.
Your body will typically let you know when your shoes are ready to be retired with sore arches, shin pain, pulling in your knees or other small hurts that will pop up if you aren’t getting the proper support you need. I would suggest not waiting until you feel pain after a run, anticipate when the cushioning is loosing its spring. Check to see how they look, if they look like they have molded to your foot, worn down or the heels stretched out, it’s time for new shoes.
REALLY Old Tennis Shoes
How To Pick A Good Tennis Shoe
Have you had your running gait analyzed?
Know the amount of cushion, support and stability you need based on how you run. Check to see if your local shoe store has a treadmill and is able to measure your gait. I had mine done at Fleet Feet in Chicago. They video you running on the treadmill and then are able to measure the angle your foot hits the ground in relation to your knee in addition to how your foot strikes the ground. They will be able to recommend the best shoes for you.
The best tip I ever received when I was buying new running shoes was: Don’t buy new shoes based on color!
After getting my gait measured and being recommended which shoes to purchase my first response was, I hate the color. Trusting the expert, I got over my opinions on the appearance of the shoe and bought them anyway. I still run in the same shoe brand and stye from 4 years ago. The model has been updated every year, but they are still the most comfortable shoes I have ever run in for my feet.
Is It Fair To Blame Your Running Shoes When You Get Inured?
There are a lot of factors that go into a running injury. How often are you stretching, foam rolling, cross training and resting? That’s waht I thought. Don’t be so quick to blame your tennis shoes next time you get injured!
If you are running in an old or wrong shoe for your gait, it will alter your running form. With how repetitive running is, running with bad form will be adding excess stress on your joints that your body isn’t prepared to manage. The wrong shoes can definitely add to injury so you do want to ensure they are replaced as needed, but the best way to prevent injury when running is to build a strong body. Spend 2 – 3 days weight training and strengthening your weak muscles and stretching your tight muscles. This is where you will be able to see drastic changes for the better in your running.
What Now?
Do you need to replace your tennis shoes? Search a store that will measure your gait and guide you into purchasing a shoe that best fits your feet.
If you already have new shoes, then get outside and start using them!