How can you test if your trainers have lost their impact absorbency? I’ve only run about 250 km in mine (Hokas) but now they seem to hit the ground like leather soles.
It could be entirely in my head as I’ve got about 10kg to lose, but if I take them to my usual sports shop where I had my gait analysis what are the chances of hearing the truth and not just an automatic recommendation to buy a new pair?
I have just bought my second pair of running shoes- I noticed that the first pair were feeling less flexible & seemed harder. When I had a test run ( outside) in the new ones I was shocked at how big the difference was/ is, (same make of shoe). I suspect if you try a test run in some new ones you will feel the difference.
Also, I had to replace my daughter’s Hokas after only 6 months ( her previous Asics lasted a year). I don’t know how durable other people have found Hokas.
If you’re feeling the difference, then it maybe time.
This is useful youtube.com/watch?v=z0tmSlO...
Also, if you can get a couple of pairs... rotating two pairs allows the midsole to recover more and can make them last as long as 3 pairs used consecutively.
That’s a really interesting video UNM, as is the one that follows. Thank you.
Top tip!
250 km is nothing to be honest. Give them another 250km at least. Save your money! And any running shop worthy of the name will/should turn you away 
I went to Runners Need yesterday with mine which had a small tear in them. Asked for honest opinion about soles and top as didn't wa t to spend money needlessly. Man said good for at least another 100k, possibly 200. Tape or stitch small tear. Was happy for them to be re-checked later. Great service, hope you get the same.
I always check bottoms.... its a bad sign if all the grip has worn down. I have never had Hokas but they look like they have huge heels on them, and I am guessing lots of support.? So if you are feeling that they aren't doing the trick, then maybe time for a new pair???
Some Hokas are designed for the "larger person" and have soles like mattresses. But now my knees and base of spine are jarring whilst running. After Parkrun on Saturday, I was walking like a Thunderbirds puppet. Undoubtably, the weight's got to come off but I think it's worth also checking out the current efficacy of them Hokas.
Oh! I was surprised to see this correspondence re-emerge. Looking back, I did take my Hokas to the sports shop for their opinion. The assistant said “the soles do look cracked, but there’s only one way to tell”. He brought out a new pair of Hokas. It was like night and day! Pair sold and I’ve been running happily since.
The lesson learned: you can’t escape physics. If you’re 5-10% overweight like me, you’ll wear out your shoes quicker. Simples. But expensives.
week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
