Hello and is it time for new shoes...?

[Visionon]

Hello runners, just wanted to get back involved with the running community again. I am currently completing C25K again for the third time, completed Week 9 Run 1 run this morning. I had to take an enforced break from running from October last year as I gave myself a stress fracture, which took ages to heal properly. Started running again at the end of Feb 2020.

On to the topic of running shoes. I find it really hard to know whether it is time to replace them. I have now completed about 600km in mine and I am trying to justify buying some new ones, but I don't want to waste my money if they are still fine. I am paranoid about getting injured again, which I seem to be very prone to. Here is a pic of the sole, which is the most obviously worn area, the upper seems to be fine, but worried that the shock absorbing properties are not what they used to be, interested to hear what people think.

Cheers

V.

[damienair Administrator]

They look well worn to me. I have 815 Kilometres logged on mine. But they have not nearly reached the same amount of wear as yours have. I only wear mine when I run. I need to buy new shoes too.

If your worried about injury invest in a new pair and you can do it as a C25K graduation celebration.

Damien

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

That's a good plan, my wife just might buy that!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I was recommended max 800k. When I bought my current ones I took old ones to the shop. They didn't just look at the soles but also checked for "squeeziness" is the only way I'd describe it. Bits that didn't look worn actually were as they'd lost their shock absorbing properties. I must admit new ones are brilliant- definitely give more support and instantly stopped any little niggly pains. Good luck. Happy running 🤗

[David_G]

Hi, I’d say those shoes need to be replaced. I’ve also heard that shoes should be replaced every 800km. Ordinarily I’d say go to a running shop and get a gait analysis done and follow their recommendations. Sadly though these aren’t ordinary times.

Maybe you could check the various companies online and see what they’ve got on offer? They often have offers when they’re introducing a new version. Good luck and stay safe!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

I'd say they look a bit knackered! There are other ways to tell too, poke your finger in the mid-sole, if it feels spongy they need to go to shoe heaven...why not get some new ones and try them, if they don't feel vastly different you could still wear your old ones for a few more miles, and rotate them.

[Visionon Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

That's a good idea, thanks.

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Yes