All shoes will break down over time, even if you haven't worn them for a long time. There is a golden rule of thumb that runningshoes lasts for 1000 km +/- 200 km. This of course varies from shoe to shoe and how much or little they have been used. In this article we will give you some advice on wear and tear on the shoe and considerations you can take about that switch take off your running shoes .
1. You can't remember the last time you bought new running shoes
Shoes have a lifespan , which we usually measure in kilometers, but even unused shoes can degrade over a year or two. The foam , which is the most critical part of the shoe's cushioning, will degrade and become less responsive and "lively" over time. Even with sporadic use, it is recommended that you update your running shoes once a year and with regular use every 3-6. month.
Our shoes from Famme have a chunky outer sole made of a lighter EVA foam , and in combination with the insole from Ortholite, they have a formidable lifespan . The carefully constructed mixture of the various properties makes them an incredibly good running shoe . Take a look at the feedback we've had on them on our product page.
- Read more about the ratings on the shoe
- Read more about the technology behind the Ortholite sole
2. Your shoes have more wrinkles than your feet after a long bath
One of the best visual indicators of shoe wear is the compression of the midsole foam. Foam that has lost response will have horizontal wrinkles and will appear "squeezed".
This is a better indicator than the rubber outsole of the shoes - some runners and walkers wear through parts of the rubber in less than 150 kilometers due to the friction experienced by the shoe and feet.
3. Upper and inner wear
Look for holes or unusual wear . These are indicators that the shoe is over worn and should be replaced .
While most people do not need to change their shoes every 6 months, it is a good idea to take a good look at them after 6 months of use. This will give you a good indication of how quickly your shoes are breaking down.
4. Wear on the outer sole
Take a look at the bottom of your shoes; if the sole is extremely worn in one area, it is probably time to replace them.
Place the shoe on a flat, level surface at eye level. Most shoes should sit evenly, without tipping over or rocking. If the studs (rubber sections) on the outsole are more worn, the shoe may tilt or rock, or even stand askew.
"Normal" wear occurs on the outside of the heel and evenly across the forefoot. If you notice excessive wear in other areas, it may be an indication that the shoe is worn out or that you need a different type of shoe for your biomechanical needs.
5. Everything starts to hurt
It would be something if you never had to buy a new pair of shoes again. But the longer you use a shoe , the less support and cushioning it will have, putting extra stress and fatigue on the feet, calves, knees and hips.
Take a look at our article on pronation, overpronation and underpronation and the pain that can come from it.
Do your running shoes feel flat, or have you noticed minor irritations in your knees or feet? If you are experiencing pain , and this pain seems to be related to your shoes, which are starting to get old , replacing them with a new, fresh pair can provide welcome relief to the body.
If you think that the shoes have caused wear and tear in different parts of the body, it will be necessary to look at preventive measures so that the pain does not get worse. Take a look at our article on injury prevention training .
Tips for maintaining quality
- Keep them dry. After rain or intense use that has led to sweat, fill them with newspaper or similar and let them air dry . Do only superficial washing of dirt and the like on your sports or running shoes and never put them in the washing machine . Take a look at our article if you are in doubt about how to wash shoes !
However, our versatile shoes can be washed in the washing machine . Remove the laces and insole and set the washing machine at 30 degrees with a low spin
