Health & Fitness

7 Signs That You Need a New Pair of Running Shoes

running shoes
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Are you getting a lot of injuries as you run lately? Are your running shoes worn out and old? If yes, this is a sign that you need a new pair of running shoes. Even though you have two or three pairs of running shoes. After some time, they tend to lose stability, shock absorption and cushioning. As a result, the shoe gets uncomfortable, and it leads to injuries. Besides, when you run in this type of shoes, they increase the impact and stress on your joints and legs, causing general pains and aches and other overuse injuries. So, what are the indicators that show it is the right time to replace your shoes? In this article, are signs that you need a new pair of running shoes. 

Pain When Running 

Pain while running is one of the indicators that you need to replace your running shoes. Although many people advise you should buy a new shoe after running every 400 miles or less. While others consider their body weight, running style, and the surface they run. Considering if you are feeling pain while running is more vital than any of these. Therefore, when you feel pain in your joints, muscle fatigue, shin splints, among others, your running shoes may have lost their cushioning. However, in case the pain persists even when your running shoes are still as new, it is important to consult if you are wearing the wrong type of shoes or see a doctor for your pain. This kind of pain could also be due to other complications, however. Heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and many other conditions can cause this as well. The good news is that Protalus shoe inserts can help alleviate pain from all these conditions.

The Shoes Have Worn-out Treads

running shoes

Although running shoes are not built the same. As racing shoes will last for less mileage than the sturdier shoes. Most shoes that are made have treads that help you to run on various surfaces. Therefore, if the treads start wearing out, it is an indicator that you need new running shoes. Especially, the treads on the soles as they will make you unstable and you can get an injury. Additionally, shoe shock absorbency and cushioning can start wearing off, but the soles are made to last longer. So, get a new pair of running shoes if they have worn out treads, and you can use these old ones to work in the garden.

High Mileage

Track the number of miles you have on your shoes to know if you are yet to replace them. The terrain that you run in your shoes should also be a vital consideration to know if you should replace your shoe. For instance, if you run on trails, you may need to replace your shoes more than when you are running on a treadmill as the surfaces you expose your shoes are very different. Since tracking the miles you have on your shoes is a determinant to help you know when to replace your shoe. To avoid forgetting, write the date inside of the shoe or note somewhere when you bought your shoe, and it will make it easier to track the mileage range. Also, when you care and maintain your shoes properly, you can get away with replacing your shoes, even when they have a high mileage range on them.

Uneven Wear of Your Shoes

running shoes

When there is an indication that your shoes are wearing out unevenly, it is a sign you need to get new shoes. Sometimes, your tread wear pattern could be a sign that it is a gait issue. Thus, with this issue, talk to an expert at the store to get a shoe that suits your type of gait. Although you can decide to change your running style and it can be as helpful, you must change your shoes as well. To understand better, it could be overpronation with excessive wear on the front part of your shoe. If the excessive wear is on the outside edges, it is a sign of under pronation. So, it is best to buy a shoe that suits the type of pronation you have to get the right shoe to support you better as you run.

New Shoes Feel Better

When you find yourself in a store fitting new air max sneakers, and they feel better than your pair at home. It is best to consider switching your running shoes to new ones. Also, adding a new pair to help you rotate with the others as your running shoe will be helpful. Especially, when you buy your sneakers halfway through the life of the old running sneakers. Also, with the newer shoes, when you find out that there is a major difference with the cushioning with the new pair. It is then a sign it is time to replace the old shoes as they are not fit for running.

Poor Shock Absorption

running shoes 

How long does the shock absorption last in a running shoe? Although you may need new shoes since you have an uneven gait. In other instances, poor shock absorption will lead you straight to a shoe store for a new pair. More importantly, when you feel the impact of every step as you run on your feet, hips, and knees. This is an indication that the shock absorption of your shoes is poor. Get new shoes with better shock absorption to lower the strain on your muscles, ligaments, bones, and tendons.

Check Through the Twist Test

Since running is a high impact sport. It is important to make sure that your shoe is the right one. Another way is to try the twist test, whereby you hold your shoes at both ends and twist the shoe. If it does not feel firm, this result is an indicator you need new running shoes. Notably, this test may not be as effective in all running shoes. For instance, cushion running lightweight shoes will not pass the twist test right from the box. However, you can try with sturdy sneakers with high mileage on them to know if they are ready for replacement.

About the author

Gianna Brighton