How to Tell When Your Shoes are Dead

Contents:

• How Long Should They Last?
• Rotating Pairs
• The Press Test

How Long Should They Last?

As a general rule most running shoes provide cushioning up to 500 miles, though many runners may find breakdown in cushioning after as few as 350 miles. Shoes with compression-molded EVA midsoles vary in durometer, or density. This means that the cushioning elasticity and life span of each midsole is relative to the shoe. Most shoes with polyurethane midsoles break down at a slower rate keeping their "feel" for a longer period of time.

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Rotating Pairs

Worn out shoes often result in aches and pains in legs, knees and hips, signaling that it is time to replace your shoes. To avoid injuries, it's a good idea to rotate your shoes every 250 miles so that you have two pairs of shoes to wear at all times.

• The first pair, the newest pair, should be worn for the majority of your activity, especially longer and high-performance sports.
• The second, older pair should be used for short runs, inclement weather, and casual practice or working out.
• Wear the second pair until you have compressed the midsole (see "The Press Test" below) and then remove them from the rotation.
• At this point, the 1st pair becomes the 2nd pair and it's time to get a new 1st pair. If you use two pairs of the same model, be sure to mark them with some sort of easily identifiable mark so you don't confuse the old and new pair.

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The Press Test

When an EVA midsole is compressed, it creates visible lines or wrinkles in the midsole material that can be seen from the sidewall of the shoe. As the midsole is further compressed, the lines multiply and grow closer together. The first appearance of these lines indicates that the midsole is compressing normally. A simple pressure test will help you determine whether or not your midsole is compacted.

• Using the broad part of your thumb, push on the outsole upward into the midsole. It should be easy to see the midsole compress into these lines.
• As the shoe breaks down, the midsole will compress less with the same amount of pressure.
• When the midsole shows heavy lines and the press test yields a minimal degree of compression, the midsole has been compacted to a point where little or no cushioning remains.

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