When To Replace Worn Out Footwear | SoleScience (2024)

When To Replace Worn OutFootwear | SoleScience (1)

Replacing Your Footwear; When's it Time?

Replacing your shoes regularly is an important component of maintaining good foot health. Many of us wear shoes past their “expiration” date simply because we don’t know what to look for!

As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes. Some shoes will last longer, and some will wear out more quickly.

One indication that your shoes might be approaching the end of their life is if you feel they are not as comfortable and supportive as when they were new. As the materials wear down, the cushioning and support begin to compress and the materials that the shoes are made of don’t “bounce back” as much as they once did.

Every foot moves differently, and mechanical factors will be different for every person. If you are harder on your feet, chances are you will wear out your shoes more quickly than “average”. This is why it is always important to regularly inspect your shoes to determine if they are wearing out a little more quickly than expected.

There are three major indicators of wear on a shoe: outsole wear, midsole compression and upper or interior wear.

To evaluate your shoes, use the following guidelines to determine if your shoes are worn out:

1. Outsole Wear

  • Take a look at the bottom of your shoe; if the sole is worn down excessively in any one area, it is likely time to replace them

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  • “Normal” wear occurs at the outside back of the heel and evenly across the ball of the foot. If you notice any excessive wear in any other areas it may be an indication that the shoe is worn out, or that you may need a different type of shoe for your biomechanical needs

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  • Put your shoe on a flat, even surface at eye level. Most shoes should sit evenly, without tipping or rocking. If the lugs (rubber sections) of the outsole are more worn down, the shoe may tip or rock, or even sit at an angle. A quick how-to is shown below.

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2. Midsole Compression

The midsole, or cushioning layer of a shoe, is designed to absorb shock during your activity. Typically, this layer is made from EVA which allows for mild compression during activity and rebounds after use. Over time EVA will begin to compress, with visible creases of wrinkles developing.  If you notice a significant amount of creasing (pictured below), the shoe likely needs replacing. You may also notice that the shoes don’t feel quite as soft and cushioned as they once did.

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3. Upper and Interior Wear

Look for any holes or unusual wear on your footwear. Pay close attention to areas that you may feel rubbing during wear ie. big toe, pinky toe, achilles, top of mid-foot, etc.

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Regularly Inspect Your Footwear for Wear and Tear

While most people do not need to replace their shoes every 6 months, it’s a good idea to take a good look at them after 6 months of use. This will give you a good indication of how fast you are wearing them down, and if the shoe is a “good fit” for your foot type and activity.

If you determine that your shoes need replacing and want more information on how to select appropriate shoes check out our online resources for choosing the right shoe  including information on fitting footwear.

If you notice any unusual wear, your pain is starting to return, or you just aren’t feeling as comfortable as you’d like, your SoleScience Pedorthist is always available to answer any of your orthotic insole and performance footwear-related questions.

Learn What Footwear is Best for You

Spend more time doing the things you love. Join the tens of thousands of people we have helped get back on their feet in comfort and style. Come see one of our experts today to start feeling better tomorrow.

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activityfootwearrunningrunning shoesShoestraining

About the author

Dr. Colin Dombroski

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When To Replace Worn Out Footwear | SoleScience (2024)

FAQs

When To Replace Worn Out Footwear | SoleScience? ›

As a general rule of thumb, shoes should be replaced every 8-12 months for most people or every 500-700 kilometres for running shoes. Some shoes will last

last
A last is a mechanical form shaped like a human foot. It is used by shoemakers and cordwainers in the manufacture and repair of shoes. Lasts come in many styles and sizes, depending on the exact job they are designed for.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Last
longer, and some will wear out more quickly.

When should I replace my worn shoes? ›

A good rule of thumb is to replace your shoes every 350-500 miles. For some shoes that could mean six months, but others could last longer. If you don't keep track of your shoe mileage, replacing a pair that you use often every 8-12 months is good practice.

How do you know if your shoes are too worn out? ›

They have started to warp

If you notice your shoes are starting to warp to the shape of your foot, it's time to look for a new pair. For example, people with flatfeet may see the arches of their shoes bow outward. That is because the way they walk has compromised the support their shoes provide.

How do you know when to get new shoes? ›

Well, in a nutshell, if your shoes are not as comfortable or as supportive as they once were, it's a sure sign you'll soon need to replace them. Over time, the material will begin to wear down, and will provide less cushioning to your feet as a result.

How do you tell if you need new walking shoes? ›

If you notice significant wear on the outsole, compression in the midsole, or if your worn-out shoes no longer provide the cushioning and support they once did, it's a good indication that it's time to replace them.

What is the lifespan of a shoe? ›

It is ideal to replace sneakers or casual shoes that you use frequently every 6 to 12 months. High-quality leather dress shoes with premium materials and sturdy rubber outsole can last between 3 to 5 years.

When should you retire a shoe? ›

You should generally replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles. That's because it's around this point that the midsole cushioning on most shoes will lose resiliency and stop absorbing shock as well as when newer, which can cause more impact on your muscles and joints.

How do you know if your shoes are long enough? ›

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.

How long should a shoe last you? ›

Worn-out shoes won't provide enough support and cushioning so generally, you should replace them every eight to 12 months. This is when they start showing obvious signs of being worn out. Also, when it comes to active footwear, the most important thing to keep in mind is the general rule of thumb of the 500-mile limit.

How many pairs of shoes should a person have? ›

Clearly, first and foremost, it is better to have two favourite pairs of shoes for everyday use. The important factors here are function and wear comfort. Obviously, the fashion aspect must not be neglected, but it is of secondary importance in this case.

How often does the average person get new shoes? ›

We found that 54% of Americans replace their shoes between every six months to one year—as podiatrists recommend (18% replace yearly, while 36% replace every six months). Only 8% replace their shoes every few years, and 38% wait until their shoes have broken down (not recommended by podiatrists).

What happens if you wear shoes for a long time? ›

It can add stress to your back, knees, and feet and cause improper alignment throughout the body, which can be extremely painful. Further, when shoes do not fit properly, leg muscles must work harder, adding to the pain and fatigue. Additionally, some other potential dangers of wearing worn-out shoes include: Imbalance.

When should I replace my old shoes? ›

The bottom line is: Don't wear your shoes until they're falling off of your feet! Replace the shoes you walk around in every day within six months (or one year if you rotate shoes). Replace your running shoes every 300 miles.

How to tell when shoes are worn out? ›

One indication that your shoes might be approaching the end of their life is if you feel they are not as comfortable and supportive as when they were new. As the materials wear down, the cushioning and support begin to compress and the materials that the shoes are made of don't “bounce back” as much as they once did.

What is the average life of walking shoes? ›

In fact, some experts recommend replacing your walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles. If you walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, that translates to a new pair every six to 12 months.

Is it OK to wear worn out shoes? ›

As a general rule, podiatrists suggest replacing shoes every 8-12 months or when they start showing signs of wear and tear.

How many wears should shoes last? ›

Worn-out shoes won't provide enough support and cushioning so generally, you should replace them every eight to 12 months. This is when they start showing obvious signs of being worn out. Also, when it comes to active footwear, the most important thing to keep in mind is the general rule of thumb of the 500-mile limit.

How long do shoes last if not worn? ›

The synthetic materials in modern sneakers will begin to crumble into dust whether or not they are ever worn, even if they are kept in their boxes in a cool dark place. After five to ten years the midsole foams will get hard and the cushioning will deteriorate noticeably.

How do you know if your shoes are bad? ›

Table of Contents
  1. 6 Signs Your Shoes Are Damaging Your Feet.
  2. You've Had Your Shoes For a Long Time.
  3. Your Feet Hurt When Running Or Walking.
  4. Your Toenails are Damaged.
  5. You Are Developing Blisters, Calluses, And Corns.
  6. Plantar Fasciitis.
  7. You Can't Take Off Your Shoes Easily.

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