How long do running shoes last is a common question? Do I need new running shoes? Both of these questions are very good and important questions. With the cost of running shoes most runners want to get the most out of them as possible. The problem with going to long a runner may cause and injury that could of been easily avoided.

How to tell if its time to buy new running shoes. Running and traingin with old worn out and broken down running shoes may dramatically increase a runners chances of having an overuse injury. Over time running shoes tend to break down, lose their shock absorption and even lose the stability. When this happens to running shoes it will increase the stress levels to a runners body and possible cause an injury. Running shoe designers designed specialty runnign shoes to absorb the shock of a runners foot hitting the ground, when running shoes become worn out overuse injuries can make running unenjoyable.

One simple way to prevent injuries caused by old running shoes that are worn out is to keep track of how many miles the running shoes have been worn. The best way to keep track is to use a running log. It is recommended that running shoes be replaced when they have between 300 - 500 miles on them. This depends on a runners weight, type of surfaces the running shoes are worn on, and running style.

Looking at the soul or the tread of a running shoe is one way to determine if the running shoe needs to be replaced. However this is not the best way to inspect weather or not new running shoes should be bought. Running shoe manufactures have designed running shoes so that the mid-sole of a running shoe is the part of the shoe that will absorb shock.

It is difficult to know if the mid-sole of a running shoe is worn out. One of the best ways to tell is to pay attention to how your feet, knees, legs and hips feel after a run. If you have some minor aches and pains this could be a sign that your running shoe has lost some of its cushioning ability.

A visual inspection of the running shoe may show some creasing. As a general rule the more creases a running shoe has the more worn out it is. Also if you are to twist a running shoe it should provide some resistance. If it is curled up at the toe and offers no resiistance when twisted it is time for some new running shoes.

Many long distance runners rotate the running shoes that they train in. About halfway through the life of the running shoes (approx. 150 miles) many runners will purchase another pair of running shoes and rotate the new running shoes into training runs. This practice will help your running shoes last longer and give a point of reference of how the shoe should feel. you will be able to notice when your old ones are ready to be replaced.