How Often Should You Change Your Shoes

A fresh pair of workout shoes is a wonderful thing. Whether you lot're a runner, a HIIT enthusiast or someone who likes to mix things upward, there'due south comfort in feeling supported by a solid set of sneakers.

Merely every bit your shoes absorb the affect of your sprints, squats and skips, they wearable down over time and need to exist replaced one time they're no longer properly protecting your feet. Ideally, you desire to supersede sneakers before this happens to avoid injury.

Technically, running shoes are meant for running and cross trainers are meant for HIIT workouts, just the reality is that near people usually wearable the same pair of sneakers for all their athletic endeavors (which isn't recommended ― read more on that below). Then for the purposes of this article, we're referring to the sneakers you wear for the bulk of your movement.

Paul Hunter, a personal trainer and the owner of Grayton Beach Fitness in Santa Rosa Embankment, Florida, put it succinctly: "Shoe bills are less than dr. bills and time off."

But how often practise you demand to supplant running shoes or workout sneakers? We tapped some experts to get answers.

How ofttimes should I be buying new sneakers?

The exact answer will depend on a number of factors, but in general, experts recommend replacing your sneakers every 300 to 500 miles (that's helpful if you use an app to track your runs) or every six to eight months, whichever comes outset. For super active individuals, this fourth dimension frame may exist as short as iii months.

Where your sneakers fall in this range will depend on things similar frequency of employ and type of activity. For instance, Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist for Pes and Talocrural joint Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, said a person who does HIIT workouts multiple times a week will demand to replace their shoes more often than someone who takes a leisurely 30-infinitesimal stroll a few times per week.

"There are many other factors to take into consideration as well, such as shoe material, the terrain a runner runs on (treadmill versus trail) and a person's weight and foot blazon (flat versus high arched)," Tulpule said.

How to tell when your sneakers are toast

Fifty-fifty if you're non tracking miles, in that location are physical signs that indicate it's time to buy a new pair of sneakers. Excessive flexibility is one of them.

"Running shoes are designed to exist flexible in the forefoot considering that's where your basic are flexing, so if you're seeing flexibility in the forefoot, that'due south not a super large business concern," Brittany Gleaton, acquaintance footwear product line director at Brooks Running, told HuffPost. "Just if it starts to flex in the midfoot and heel, that's a actually good sign that you need a new shoe because shoes are non designed to exist flexible in those parts of the foot."

Not sure if your shoes have also much flex to them? Dr. Wenjay Sung, a podiatrist at Methodist Hospital of Southern California in Arcadia, California, recommends taking each shoe in your hands and twisting it.

"If the shoe feels weak, as if a simple turn of the wrist tin curve it out of alignment, then information technology's time to replace your sneakers," Sung said. "Even if one shoe is still strong while the other is weak, it is prudent to replace both sneakers."

Excessive wear on the outsole of the shoe is another cerise flag. This can accept the class of the tread wearing down or fifty-fifty disappearing in some parts.

"Typically, the midsole will interruption downwards before the outsole. If you are seeing wearable in the leather or fifty-fifty the foam on the outside of the shoe, that'southward a good sign that the midsole is probably already broken down," Gleaton said.

Excessive flexibility is just one sign that it's time for you to get a new pair of sneakers. — Excessive flexibility is just one sign that it's fourth dimension for you to get a new pair of sneakers.

Tulpule has her patients inspect their shoes for habiliment and tear, peculiarly if they don't know how many miles they've already put into the shoes. Noticeable signs of wear and tear include holes in the toe box or upper, a worn-down outsole (in extreme cases, the shoe rocks to one side when placed on a flat surface) and a general lack of cushion in the midsole.

Health problems that tin plague you if you lot don't replace your sneakers

"Shoes are meant to provide arch support, stupor absorption and cushion, and over fourth dimension these factors wear out quite easily with walking and do," Tulpule told HuffPost. "Achy or sore feet tin be a sign of poor shoe quality and tin point a need for replacement."

Wearing sneakers past their prime can " result in strain to the joints, ligaments and muscles of the feet and ankles and can certainly lead to injury and pain," she said. "No one wants injury while trying to stay agile!"

Sung said regularly replacing sneakers can aid prevent athlete's human foot. Plus, information technology's useful to go along upwards with the technological advances of sneakers.

In short, safety is the tiptop reason to replace your sneakers regularly.

"Ofttimes the cushioning of the midsole, the area between the insole (where your pes is) and the outsole (the harder safe part that touches the footing), is the first to get. It'due south responsible for the overall cushioning and arch support," Hunter said. "A decrease in cushioning leads to an increase in shock to the body, while wearing of the arch support leads to the power of the arch to fall, thereby increasing demands of the torso'southward supportive structures, including bones, ligaments, tendons and muscle overuse."

Tips for extending the life of your sneakers

If you're the type of person to splurge on sneakers or accept a favorite pair you're not keen on getting rid of in a few months, at that place are some things y'all can do to keep them effectually for a bit longer.

First, have an extra pair of shoes (or two) on hand and so that your sneakers go a pause. This is particularly relevant for sneakers used for running and other high-touch activities. Gleaton recommends rotating running shoes daily (at the minimum) to requite the foam in your shoes fourth dimension to fully decompress.

"Past rotating your shoes, you're giving them fourth dimension to breathe so they tin come dorsum to their total potential versus running in them again the adjacent twenty-four hours and continuously flattening them," she said.

2d, take activity-specific shoes and do your best to just article of clothing those shoes for their intended activeness. If y'all're the blazon of person who exercises and then immediately goes to do errands or run into up with friends, you lot may want to consider packing an extra pair of shoes to prolong the life of your workout sneakers.

"Walking adds miles to your shoes, then to extend the life of shoes — particularly for running, where you need the most protection — I'd propose keeping those shoes only for running," Gleaton said.

Demand a new pair? Here are 20 favorites that Amazon reviewers say are astonishingly comfy.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject area to alter.

A supportive pair of Skechers

These shoes are what running dreams are made of considering they have a stupor-absorbing midsole, a 1.5-inch cushioned heel and a soft fabric lining that won't feel weird with socks.

Promising review: "This athletic shoe fits me ameliorate than whatever other brand or style I accept tried. I have wide feet, simply women's wide shoes are too narrow for me. I am not a runner, but I play lawn tennis and walk quite a chip. They are well constructed, give me fantabulous support and put a spring in my step!" — Mikasa collectorCost: $35.09+ (available in 4 colors, and men'south sizes 6.5–16)

A cushioned pair of New Balances

Longer runs require splendid cushioning, and these shoes will experience similar clouds on the anxiety. They have an EVA cream midsole and a footbed with plenty of toe room.

Promising review: "I have broad feet and have always had a tough time finding decent running shoes that don't end up squeezing my toes and forefeet after a few runs. These NB running shoes came in X-Broad, which is what I need for long-run comfort. Lower price than their premium make, likewise." — Charles BrownishPrice: $51.99+ (available in thirteen colors, and men'due south sizes 6.5–20)

A trendy pair of running sneakers

These shoes check off all the boxes for mode and durability. They'll stabilize feet during workouts and await great with basically every pair of able-bodied leggings.

Promising review: "I accept somewhat wide feet, then when I got the shoes I thought they might be too tight, but the material stretches and the shoes are very calorie-free and comfortable. They are inexpensive with an interesting design. No binding around the ankles or pinching at the widest office of my feet and no fourth dimension at all to interruption them in until they conformed to my pes shape. They have been comfy both during normal walking and during exercise." — Charles St. Charles IIIToll: $28.xc+ (available in 18 colors, and men's sizes half-dozen–13)

An outdoor-friendly pair of Saucony Sneakers

Hit the trails with these kicks that have supportive overlays and a durable rubber outsole that'll aid prevent slipping and sliding.

Promising review: "I've been ownership the Saucony TR model of shoe for years, since the TR7 (now nosotros're upward to TR12). The fit is the same, and these shoes are great for running on non-paved surfaces (i.eastward. dirt trails, in the Cook County Forest Preserve). Too great if yous like to walk, these shoes provide superior stability for whatever activity you lot're doing (running, walking interval preparation etc). Good value." — Amazon Customer Price: $57.95+ (bachelor in nine colors, and in women's sizes half-dozen.5–11)

A sleek pair of New Remainder sneakers

Run without soreness, thanks to midsole cushioning and a memory sole insert that'll provide expert support for heels and toes.

Promising review: "I love these shoes! I have wide feet, so I was really glad to be able to social club in wide and they are so comfy. Super cute and on trend also. They are really light and breathable, and so I vesture both with and without socks." — Lindsay OsborneCost: $46.62+ (bachelor thirty colors, and women's sizes 5–12)

A bold pair of Adidas Supernovas

Add together a popular of colour to any running await with these shoes that come in a bold colorway and have interior bounce cushioning. Reviewers also say they provide a comfortable ride.

Promising review: "I bought these for the intention of having another running shoe, only in all honesty, the Signal Pink colour is what really lured me in. They are beyond bright making them both eye communicable and hopefully safer for those early on forenoon runs. I can honestly say they were comfy on the showtime clothing and didn't leave me with any lingering foot pains either. Definite winner!" — Diedra L.Toll: $47.74+ (bachelor in 17 colors, and women's sizes five–12)

A breathable pair of Under Armour sneakers

Designed to fit like a glove, these sneakers provide ample cushioning, breathability and stability during running workouts.

Promising review: "Under Armour is chop-chop becoming one of my favorite shoes. Great style and they offer wide sizes which can be difficult to find. This is my second pair and I'm already looking for my third pair. I'm in the 300+ category and anyone who is a member in practiced continuing in that club knows that weight can destroy a shoe if you aren't rotating them. They last and then much longer and wear so much amend if you can do information technology. I recommend these for anyone looking for an economic good looking shoe that looks expert and wears comfortably." — Paul "The Respond" PazPrice: $58.49+ (available in 25 colors, and men's sizes seven–fifteen)

A cushioned pair of Adidas sneakers

With a retention cream sock liner and comfy footbed, these sneakers volition leave any runner on deject 9. They also come in many colors, so getting dressed for workouts will be a breeze.

Promising review: "Love these shoes! If you habiliment slightly thicker socks, you may desire to go up a half size. I promptly wore these for three days straight at Disneyland afterward only wearing them for about a week prior and had cipher blisters! They were then comfortable! These are more of a sideslip on shoe. There are laces just you don't demand to undo them to get the shoe on or off. At that place is no tongue like a normal shoe and so the laces seem more like a ornament. They can tighten the shoe somewhat though if y'all experience that they are too loose." — AlbertPrice: $39.99+ (available in 44 designs, and women's sizes 5–12)

A fashionable pair of sneakers

These shoes aqueduct both style and functionality with a cool knitted exterior, cracking curvation support and a breathable blueprint.

Promising review: "These lightweight shoes are very comfortable. They come up with actress insoles that provide more support than the ones that are in the shoes when they arrive. I ordered a size 10, concerned about room in the toes due to peripheral neuropathy and they had plenty of room to spare! I would definitely recommend these to a friend." — KerriPrice: $32.99+ (bachelor in 30 colors, and women'southward sizes 5.5–xi)

A durable pair of Asics sneakers

Platonic for runners who prefer a more than natural footstep, these shoes take a gel cushioning organisation that helps minimize shock during affect.

Promising review: "This athletic shoe met my expectations in every way: Fit was truthful to size, with a skillful finger width between toe and finish of shoe. This shoe gives greater than moderate support, but non so much that my arch is sore at the end of an agile day. The width is exact, with no rubbing on either side. I spent an eight-hour day in these puppies with lilliputian or no time off my anxiety and they did the job. My feet were supported, cushioned and comfortable. Every bit a bonus, they are very abrupt looking with the colored flares over the white groundwork. And they clean up nifty!" — windsweepPrice: $49.95+ (available in 14 colors, and women's sizes 6–11)

A sharp pair of Adidas sneakers

They're inspired past running. With a mesh pattern and a snug fit, these slip-on shoes can basically become an extension of your feet.

Promising review: "I bought this pair considering laced-shoes are always a pain to put on due to my dorsum hurting/injury. But, this 1 doesn't even require hands. You tin slip them on correct out of the box, and the shoe fits comfortably (a chip snug, perhaps). I am NOT going back to traditional shoes after this one. No hands to put on your shoes. Vivid." — Amazon Client

Price: $45.49+ (available in 29 colors, and men's sizes 6.5–xiv)

A casual pair of sideslip-on sneakers

Because sometimes all the bells and whistles aren't necessary. Notwithstanding, these shoes come with a honeycomb insole that'due south designed to reduce stress on your anxiety, and the lesser of the shoe features a bumpy texture that provides traction within and outside.

Promising review: "Bought these as indoor workout shoes, and they are exactly what I wanted. Lightweight, comfortable, cheap, and nondescript. I tin can hands slip these on and off, which is a bonus." — Michael Deuser

Price: $26.99+ (available in 12 colors, and sizes men's half dozen.5–12)

A pair of multi-purpose Adidas sneakers

Ideal for people who love to switch up their workouts. In addition to existence designed for indoor and outdoor running, these lightweight shoes with stretch-mesh accents are besides great for yoga and the gym.

Promising review: "I absolutely love these shoes. This is my 2nd pair. Very comfortable, true to size and cracking toll. I use these to workout in. I do various workouts and the shoes are great for everything. Running/ walking, weight lifting, high intensity/ leap preparation and kickboxing. Good tread on the shoes so you lot don't slip. Hardly any break-in time." — cindy fenyus

Cost: $34.67+ (available in 29 colors, and women's sizes v–10)

A reliable pair of Brooks sneakers

They'll allow you to focus solely on your running. These shoes provide neutral support and soft cushioning that's ideal for route running and cross training. They're also very smooth and stable, so you can utilize them on a variety of terrain.

Promising review: "Kickoff time I ordered a shoe online. These fit PERFECTLY. I jogged around my house the twenty-four hour period I received them trying to find something wrong with them just they're perfect! Everyone has their ain brand and I'yard now sold on Brooks. I run 55–60 miles a calendar week and need a sturdy, durable, comfy shoe. Brooks is it for me." — EnjoyTheJourney

Price: $110.34+ (available in 25 colors, and women's sizes v–13W)

A classic pair of Reeboks

Amazon

Great you're looking for nostalgia while you break a sweat. These shoes sport a molded sock liner and durable rubber exterior to support your anxiety while yous run.

Promising review: "The Reeboks are extremely comfy and supportive with mod insoles in already comfortable archetype footwear. They also have a very overnice and comfortable lining and tongue and they are light, flexible and super quiet while walking on hard surfaces and the dragged soles are first-class on dirt, rocks and gravel. They seem to be every bit expert quality every bit Reebok has ever been. Size fits equally expected." — Haztive Dominica

Toll: $35.20+ (available in 17 colors, and men'south sizes 4.5–13)

An adaptable pair of Under Armour sneakers

They're flexible, yet supportive. What'due south more than? Reviewers love that the breathable outside mesh prevents your feet from getting too sweaty as you run.

Promising review: "Dandy looking pair of running shoes, and extremely comfortable during a run. Been putting in 2–three miles every other twenty-four hour period with the shoes and so far so skillful." — Blake E.

Cost: $62.36+ (bachelor in 15 colors, and men'south sizes seven–15)

A trail-ready pair of New Balance sneakers

You don't have to worry about breaking these in because they're that comfortable. They boast a snug fit and manage to support your entire human foot, simply are lightweight enough that you won't feel bogged downward.

Promising review: "These shoes are incredible. They're very padded and help with stability while running. They are definitely true to size so brand sure yous know your bodily shoe size! I have a ton of foot issues but these arrange my custom orthotics for working out. I'm in beloved with these shoes!!!" — Lauren

Cost: $36.xvi+ (bachelor in half dozen colors, and women's sizes five–12W)

A polished pair of Nike running shoes

Perfect if you lot're looking for peak comfort thanks to a padded collar and tongue, as well as a cushioned insole. Reviewers love that even with their sleek appearance, these sneakers don't skimp on support.

Promising review: "This is a great running shoe with very good support. Nike shoes frequently have different structures which tend to bother my anxiety. Oftentimes the arch support is either too narrow and makes your foot experience jammed into the shoe, or information technology offers besides much support and ends upwards making your feet hurt something trigger-happy. This item shoe has bang-up support and cushion for the constant jarring of jogging/running." — Thomas Maier

Price: $54.91+ (available in 12 colors, and men's sizes 6–14)

A super lite pair of Adidas sneakers

Because no one wants running shoes that tiresome them down. These provide pillow-similar cushioning within, while the exterior no-sew overlays support feet during quick bursts and lateral movements.

Promising review: "One of the nearly comfy pairs of shoes I've owned. Lots of back up. Feels great to run in. No sore feet. Highly recommend them." — Justinmh1634

Price: $47.58+ (available in 22 colors, and men's sizes 6.5–xvi)

A versatile pair of ASICS

So you can run, walk and hike to your heart'due south content. Aside from some lightweight gel cushioning, these shoes feature reversed lugs on the bottom for optimal uphill and downhill traction on a variety of outdoor surfaces, especially trails.

Promising review: "I beloved these shoes! I've been having human knee pains while running and needed to go a pair that ameliorate supported my underpronation. These were perfect, and I haven't had hurting since. I run anywhere from iii–10 miles on a run, v days a week." — Amazon Client

Price: $42.93+ (available in xix colors, and women'south sizes v–12)