How long do running shoes last?
The answer typically provided by shoe retailers and manufacturers alike has been of the one-size-fits-all variety: “300-500 miles”. The answer is more complex. Primarily because that mileage range is so wide.
We take a different approach at the Brooklyn Running Company. This approach is not complicated. There is no smoke. And there are no mirrors (other than the one you use to confirm your foot looks fabulous.) Our approach is tailored to each individual and is integrated into our footwear fitting process. It all starts with a good conversation.
There are several layers to this question that must be addressed, so let’s dive into the weeds for a brief moment. We will break it down for you in a few different sections, beginning with a brief discussion on shoe “foam” (i.e. base level cushioning) and the effect its degradation has on a shoe’s lifespan.
Shoe “foam”, for decades consisting mostly of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), is a polymer used to absorb physical impact. Sparing you too much science, EVA breaks down over time as it is susceptible to compressive forces when running and walking, which degrade the resilience of a shoe’s cushioning. Aside from the repetitive forces of running on footwear and its foam cushioning, other factors play into a shoe’s lifespan. These factors affect the wearability and fit/feel of the cushioning underfoot and they include:
Types of Foam and Midsole Materials
In recent years, there have been advancements in the type of materials shoe manufacturers have been using to construct their shoes’ midsoles. The cushioning of traditional midsole materials degrade -in part- due to the slow release of air particles from the foam as your repeated foot-strikes compress them. Over time, the cushioning loses its resilience and gets flat and unresponsive. This happens slowly, so most runners aren’t even aware of it until after their legs get a little achy. As discussed, shoe companies have typically used a foam blend known as EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate), or some variation of that material. EVA has proven to be a sufficient shock absorbing material for running shoes, being forgiving enough on impact but still having enough substance to help spring your weight forward on toe-off.
However, some footwear brands have recently come out with new shoe technologies to help mitigate or delay this breakdown process. Adidas, for example, was one of the first manufacturers to incorporate a midsole material called “TPU” (or “Boost,” as their marketing team likes to call it) in most of their running shoes. This material consists of thermoplastic polyurethane pellets fused together to create the Boost midsole. TPU material does not contain air molecules and therefore, adidas argues, their Boost shoes are able to maintain shape (and thus your shoe’s overall durability) for longer periods of time.
Other brands such as Brooks, New Balance, Nike and Saucony have all come out with their own proprietary take on the best midsole cushioning materials. Each has its unique pros and cons for the discerning consumer. Whether you use a TPU-based midsole or an adaptation of EVA, there are other factors that will affect your shoe’s lifespan. These can be of notable importance depending upon where you live, how you live, how you run and how you store your shoes.
Climate
Believe it or not, temperature and/or climate (including the variability of it) affect the lifespan of your footwear in a number of ways. In colder temperatures, where there is less moisture in the air, your shoe actually firms up under-foot, creating a slightly stiffer shoe sole and ride (on the run). It’s not just your muscles that are cranky on cold days. If your shoes are stored outside or near a less-insulated area of your house or apartment, this may actually cause the shoe’s midsole cushioning to feel firmer than it would under a more temperate setting.
On the contrary, temperatures above the norm (anywhere above 80 degrees) may cause the cushioning elements of your shoe to soften up, again affecting both the ride and the feel underfoot. Footwear lifespan can be compromised considerably in extreme temperature/climate conditions and large swings in it. Residents of the Northeast face this challenge because outdoor temps can swing by more than 100 degrees within the same calendar year.
Shelf Life
Can an unworn shoe, just sitting on a shelf or in a closet, expire? In short, yes. It just takes a little longer. (FYI: this should concern those in the habit of buying older models of their favorite shoes online.) But unworn shoes are not expiring for the reasons we thought. We’ve always wondered about the concept of shelf life, mainly because we don’t want to be selling footwear that has degraded simply by overstaying its welcome on our stock room’s back shelves (not every single person loves our tastes in color). So we reached out to our beloved footwear brands, those who design and make these shoes, each of whom then worked with us to understand what the “at rest” average shelf life is for your unworn shoe.
Their answers were consistent. Generally speaking, the process of midsole cushioning degradation, excluding that caused by impact force, takes up to 5 years before one is able to detect any noticeable difference. That’s good! However, what was interesting to discover is that the glues holding all of the different pieces of the shoe together are what break down first. There are reportedly large differences between the quality of glues used by the brands, resulting in some shoes breaking down faster than others do. So your midsole will be fine, but the rest of the shoe will have fallen apart.
Maximalist Running Shoes
Another new trend in running shoes involves a “maximalist” cushioning approach. This trend was popularized by Hoka with the introduction of shoes like their Clifton and Bondi models. The idea behind “maximalist” running shoes involves including a very high level of cushioning into a shoe’s midsole to create less direct ground feel to help individuals stride more comfortably over the roads. In many cases, this approach also includes mechanisms in place to help feet to transition from ground-strike to take-off more effectively. Hoka’s approach involves the use of a “meta-rocker” which creates a fulcrum type effect, promoting a smooth and efficient toe off after a soft, smooth landing.
Other companies have developed similar technology, most notably perhaps in the Nike VaporFly 4% shoe, which couples a cushioning material with a very high degree of energy return (Zoom X) with a “spoon shaped” carbon fiber plate that runs from heel to toe. This plate acts to stabilize the foot and shoe as you land, and helps roll the foot forward from the point of impact to toe-off.
Why are we telling you all of this? Because even though max-cushion shoes may offer more substance underfoot, they’re not necessarily going to provide additional miles. Nike’s 4%, for example, has been reported to break down after less than 200-250 miles. Being aware of the midsole composition in your running footwear is important when assessing the projected life of a shoe, regardless of how substantial the sole may appear. And while many max-cushion shoes do indeed last longer than their less beefy counterparts, there can also be a faster perceived reduction in performance because they provide so much cushion initially.
Cleaning/Shoe Care
From time to time, shoes get dirty. We beat them up, we take them to Central Park’s Bridle Path or hit the trails at Prospect Park and we get them a little dusty. No problem. But, if you’re reticent to have your shoes looking a little worse for wear, there are some safe practices for cleaning them, as well as some not so safe.
Washing machines: generally, a big no. It *is* possible to put your shoes in the washing machine if they need it after a full on mud caking, but it can break down the foam more quickly, which is, obviously, not so good.
Instead, we recommend taking your shoes in the shower with you when you’re rinsing off from a muddy run. Not only will the lighter water cycle cause less harm to the foam/glue compounds, but it will also limit water waste and further energy use.
Dryers: A big no. Putting shoes in a dryer can ruin the foam and glue that make up the shoe and keep the upper attached to the sole and can really ruin the integrity of the shoe. Avoid this practice at all costs.
Instead, take the insoles out of your shoes and allow them to air dry. Stuffing your shoes with newspaper will remove the water even more quickly, so if you’re still a diligent NYT or WSJ reader, go ahead and use that to your advantage.
A final note – sneaker cleaner is of course another option.
Conclusion
There are a multitude of factors that influence the useful life of your running shoe:
- Running mileage
- Shoes being worn for other uses (gym, walking to work or around the neighborhood, wearing it to the bar, etc…time on feet is time on feet, after all)
- The brand and even individual model itself
- Midsole and other material composition of the shoe
- Body type (someone who is heavier will break down the same shoe relatively faster; sorry, it’s true)
- Gait and foot strike
- Climate (rest assured, we house our shoes at a comfortable 70-72 degrees all year long)
- Shoe cleaning – feel free to do it, but be mindful of the methods that you use
Always trust your own experience. If you think your running shoes are expired, there’s a good chance they probably are.
Still not sure if your shoes are worn out? Bring us into the conversation. We’re happy to give you an honest assessment of the remaining life and help think through the next moves.