Yesterday, I bought a new pair of shoes. The pair I had been running in (Asics Nimbus) had finally had it, especially after they got soaked while I joggled the soggy Nashville Marathon.
Asics Nimbus Running Shoe Review
Overall, my Asics were incredible lasting for over 750 miles. This is nearly double the mileage of average shoe I wear. At first I balked at the whopping $135 price tag but since they lasted so long, they became quite a bargain. In fact, I would still be wearing the Asics Nimbus shoes if it wasn’t for the smell and holes that started to form by my big toes.
If you are looking for a running shoe that feels good and lasts a long time, you might consider trying the Asics Nimbus. And if you get them through this link, you help support JYAJ.
When should you change running shoes?
Of course, the I have no specific time when I change shoes. Mostly, it is based on a feeling which is usually pain in my knees. But here is a list of things that suggest it might be time for a new pair of shoes.
1. Time – If you are a regular runner, your shoes will last you
2. Pain – If you start to feel pain an unexpected pain in your knees, thighs or ankles, it might be time for a new pair of shoes.
3. Shoe traction wear – When you put on a ton of miles your shoes will start to wear down. Take a look at the bottom and make sure the traction is in tact. My shoes wear down unevenly and by looking at how much the traction has degraded I can tell when I need new shoes.
4. Miles – You should keep track of your mileage and when you get 350 miles or over, you’ll want to consider getting a new pair.
5. Smell – If you do a few races in the rain and your shoes don’t dry out properly, they’ll start to smell…bad. You can try and wash them but I haven’t found any way to actually get the smell out of shoes. Even after they are clean, when they get wet again the microbes that have colonized the shoe threads will come out in full force. The only thing you can do is get rid of them.
Shoe changing conclusion
The decision to change your shoes is mostly a personal one based on a number of factors but when it comes down to it, you should change shoes when you feel like you need to. For me, it’s when my legs tell me to. For others it might be mileage, or shoe conditions, or just changing for the sake of fashion. There isn’t really any “right” answer.
Oh yeah, this time I went with a $100 pair of Mizuno Wave runners.
How often do you change shoes? When do you know it’s time for a new pair? And do those barefoot shoes like the Vibram 5 fingers last longer than regular shoes? Leave a comment below.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey! I’ve been wearing a pair of Asics Nimbus 10′s since I started running. I just recently found a second pair online for pretty cheap since everyone is selling the 11′s now.
I swear I’m not trying to copying you
(Asics Nimbus, Gballz…)
Vibram Five Fingers last a while, most say that they last quite a bit longer than modern cushioned running shoes. My VFF KSO’s age like a fine wine. I plan to wear them for at least 2 years for running. It’s mainly the faric, straps, seams and other stuff that might start needing some repair or maintenance after a lot of miles and wear and tear. The soles should last a long time. I think VFF KSO’s soles are around 9mm thick and that’s pretty thick in the “minimalist footwear world” so if it wears down some that would seem to present a problem, because the whole idea is to let your feet do what they do best. Can you imagine juggling with mittens on?
The only reason I am on the minimalist bandwagon is because they work for me; I have no more IT Band pain, knee pain, plantar fascititus, or hip problems. My feet and legs are much stronger and healthy now.
Correction to previous post: “fabric” instead of faric, and “if it wears down some that would NOT seem to present a problem.” Typos… The sole wearing down would not present a problem to minimalist or natural runners.
@Jason – lol. I’m just happy to be a trailblazer. No doubt with a little more training, you’ll be joggling faster than I ever did. You’re built like a runner. Unfortunately, I’m built like a tank.
Do you often switch brands of shoe? I tend to stick with what works. How do you decide which brand to go with? Price? Style? Feel in the store?
@Chris – I’m very promiscuous when it comes to shoes. I rarely get the same brand twice in a row.
The way I decide is this…
1. Get something new. Change is good and it’s nice to know what you might be missing.
2. Price. I don’t like to spend much more than $100 for a shoe. I know even at $100 I’m probably wasting money as I can get the same running shoes online for ~$20 cheaper. But I like to support my local running store so I spend the extra money.
3. Style. I don’t look much at what the shoes look like but I do prefer mostly white shoes with a splash of color. I also generally get the neutral type ’cause they work best with my feet.
4. Feel in store. To tell you the truth, I don’t really notice much difference. I know someone who wears as many different types of shoes as me should develop a sense about these things but I really don’t. Everything pretty much feels good in the store. Plus, I don’t put much faith in a couple minutes wearing in a store. The real test is after about 50 miles of running.
Thanks Perry for your comments. I tend to be resistant to change in running shoes, but have found my Asics to inconsistent from one shoe to the next in terms of durability and cushioning. Our local running shoes practically require a note from your doctor to let you change shoes, so it is good to hear that you’ve had good luck no matter which shoe you go with.
I generally stick with the same brand: New Balance, although the last time I got fitted for shoes I did consider some Mizuno shoes. I usually track the miles on my shoes and also look at the wear on the bottom of my shoes.
@JD – I like to track my shoe miles too. I use a spreadsheet. There used to be a cool tool on Cool Running.com but they changed it when Active bought the website. It’s never quite been the same.