Here’s a shoe calculator that you might find useful. We were tipped off by the good folks at the Runner’s Lounge. It is an excellent running community if 
you are looking for one.
Shoe Miles
The Shoe Calculator comes from the Shoe Odometer company who sells a product that automates the process of monitoring your shoe’s wear. The calculator requires you to enter your weight, shoe wear pattern, and whether you rotate your shoes. From that information, it predicts the number of miles you should get out of a pair of shoes.
Right now, my Mizunos have 298 miles on them. According to the calculator they will be good for 378 miles.
Based on previous joggling miles, this is consistent with how often I change my shoes. I rarely use miles to determine when I change shoes. Mostly, I change when my legs start to experience pain. Switching shoes always fixes me right up.
How often do you change your shoes? Leave a comment below and let everyone know.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I generally aim for 400 miles out of a pair of shoes, but like you, I let my legs let me know when it is time for a new pair.
Hi Perry,
Sometimes I wonder myself how I got to 3:10. I think it was just a combination of downhill course, cool weather, increase in mileage, not getting injured and just all around good luck. Even then, I only just barely made it. I may never be able to do that again; i’m okay with that.
I think higher mileage at a slower pace has worked for me in the past, but i think i’ve plateaued doing that. I think once you’ve got a good endurance base, you just have to train what’s weak. For me that’s speed. I should probably be doing all my runs at a faster pace.
Awesome link. I’ve been stretching it the last couple pairs and I have paid the price.
@Ace – my knees really know when they need new shoes. Although, I was thinking of trying some barefoot running. Those would never wear out.
Perry, so far after a little more than 2 years, I haven’t had to replace my feet. I’m hoping to squeeze a lot more miles out of them.
@Zataod – do you wear anything on your feet to prevent getting cuts from rocks and glass?
Perry — Generally no. Here are the exceptions. In Winter, I’ve worn aquasocks and racing flats to keep my feet from getting frostbitten. I think I prefer the aquasocks. And sometimes I’ll wear aquasocks during the warm months, just to give me practice running with extra weight on my feet. I think I’ve worn them once or twice since early March. Once, about 2 years ago, I got a small piece of glass embedded in my big toe. When I got home, I was able to easily pop it out. Since then, I’ve gotten a couple slivers and thorns, but nothing that has been a big deal.
In terms of rocks — sometimes if I land on one the wrong way, it hurts, but the pain doesn’t last very long, and it seems to happen less and less the more experienced I get.
I usually get new shoes after 400 miles. Lately, I’ve been rotating three pairs, and I just don’t think my Zoots are going to hold up for another year, despite having less than 200 miles.
From my experience, there are a lot of factors in how long a pair of shoes will last. Brooks never lasted me more than 350-450 miles. New Balance lasted for about 350-400 miles. Etonics (Jepara SC) last way longer — every pair (I’m on #6 now) has lasted at least 700 miles and the last pair were retired at just over 800 miles. I track the miles but listen to my knees to make the final determination.
I definitely will have to try some Etonics. I’ve never used them before.
I guess I’m abnormal. I weigh 130 lbs, and rotate shoes, but I find I need to replace my shoes after 250-300 miles or my feet/legs start hurting. I wear lighter trainers and have a super high arch, so maybe my feet wear out the shoes faster or something.
Jennifer – I don’t think changing every 250 -300 miles is abnormal. That’s probably what most people do.