When to replace your shoes

Most people replace a pair of shoes based on either fashion criteria, i.e. when the shoes are no longer fashionable, or when a fault or over wear makes them uncomfortable.

In both cases the decision is not based on whether or not the shoes are still performing adequately and providing good general foot support.

So when should you replace a pair of shoes?

There is no obvious answer to this question, but there are some triggers that you can look out for that may indicate that, whilst still not uncomfortable, your shoes may be past their best.

With activity shoes like running and hiking shoes you can actually track the mileage that your shoes build up. Most running shoes will last for around 350 miles and, if the shoes are strong and well made, they may even extend their life expectancy to something close to 550 miles. Obviously the type of terrain and the weight of the user will influence the wear levels, as will the cost and quality of the shoes.

Hikers have a similar life span, but the effects of wet walking conditions and extreme temperature variations may increase or reduce the shoe's life correspondingly.

With regular shoes the best way to determine if the shoes are still doing their job is to be as aware as possible of how your feet feel in them. If you find that the support seems to be reducing or that any padded areas now feel hard and un-giving, it may indicate that the shoes need replacing.

It is also a good idea to try and be aware of how long you can wear a pair of shoes before they start to feel uncomfortable, or before a certain kind of activity makes your feet feel less than comfortable. So, if you could wear a particular pair of shoes for 6 or 7 hours with complete comfort whilst standing and walking around, but they now become uncomfortable after 3 or 4 hours, it is time for a change.

You should also look for other wearing characteristics that suggest that the shoes may be in need of replacement. E.g. if your feet start to feel hot in a pair of shoes that they previously felt cool in it may indicate that the breath ability of the shoes is not as good as it was.

In the case of some comfort and wear issues it may be possible to make a repair or an orthotic replacement. The most obvious example is by replacing the shoe's insole. This can allow a structurally stable shoe to have renewed internal support and padding combined with a new shoe feel and freshness. You will however need to ensure that the shoe in question has a removable insole and sufficient free space for a new one.

Finally, if shoes that were previously comfortable start to cause pain, abrasion or scuffs, you need to dispose of them immediately. Sometimes new shoes may take time to wear-in and adjust to your feet, but older shoes should never reverse the process. If an older shoe makes your foot sore, throw it away and buy a new pair.

For a full listing of the numerous different shoe designs and styles that are, and have been, produced over recent years please see the list on this shoe types, style and designs page.