How long does a pair of running shoes last?

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jun 8, 2018

When used as running shoes: "For a runner doing five 3-mile runs per week, that comes out to a new pair every five to six months. (Let's hope Santa comes twice this year!). According to some researchers, running shoes should be replaced anywhere from 300 to 500 miles after the first wear."

Obviously you are not running on concrete five times per week, but I replace my work Brooks every 6 months and they become my "days off" shoes. The old "days off" shoes become my grass mowing shoes. I purchase new orthotics for old shoes.

caliotter3 · Jun 8, 2018

If they are one's favorite pair, they don't last nearly long enough.

AmberK1026, ADN, BSN · Jun 8, 2018

Very true!

If they are one's favorite pair, they don't last nearly long enough.

AmberK1026, ADN, BSN · Jun 8, 2018

I decided to wear one of my older pairs last shift and my feet were killing me by end of shift. I'm in Texas so when not working I pretty much wear flip flops the rest of the time.

I do need to get a new pair of orthotics though. What brand do you use? I'm currently using protalus.

When used as running shoes: "For a runner doing five 3-mile runs per week, that comes out to a new pair every five to six months. (Let's hope Santa comes twice this year!). According to some researchers, running shoes should be replaced anywhere from 300 to 500 miles after the first wear."
Obviously you are not running on concrete five times per week, but I replace my work Brooks every 6 months and they become my "days off" shoes. The old "days off" shoes become my grass mowing shoes. I purchase new orthotics for old shoes.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jun 8, 2018

Powerstep Pinnacle. Amazon.com: Powerstep Pinnacle Shoe Insoles – Supportive, Professional-Grade Foot Support: Shoes

DowntheRiver · Jun 9, 2018

I, like you, prefer athletic shoes (Asics) when I work. I have a specific kind that I like that are an "older" model so I buy up all that I can on Amazon for cheap and have about 2-3 pairs ready to go at any time.

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2018

I use my running shoes for running and run about 20-25 miles a week, however, it is more about the mileage I believe, and physically being on your feet. I like the Hoka One One shoes. I too have heard about the mileage. For me it is about 250-275 miles and I need to replace. It is about every 4 - 41/2 months for me. I definitely can tell as my ankles start hurting when the tread and support wear out.

One per year?? Yikes, my feet would be yelling at me to get new shoes.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Jun 9, 2018

I'm actually surprised that your Brooks aren't lasting longer. I swear by them and mine I get a long year out of, on average. I run around like crazy at work and have a second pair I use outside of the hospital.

I do have to by a size bigger than most of my other shoes I've worn in the past. My husband's first pair wore out after about 4 months but when he tried a size larger his lasted about a year as well. I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but it seemed to for us. They're the only one's I'll use now.

allnurses Guide · Jun 9, 2018

In just over a years time, I'm on my 3rd pair of Brooks running shoes and just wondering how long you can wear a pair of shoes before having to replace? I recently wore my Danskos and my Alegrias to work and was miserable so it looks like running shoes are best for me. My husband teases me about how many shoes im going through but he just doesn't understand the need for comfort working 12 hour shifts. Tell me Im not alone????

I wear Nike RNs after years of searching for just the right shoe. On average they last about a year - but I only wear them until my feet start hurting then replace.

Hppy

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 9, 2018

The "innards" of shoes take more than 24 hours to bounce back after having been worn. If you buy two pairs of shoes and alternate them, they'll last much longer and save you money in the long run.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jun 9, 2018

Being well over 300 pounds during most of my career, I was very hard on shoes and had to replace them every 3-4 months. I wore New Balance athletic shoes, which are moderately priced so it wasn't too costly to buy more. I second Ruby Vee's post---buying two (or more) pairs of shoes and rotating them is a good way to make them last longer.