 |
| slowly getting the hang of setting up my tripod + running hence why it's a lil blurry |
Running sneaker shopping is always fun and stressful at the same time. There's so many different options and it sometimes feels like you're in a never ending loop of comparing one sneaker pair to another. I recently was in the running sneaker hunt for a good couple of months. This is mainly because I couldn't find a shoe that I absolutely loved and had great support. Since I have a flat foot, support is massively important to me - if I can feel the ground I don't want it!
I usually stick to buying Nike's but decided to change this time around because of how they treated Allyson Felix and other runners/athletes when they became pregnant and started a family. So, thought this was the perfect time to see what other sneaker companies are out there. Nike is pretty dominant so of course they would be my first option but while on this search for the one™ I came across a lot of different brands I either haven't heard of or didn't delve into at all.
So, what are some quick questions I ask myself when deciding if it's time for a new pair?
How much mileage have you put on them?
According to my Adidas Running App 315 miles, and according to several articles online 300-500 miles should be the amount of mileage you put on a pair of running sneakers. A good tip is input your shoe on your Nike Running App/Adidas Running app the second you buy them and start running with them so the app you're using can track the mileage on them. Depending on where you're running - treadmill, indoor track, outdoor track, road running - you may have to purchase a new running sneaker once you hit around 300 or nearer to 500 miles.
How's the support on the bottom?
Chances are your calves might let you know it's time for a new pair before you remember to check your mileage.
Road Runners/Outdoor runners: Around the 300 mile mark check the support of your sneakers. You're going on a lot of different types of terrains/inclines. When you first get new sneakers, the grip/pattern on the bottom is very prominent. As you keep running with your sneakers, that grip starts to flatten in a way and soon the grip is thinned down.
If you can quite literally feel the ground as you're running, it's time for a new pair.
Indoor Runners: You may have a bit more time with your sneakers, nearer to 400 miles due to not running on different terrains.
The support and grip on my sneakers were very worn out, to the point where on the top/mid food section of my sneaker started to get so thin that it started to look like there were going to be holes on the bottom soon. So, I took that as my cue to look for a new pair!
Do you have any pain when you're running?
This goes back to your support. Remember how I said your calves may let you know it's time for a new pair before you check your mileage? That would be because since running is a high impact sport, when your shoes lose their cushioning you may feel muscle fatigue and pain either in your shins, or your knees.
The one thing I love about running is that it's all YOU! By that I mean, you're not depending on the mechanics of a bike as cyclers do - you're depending on your legs going one step in front of the other. Your foot is directly hitting the ground to go faster.
The one thing I love about running is that it's all YOU! By that I mean, you're not depending on the mechanics of a bike as cyclers do - you're depending on your legs going one step in front of the other. Your foot is directly hitting the ground to go faster.
I've gotten shin splits before for not swapping my previous shoe out in time, so thankfully this time around it didn't come to shin splints!
IF: You've run a good amount of miles on your shoes, feel minor pain/discomfort while you're running and/or the support on your shoe isn't that great anymore - it's time to get a new pair.
Where to Get Running Sneakers
As I mentioned, I ended up comparing a lot of different shoe brands, thought to add a small list of companies I was debating between: Adidas, Newton Running, Brooks Running, On Running, New Balance, Asics and Under Armour.
I will be mentioning where I did get my new running sneakers from (the shoes pictured above are my old ones that I always ran with) in the form of a review to help anyone out if they're looking at the brand I ended up sticking to. You may be wondering what the brand is, and I'll give you a hint, it's one of the companies from the list! Take a guess?
Aww, amazing post! I can't remember when was last time I bought new running sneakers, but I like your ideas! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Sometimes the time goes by so quickly and we don't realize we haven't swapped our sneakers out for a new pair recently!
Deleteim no runner at all, but i had a read to be more educated as my bf is! thanks for the knowledge :)
ReplyDeleteYay awesome to hear!! So glad to hear you enjoyed reading :)
DeleteGreat tips - after a while, with a steady habit I can almost predict when the time will come
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Most definitely as time goes on predicting when to get new running sneakers after going through a few pairs will be easier!
DeleteThis is such an interesting blog post and I never thought about these for a sneaker! I’ve never brought running sneakers before!
ReplyDeleteAyse x
Thank you so much for reading! Running sneaker shopping is always fun + stressful, could even apply this for casual sneakers in terms of support :)
DeleteLove your pointers for knowing when it is time for a new pair of shoes. I should imagine that the heavy wear would make them be easily the most replaced shoe, but 300 miles out of a pair is better then I expected!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jaya! Yes 100%, always using them to workout/run can definitely mean it's super important to replace them so you have all the proper support on the shoe. When I was researching, I was also really surprised at the 300 Miles - but with my previous sneakers pictured above, I definitely ran 400+ miles and can say without a doubt the support was almost non-existent, so 300 miles is a good time to replace them from personal experience :)
DeleteYou should have seen my last pair when I replaced them. I hadn't noticed any changes to my run/ comfort levels then I saw how worn they were in a few spots when I put them away one day and I was mortified! When I replaced them, I wanted to get my gait done so I could find a pair that would work better with my foot and I have to say that it worked. I've had my current pair a while now and they hardly look worn. It's definitely helping that these ones have seen a treadmill more than the last pair did too, but the improvement is incredible. They are Nike though, you've got me thinking about what to do when replacement time comes...x
ReplyDeleteSophie
www.glowsteady.co.uk
We use our sneakers so much we never really think of looking at the bottom! I hadn't realized there were almost about to be holes on the bottom until they tilted over one day and that's when I was like oh no no time for an upgrade. Getting my gait done was one thing I wanted to do before I got my new ones but hadn't figured out where to get it done! YAY for your current sneakers being in perfect condition, there's really no better feeling than getting new running sneakers, when I got my new ones I was like oh wow this is what support feels like?! HAHA the improvement has been insane!
DeleteNike's are amazing for running - I've always worn Nike or New Balance - but opted to change it up this time after seeing how Nike treated athletes, glad I've got you thinking for when replacement time comes! :)
I struggle to know when buying new running trainers is justifiable or not, so this is super helpful for someone like me! :)
ReplyDeleteSoph - https://girlvsworldblog.com x
YAY super happy to hear that my post was helpful! Thanks so much for reading!!
DeleteThis is such an informative post for anyone who runs regularly. I don't (whoops) but I have in the past and I can bet you ANY money the trainers I was wearing weren't doing me any favours! I feel like this is such an important thing that a lot of people who exercise, run or go to the gym overlook.
ReplyDeleteJenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
I really think we all just have our sneakers for such a long time not realizing that it's time for a replacement - years ago I used to always think that sneakers are semi-meant to last forever haha! Thanks so much for reading, Jenny!
DeleteThese tips are amazing my lovely! I love cycling to be honest and I have specific shoes I wear for that, so these tips are amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you so much for reading, Amie! I can imagine cycling have specific shoes for them, support always being a top priority as well :)
DeleteLovely post I would like to start running regularly, didn't realise there was so much to think about when buying running shoes
ReplyDeleteThank you!! YAY running is really a lot of fun, challenging and rewarding all at the same time. Definitely when getting running sneakers choosing one with the proper support you need is the most important, and making sure your toes have enough wiggle room!
DeleteI've never been a runner and I have no plans to change that, haha, but these tips are absolutely brilliant for anyone that does. I had no idea there was so much involved in a pair of sneakers. Or how badly you could hurt yourself if you don't get the right ones. Fab post, so helpful, thank you!
ReplyDeleteLisa | www.lisasnotebook.com
HAHAHA maybe one day you never know, Lisa! Thanks so much for reading, it's super important to make sure that you see if you need one with more support or neutral support to save yourself from future injuries when running/or doing any physical activity!
DeleteWhen I was younger, I wore Nike and they lasted a long time. I don't run but I do need to invest in a good pair of walking shoes because I'm trying to become more active through walking in the mornings or late afternoons. I'm flat foot too, so a pair that's encourages my arch is necessary. I think I would try out Adidas!
ReplyDeleteNatonya |
https://justnatonya.wordpress.com
My Nike's have lasted a long time - all of my running sneakers have been Nike to the best of my knowledge! - and they do have great support! I would recommend On Running shoes for comfy walking shoes (spoiler alert - that's the company I went with!), their support is unmatched, especially as someone with a flat foot, their support is really out of this world!
DeleteIf I'm honest... I haven't ever replaced my running shoes. I just thought to replace them when they've fallen apart (I have a very use-it-until-it-no-longer-works attitude), but this post has made me realise that I should really get some new ones. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly the mindset I had with my previous running sneakers, actually! I have the same exact attitude (trying to not when it comes to running sneakers can be hard!) and that's how I ended up with shin splints because the support on them were not that existent anymore. Hope you have a fun shopping experience shopping for new ones - spoiler alert if you want to know which company I went with: On Running :)
DeleteI've never thought about needing new ones for practical reasons over vanity reasons! It's really interesting that they have a suggested milage- I'm kind of thinking that I might need some new ones, but I find it really had to find comfy ones!
ReplyDeleteSoph - https://sophhearts.com x
It is really hard to find some comfy ones - took me more than a few months to narrow it down to a specific company and shoe - I ended up getting my pair from On Running and I can't recommend their sneakers enough, like walking on a cloud!
Delete