The truth about running shoe wear

[wutitiz]

Warren Buffet's company owns, among many others, Brooks running shoes.

For Runners, a Lift From Warren Buffett - NYTimes.com

One reason he likes it is that the level of repeat business. What other sport do the participants have to junk their major equipment as much as once a month and buy a new set?

Originally Posted by NYT

“The average runner buys 2.6 pairs of shoes a year,” Mr. Weber said. “That’s why Warren loves the business. He’s been getting reports on our business on a monthly basis for years, so I think he’s been watching us and we’re performing.”

[MikeSherman]

I'm a 280 lb competitive powerlifter and replace my shoes about once every 2-3 months, lol.

[mangomadness]

My legs, especially around my knees, and feet will tell me when its time to replace my shoes.

When I was heavier, I had to replace them more often, mainly due to needing less and less stability as I lost weight. I'm now in neutral shoes and I rotate between two different pair as a recommendation from a more experienced runner. This has seemed to help with the life of both pair as well.

I don't believe any shoes are built to last over 400-500 miles, but I do know some runners who can keep going in shoes until the soles are worn or there are holes at the toes! I think in those situations, the runner doesn't feel any pain or difference in stride as the cushion/form/last of the shoes break down, so they figure they can keep running and running. For those people, they probably do feel like their shoes are built to go well over 1000 miles.

[wankel7]

Or just run in shoes with zero support or no cushion. You replace them when you wear out the tread.