Most runners have a favourite pair of shoes.
They feel comfortable, they’ve done plenty of kilometres, and there’s a tendency to stick with them longer than you probably should.
The problem is, shoes don’t wear out all at once. They gradually lose their support, often without you noticing.
By the time pain shows up, the change has already happened.
A common pattern we see is someone developing heel pain or arch discomfort without any obvious change in training. When you look a bit closer, the shoes have simply reached the end of their lifespan.
Then there’s the other side of it.
Some runners rotate between different types of shoes or switch to something new without really considering how it changes the way load moves through their foot.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can shift stress into areas that aren’t used to it.
What to keep in mind
Most running shoes start to lose their structure somewhere between 500 and 700 kilometres, depending on the shoe and how you run.
It’s not just about cushioning. The stability and support change as well.
If you’re noticing new aches without a clear reason, your shoes are worth checking.
A simple way to think about it
If your shoes are working well, you don’t really notice them.
If they’re contributing to a problem, your body usually lets you know.
If you’re unsure whether your current shoes are still doing their job, you’re welcome to bring them into Riverstone Foot & Ankle Care and we’ll give you a straightforward opinion.
