May . 27 . 2010

Replace Your Running or Walking Shoes – 2 Tips For Knowing When to Ditch Your Shoes

Photograph of a sport shoe. The logo have been...
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When to Replace Your Walking Shoes …

Whether you are a casual walker or someone who walks each day for exercise, a comfortable, quality walking shoe can help you enjoy yourself, get more out of your workout and save your feet from wear and tear.

Do you walk every day for exercise and fitness? Or do you walk casually? Either way, you need to know when it is time to purchase a new pair of walking shoes, and the outward condition of your shoes may not tell the full story.

If you wish to continue walking in good health, and reduce the amount of wear and tear on your feet and joints, consider these important facts.

Of course, if your walking shoes look beat up and are “listing to port,” as they might say about a ship on a windy sea, it is definitely time to replace them. However, your shoes can LOOK just fine, and be exposing your joints to undue stress if they have exceeded their “road life.”

How do you know when its time for a new pair of shoes?

Most of the experts suggest you replace your shoes every 400-500 miles; sorry, running and walking shoes are not like your car tires – no 50,000 mile guarantee!

Depending on several factors .. your weight (heavier means more wear and tear), walking style (do your shoes tend to wear unevenly?) … your shoes may only be good for 3-6 months. Although they look fine, the cushioning materials may lose up to two-thirds of their protective ability after this time period.

A good bet is that you should replace them AT LEAST every year to make sure you do not create preventable impact injuries.

While fitness walking is a very safe sport, and relatively low in injuries, worn out walking shoes are a major cause of excessive impact on your ankles, knees, and hips.

So, don’t judge your shoes by just their looks.

You wouldn’t drive your car around on bald tires; don’t endanger your body with worn walking shoes!

Start your search for replacement walking shoes HERE >>

old shoes
Creative Commons License photo credit: Old Shoes

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