Just as your belly can get a little bigger in the winter months when your overall pace of life is slower, your feet can also change during this time.  Even though your feet are continually changing, a weight gain or loss will most likely make this change more noticeable after trying on your shoes that you haven’t worn in a while.  This is why it is critical to get an expert fitting and gait analysis each time you buy new shoes.

The online shoe store can’t measure your feet.

The sporting goods store may be able to measure your feet.

A running store will not only measure your feet, but also determine your foot type (gait analysis) to recommend the best shoes for your feet.  We are runners fitting runners to go the distance in their new shoes.

Most things in life eventually wear out, including our running shoes. Your shoes may last 350-400 miles depending on certain variables like your weight, the elements you run in, and so forth. It is critical we are aware of the condition of our running shoes since most feet injuries can be contributed to old, broken down shoes.

We’ve compiled a list of signs that may signify it’s time to trade in your old running shoes for a new pair.

Bald Tread

Your vehicle tires aren’t safe when they have lost all their traction, and your shoes are no different. A worn out midsole will not only feel uncomfortable with its lack of cushion, but also increase the chances of injury and falls.

Sloppy Fit

As your shoes wear they will start to get sloppy and stretch out, not fitting as good as they did at first. This will cause your feet to move around more, causing discomfort, blisters, and achy feet.

Worn Out Heal

Your shoes should offer the right support for your specific feet type.  After time if the insole of your heal gets worn down your shoes won’t do what they were created to do in the first place, no longer keeping you from pronation or supination.

Holes Inside

Not only will the outside of your shoes wear down over time but the insides as well, sometimes to the point where you can see holes or torn fabric around the heal. This can get painful when the inside of your shoes wear out and rub against your foot.

You Wore Them All Winter (or Haven’t Worn Them Since Last Summer)

Running outside in the winter elements is hard on your shoes, and they can absorb moisture into the midsole which will harden over time and decrease the cushion and comfort of the shoes. Not wearing your shoes at all for several months can sometimes be just as bad as wearing them outside all winter as they will still break down when not in use.

Do you have any more tips that aren’t found on this list? Let us know in the comments.