Why Old Sneakers Probably Won’t Last Long Even If They Haven’t Been Worn Out
You’ve probably heard that you should replace your shoe when the cushioning wears out, which most manufacturers think usually happens after 300-500 miles. But it turns out that there is another problem with old shoes, even if you haven’t run in them.
The shoe’s cushioning is short-lived, even when it’s on the shelf. Running shoe store Fleet Feet notes that the rubber and foam that cushion the shoe will degrade over time and may even crack. Other shoe components, such as the stitching on the upper, can also fail over time.
Fleet Feet sells shoes, so part of me cynically thinks this is exactly what they want you to believe . Runners have different opinions and experiences ( here’s one forum post that has different ones). Some report that old shoes look like new, while others have noticed such a difference that they refuse to buy old shoes.
Shoes vary, and people also have different cushioning preferences, so there is hardly a universal answer. Even in the same shoe model (Nike Free), I had pairs that I happily wore for years and others that started to lose their balance ahead of their time. Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself how you feel about the problem.
How long do you have before sneakers start breaking?
Shoes tend to stay as good as new for about a year after purchasing them, according to Fleet Feet, and may start to break slightly after that. They won’t be completely ruined, but you won’t be able to get rid of them as many miles as you would with brand new shoes.
The Brooklyn Running Company phoned several shoe companies for more information, and they found that most of them said their foam lasts about five years. This is good news! But other shoe components, including the adhesives that hold them together, can fail earlier.
The company notes that storage conditions affect the lifespan of shoes, including temperature. A pair of shoes in a cool, dry place, such as on a shelf in a closet, will last longer than a pair that is exposed to heat, humidity, and sunlight.
All in all, if you buy old shoes to save a few dollars, you may not be saving as much as you thought. If you have a 40% off couple but only get 300 miles instead of 500, that’s the same price per mile.