- Tag: Shoe Guides
How Many Miles Do Trail Running Shoes Last?
Similar to road running shoes, trail shoes generally begin to drop in performance in the range of 300 to 500 miles of use. Of course, if those shoes have gotten wet and muddy a lot, and a significant portion of those miles have been on technical terrain, their lifespan could be even shorter.
That’s the most basic answer to the question: how much mileage should I get out of trail runners? But the reality is more complicated. Read on to learn why shoes deteriorate, how to slow that process down, and where you can find long-lasting running shoes that you won’t have to replace so often. Because when you’re shopping for trail running shoes, you want to get the most out of them that you can.
Factors That Affect Trail Shoe Lifespan
Even the best outdoor shoes can only make it so far. Eventually your shoes will start to wear out. For some runners, this might even be an emotional event. After all, you and your shoes have worked so hard and been through so much together. You may even feel they are your "lucky" shoes. Or you might have budget concerns.
You’ll have to let go of your favorite pair of running shoes someday. But how long your shoes will last may depend on a number of factors.
The primary factor is the terrain and conditions in which you run. Rocky trails will act as rougher surfaces on your shoes. So will steep trails where you’ll feel more force upon descent. Both will wear the soles of your shoes down faster. Caked mud will also do more damage to the outsoles of your shoes. Simply put, the harsher the conditions, the greater the toll on your running shoes.
In addition, there’s the volume of miles you run to consider, along with your own body weight. More mass and more miles mean more force and more wear and tear. Your particular gait could also put more pressure on different parts of the shoe and contribute to its decline. Even walking around in your trail shoes when you are not on the trails could add wear and tear.
One simple way to extend the lifespan of your shoes is to give them a day off. If you rotate between pairs, each will last longer. It’s also beneficial for injury prevention to diversify the shoes that you run in.
To keep your running shoes exclusively for running, try out a pair of Altra cross-training and gym shoes for men and women.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trail Shoes
Here are some ways to tell if your trail shoes need to be replaced.
Pick up a pair and observe the bottom. See those grooves and divots that are supposed to grip the terrain? Those are called lugs. You might be able to catch them being smoothed down. Plus, if you’re slipping in places that you don’t normally slip in, there’s probably some lost traction due to the lugs being worn down and not gripping like they used to.
On your next run, pay attention to the midsole, which is the padding on the bottom of your shoe. Does it feel flat? Has it lost some bounce? The cushion in the midsole is meant to be responsive. If you’re losing that response, you’re losing support, and it might be time to retire your shoes.
Other external signs of shoe deterioration are more obvious—rips and tears in the outer fabric of your shoes, called the upper. Stretched-out material in the upper could even affect fit. So can taking off your shoes without unlacing them first. This can wear out the padding on the shoes' heel area.
Let’s be honest. If you’re asking “How long do trail running shoes last?, you’ve probably noticed some signs on your shoes.
If you’re having foot pain, but can’t find signs of decline in your trail shoes, you might want to try Altra’s men’s and women’s podiatrist-recommended shoes.
So, Is It Time to Get New Shoes?
Eventually, all shoes need to retire. But you don’t have to watch your favorite pair fall apart before your eyes. Altra trail shoes are just as tough as any pair of durable hiking shoes that you’ll find.
Take the Olympus Family. These workhorses are meant for long runs and hard days of hiking. But those additional reinforcements, in the form of plush cushioning and Vibram® grip, also prepare Olympus trail shoes for hard miles and a long running life.
For a versatile option that can take you across any kind of terrain, try on the Altra Lone Peak Family. Waterproof, ALL-WTHR, and Alpine models are prepared for challenging climates. When people ask how long do trail running shoes last, Altra models are proof that the right shoe can go the distance. If you need them, you can get wide shoes for a better fit.
