-Dan

I've read that how long a shoe will last is somewhat proportionate to your weight.  Heavier runners should expect about 300 miles or less and lighter runners about 600 miles.  I would submit that the quality of the shoe affects these distances greatly as well.  I consider myself in the heavier category and only have around 200 miles on a pair I purchased in May.  The cushion seems to be waining some, but is still adequate to give me a decent runs.  However, the right heel is missing some of the rubber, so I'm at the end-of-life on this pair. 

Since your performance and comfort are being affected, it is time to get a new pair, but keep the old pair for a week or two and try alternating between the new and old.  This will tell you right away if it was the shoes or something else.

 HTH,

They say most trainers are good for 500 miles, also if you are buying a new pair dont worry about getting the same model, I loved my new balance 854 and kept buying them, until they disappeared

@ rebeloutionary :

 if you alternate between different pairs , you will feel the difference faster between  the "used" ones and the new. You will find out yourself if you need to change / to buy new...

 greetings,
Nancy

 Ben

I use that, the presence of a new ache in the legs, and >300 miles.

Pete

Both are the exact same shoe, just different colors. I alternate throughout the week and try to equal the mileage on them. Keeps them from stinking so bad, from wearing out so fast, and makes them actually last a little longer (well seem to at least).

But, if your feet are starting to hurt from runs, then yes, it's time for some new shoes.

 Don

i run in the asics gel 1140s, and have been primarily running in themand their predecessors for the past 10 years or so.  they're pretty basic, and fairly durable.  i also can't get them in the good running stores cos they're too basic, as all the more expensive shoes stuff their heels with cusioning and such that are useless to me.  

i should clarify that "by notice a difference" above, i refer to the feel of the cushioning.  after 200 miles, they feel a litle... flatter... like they absorb impacts just a little less readily.  by 300 miles, i feel more beat up after a run than i do when the shoes are new, although outwardly, the shoes look pretty much fine.  

i think my question to dwillis would be what do you mean by "go through"?  also, are you buying lightweight racing trainers (liek the asics DS trainer), or regular trainers - the asics nimbus, perhaps?  the lightweight shoes won't last as long, especially since they sacrifice the forefoot cushioning the most, i think.

finally, do you run in the rain or through puddles, and subsequently toss the shoes in the clothes dryer?  that'll break down your shoes lickety-split! 

1) New shoes. They get the lions share of the work...LSD, fartlek, anything over four miles. This is their glory years

2) mid life shoes. once they reach 250 miles or so they become semi retired and are only used for short workouts <four miles. Still good shoes but not good for the heavy lifting.

3) retired shoes. these shoes are usually over 350 miles but still are good enough for the gym or a bike ride. They may make a trip to the store, or take a walk through the old neighborhood, but only walking now.

4) deathbed shoes. The end is near...these shoes have served me well and now have been demoted to rat around duty. They are now longer presentable in public and so get used for painting, lawnmowing, or other household chores. The also get used in bad weather situations where they may become mud covered and/or wet.

When I buy a new pair everybody moves down one and the deathbed shoes get donated to charity (if they are still suitable), or a farewell prayer is said as I put them down...it's not pretty but it's the right thing to do.

happy running - stephen