Shoes wear out more quickly than most people realize—and continuing to wear them past their useful life can lead to pain, posture problems, and even injury. Whether you’re running, walking, standing for long hours, or just living your daily life, knowing when to replace your shoes is crucial to keeping your feet healthy and your stride supported.
How Long Do Shoes Last?
Most running shoes need to be replaced every 300–500 miles (480–800 kilometers). That means if you walk or jog about 5 miles (8 kilometers) a day, you might wear them out in just three to four months. For casual sneakers used daily, the average lifespan is around 6 to 12 months. Work boots can last from 6 to 18 months, depending on how demanding the conditions are.
Even shoes worn occasionally can break down over time due to humidity, heat, and air exposure. Materials like foam and rubber degrade slowly, so a shoe’s age matters just as much as its mileage. If you work long hours on your feet, check out this guide to the best shoes for standing all day—choosing the right pair can delay wear and reduce foot fatigue.
How to Tell When Your Shoes Are Worn Out
Physical signs are often easy to spot—such as worn soles, exposed foam, or separated seams—but many of the most important signs are invisible. If your shoes feel less supportive, if your arches ache, or if you notice new pain in your heels, knees, or hips, it may be due to worn-out midsoles or collapsed arch support.
Pay attention to traction, too. If the tread is worn smooth or uneven—especially at the heel or ball of the foot—your gait may be altered without you realizing it. That subtle misalignment can lead to soreness and poor posture over time.
If you stand on hard flooring at work, consider switching to footwear designed for that environment. Here’s our pick for the best shoes for walking on concrete, which offers better shock absorption and durability on unforgiving surfaces.
How Long Different Types of Shoes Typically Last
Here’s a breakdown of how long various kinds of footwear last, depending on frequency of use and activity level. Each category is linked to current Amazon listings if you’re ready to replace a pair:
| Shoe Type | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Running Shoes | 300–500 miles (480–800 kilometers) |
| Walking Shoes | 400–700 miles (640–1,100 kilometers) |
| Work Boots | 6–18 months |
| Casual Sneakers | 6–12 months |
| Hiking Boots | 500–1,000 miles (800–1,600 kilometers) |
| Sandals | 6–12 months |
| Dress Shoes | Several years with proper care |
For those brand-loyal to Nike, check out the best Nike shoes for standing all day to compare how models stack up on comfort and durability.
What About Shoes That Look Fine?
Looks can be deceiving. Even if a shoe seems intact, the midsole could be compressed and no longer providing support. If the shoe feels flat, unstable, or less springy than when you bought it, that’s often the first internal cue that replacement is needed.
Also, shoes age even in storage. If a pair has been sitting unused for over two years, press on the cushioning, flex the sole, and check for cracks in rubber or stiffness in the upper. Time alone can degrade glue, air units, and foam—even without wear.
If you wear shoes occasionally for work or events, you may still benefit from more specialized picks. Here are the best women’s shoes for standing all day and best men’s shoes for standing all day based on work type, body weight, and foot shape.
Can You Repair Instead of Replace?
In some cases, yes—especially with leather dress shoes or sturdy boots. If the upper is still in good condition but the sole is worn, consider resoling rather than discarding them. A mail-in service like Cobblers Direct can replace soles, reinforce heels, and even condition and clean leather, extending the life of your footwear at a fraction of the cost of new shoes.
However, athletic shoes usually can’t be repaired. Once the midsole cushioning breaks down or foam layers compress, there’s no way to rebuild their original function. At that point, it’s time to retire them.
How to Track Shoe Usage and Extend Lifespan
It helps to log when you start wearing a new pair. Write the start date inside the tongue or keep a note on your phone. Some running apps, like Garmin or Nike Run Club, let you assign mileage to specific shoes and get alerts when they reach a threshold like 400 miles (640 kilometers).
Rotating between two pairs of shoes—especially for walking or work—can extend their lifespan. Allowing shoes to decompress for 24 hours between uses helps foam regain shape and bounce. Clean shoes regularly, dry them properly, and store them in a cool, dry place to reduce moisture breakdown.
If you’re buying a replacement, here are some useful links to explore:
