running shoe Q

I bought a new pair of running shoes in April (Saucony Hurricane 8) and I think they might already be dead.  They feel like they're going "flop-flop" when I run and I can feel every pebble under the balls of my feet and toes.  All of a sudden, no less.

My question is:  Is it really possible to kill a pair of running shoes in only 4 months?

I've lost almost 40 lbs since I started with these shoes -- could the change in weight change my stride enough to effect the shoe?

Needless to say, I'm slightly peeved to have put out almost $200 on a pair of shoes only to have them go belly up 4 months later.  And it's not like I've been running major distances, either -- the most I've done at once is 10 back in June.  I mostly run 3 - 4 times a week, 5k and under (in general).

Any shoe experts out there?

With shoes it's hard to tell... it really depends on how often you wear them. Shoes don't deteriorate with age, instead they deteriorate based on the amount of miles you wear them for and the intensity of your workouts (running/hiking versus a casual stride). The average running shoe lasts between 300-500 miles. That may seem a lot, but if you are wearing these shoes to the gym, to shop and to work/school, the miles can really add up. If you do some calculating based on how often you wear them and the shoes' life doesn't add up to 300-500 miles, then you should defiantly take them back to the store where you got them from. If you got the shoes from a department store, I know they're usually pretty lenient when it comes to returning shoes for that kind of reason.

Good luck with your shoes! Hope this helped

Getting the right running shoe is absolutely critical.

It's highly recommended that you change your running shoes every 300 miles or so.

That is if you don't wash your shoes in your washing machine and do NOT cross train while wearing your running shoes - e.g. extensive lateral movements like in tennis would kill the frame of your shoes pretty quickly.

Not knowing your current mileage, it's hard to tell if 4 months will do it. I change my shoes every 6 months or so and I always alternate between two pairs of running shoes to let them "breathe".

I live in Atlanta, GA and we have a couple of fantastic running stores such as Big Peach Running Company where they type your foot as well as watch you run on a treadmill to understand your running style (neutral, overpronating, or underpronating) and make sure you get right support for your arch and ankles.
I highly recommend you look into changing your shoes if your current ones feel even a little bit uncomfortable. Having right shoes will help you avoid injuries and improve your performance.

Also, you may want to reconsider the way you lace your shoes. So called the "rabbit ears" style will have your shoes fit tighter around the ankle and will prevent your heel sliding in the shoe (which may cause that "flip flop" effect you are referring to). Any specialist in a running store will show you that lacing style.

Hope this helps!

If you think you need new shoes, GET THEM!!!

I injured my IT band in January running on a pair of old shoes. Once. For 30 minutes. I haven't been for a proper, pain-free run since. I've been in physio, but the problem just won't go away. I've paid a lot more than $200 for physio, and you will too if you trigger a chronic problem with old shoes. Bite the bullet, buy new shoes.

I'm convinced that running shoes are designed purposely to wear out frequently. Asics are the worse (and unfortunately also one of the best shoes, otherwise). I have to replace Asics 3 times a year, even though I only run about 10 miles a week and I don't weigh all that much. I recently switched to Saucony's hoping they'd last longer, and they are wearing better than Asics, but only a little better!

One thing you can do to make the shoes last longer is to use PowerStep inserts. You can find them at a running store, or google on line. These are great - I swear by them!! And they help extend the life of your shoes because typically shoes wear out from the inside before they wear out on the outside. They last longer than the shoes - I am still using the same PowerStep inserts a year and three shoes later.

Just one caution: give yourself time to adjust to them, you may get blisters or find them too stiff initially, but after a few weeks, you'll wonder how you lived without them. These inserts are also perfect for prevention of Plantar Fasciitis.

Heyyy, what happened to the long reply I posted?  It just disappeared!

Um, I'm short on time right now, but thanks for the responses.  I guess I just got a bum pair.

Running shoes usually last me approx 6moss and I run approx 20-30miles a week. Approx 300miles is the standard. Go to a store that specializes in running. (Running Fit is excellent!!) The most expensive shoe is not always the best for your foot or your running style. Keep your running shoes for running... not for other activities, and log your miles and purchase date. ( I keep a pocket calander with this info). GOOOOD LUCk !!!!

Go to a running store and ask. Running shoes usually last me a season (3-4 months give or take) but our cross country team goes through them. Saucony Hurrican 8s aren't bad shoes (i had them), but they're generally built for heavyset people or people with serious leg injuries (they are very stable and kinda heavy). I suggest the 2120's, but go to a running store...

I agree with soccerj18 -- go to a running store! NOT Foot Locker either.

A store that specializes in running shoes will take the time to figure out your foot shape and also take a look at how your shoes wear. For example, I could never wear Asics or Sauconys or New Balance--I have a very narrow heel, high arch and I prefer a fairly stiff sole. For me, Mizunos are the best shoe ever.

That's why it's so important you get fitted by people who know what they are doing and don't steer you to something that's merely cute.

I bought an expensive running shoes from New Balance last June and I feel like it is time to buy a new pair of shoes:(

I use it for running ( only treadmill) and walking ( 14 miles a week). do you guys think it didn't last enough?

I only use my running shoes for running.  I went to have a biomechcanical analysis done before starting to run -- it's where they film your feet from behind while you run on a treadmill.  I have flat feet (didn't used to be, before having 4 kids), and it was suggested I run in the hurricane 8 for maximum support.  I also had insoles made and I wear those in my day-to-day shoes.  I USED to run with them, and then (duh!) had knee problems due to an over-correction (Hurricane 8's do some serious correcting on their own). 

I've been checking out reviews and the absolute best I've seen so far out of all the different choices out there is the Hurricane 9 (even better than Asics or Pearl Izumi).  A lot of reviews really trash the Hurricane 8 model, so maybe I just tapped into a weak series from Saucony.

If I get a lighter, neutral shoe, I will have to wear the ortho-insoles which are heavy, too -- even though they're made for running.  I'm 6'1 and still weigh over 180 (189, to be exact), so I think cushioning is a priority otherwise my knees might go -- again.

I really appreciate the interest in this post.  I still can't believe that my shoes died with so little mileage on them.  It feels like I'm running on two flat tires.  DH thinks that the running in the rain I do on a regular basis ( I LOVE to run in the rain) might have killed them.  If so, then the model clearly does suck.

Thanks again!